Christie’s London Auction Surprises

A Belle Époque diamond ring sold for nearly 10 times its high estimate at Christie’s London auction Wednesday.

The piece, which was made around 1900 and features rose, single and old-cut diamonds, fetched GBP 112,500 ($143,000) against a high valuation of GBP 12,000 ($15,200) at the Important Jewels auction. 

A circular-cut, 10.05-carat, E-color, VVS1-clarity, type IIa diamond ring sold for GBP 347,250 ($440,000), just below its estimate. Meanwhile, a necklace comprising old, circular and baguette-cut diamonds garnered GBP 335,250 ($424,800), beating its high estimate of GBP 250,000 ($316,800). 

Other notable items include a rectangular-cut, 11.29-carat, G-color, VS2-clarity diamond ring surrounded by baguette-cut diamonds, which achieved GBP 323,250, ($409,600),well over its high estimate of GBP 180,000 ($228,100). An antique cushion-cut, 26.49-carat sapphire brooch from the late 19th century brought in GBP 237,500 ($300,900). The piece, which is surrounded by old-cut diamonds, had been expected to fetch up to GBP 120,000 ($152,100). 

A rare tiara belonging to a titled lady from the late 18th or early 19th century nearly tripled its GBP 55,000 ($69,700) high valuation. The silver-and-gold headpiece, with old and rose-cut diamonds, went for GBP 162,500 ($205,900) at the London sale. The auction brought in a total of $7.2 million. Thanks to Rapaport.