The year 2023 witnessed numerous unforgettable moments in auction houses, with record-breaking prices, astonishing high-quality gemstones, and legendary jewelry collections. Let’s revisit these memorable “Top 10” moments.
Breaking Dual Records: The Most Expensive Ruby is Born
“The Estrela de Fura”
In June 2023, a 55.22-carat ruby named “The Estrela de Fura” sold for $34.8 million at Sotheby’s auction, setting a world auction record for both rubies and any colored gemstone! It’s worth noting that in past auctions, only two rubies had ever sold for more than $15 million.
55.22 carats, Mozambique, Unheated
June 2023, Sotheby’s New York
Sold for: $34,804,500
“The Estrela de Fura” also set a new record as the largest ruby ever auctioned, weighing more than twice as much as the previous record holder – the 25-carat “Sunrise Ruby”.
This auction result has also put Mozambican rubies in the spotlight. In the jewelry world, Myanmar has long been the “pedigree guarantee” for high-quality rubies, despite their scarcity. However, the flawless clarity and color of “The Estrela de Fura” proved that African rubies can rival those from Myanmar in quality.
The Largest Internally Flawless Fancy Vivid Blue Diamond in Auction History
“Bleu Royal”
While colored diamonds remained popular in 2023 auctions, the top spot for the year likely goes to the “Bleu Royal”, which appeared at Christie’s auction in November.
This blue diamond, in a perfect symmetrical pear shape, weighs 17.61 carats and is the largest Fancy Vivid Blue (IF) diamond ever to appear at auction. It’s also one of only three Fancy Vivid Blue diamonds over 10 carats to ever appear at a Christie’s auction.
Weight: 17.61 carats
Clarity: IF Color: Fancy Vivid Blue
November 2023, Christie’s Geneva
Sold for: 39,505,000 Swiss Francs
The “Bleu Royal” had been privately held until this appearance, which quickly sparked a bidding war. Not only does it take the lead in weight and color, but it’s also a rare Type IIb diamond. It finally sold for 39.505 million Swiss Francs. Based on the auction representative’s hints, the buyer is believed to be an Asian collector.
Largest Internally Flawless Fancy Intense Pink Diamond in Auction History
“The Pink Supreme”
While blue diamonds broke records in weight, pink diamonds were no less impressive. The 15.48-carat “The Pink Supreme” pink diamond also appeared at Christie’s Hong Kong Autumn Auction in November, becoming the largest internally flawless fancy intense pink diamond in auction history.
Weight: 15.48 carats
Clarity: IF Color: Fancy Intense Pink
November 2023, Christie’s Hong Kong
Sold for: 83,875,000 HKD
This pink diamond was ultimately sold for 83.875 million HKD to Diacore, a company known for buying and cutting rare diamond rough. We can eagerly anticipate its potential reappearance with an even more dazzling new look.
Most Fiercely Competed Blue Diamond
“Bulgari Laguna Blu”
The “Bulgari Laguna Blu” blue diamond made its first appearance not at an auction, but cleverly set in a diamond necklace worn by Priyanka Chopra Jonas at the 2023 Met Gala. This strategic move by Bulgari effortlessly captured global attention, successfully promoting this 11.16-carat fancy vivid blue diamond.
May 2023, Sotheby’s Geneva
Sold for: 22,625,000 Swiss Francs
Later that month, this blue diamond, already carrying significant buzz, appeared on Sotheby’s Geneva auction block. After four minutes of intense bidding among four buyers, the diamond sold for 22,625,000 Swiss Francs, finding its first new owner in 50 years.
Single-Owner Collection Auction Total Price Record Broken
“The World of Heidi Horten”
The “World of Heidi Horten” undoubtedly deserves a place among the most memorable auctions of 2023, as the jewelry collection of the late Austrian billionaire Heidi Horten was truly astounding. With over 700 precious pieces, it became the largest and most valuable private jewelry collection auction in history, breaking the record set by Elizabeth Taylor’s private collection in 2011 (total: $137.2 million).
Harry Winston “Great Mughal Emerald” Pendant Necklace
362.5-carat carved emerald
May 2023, Christie’s Geneva
Estimate: 450,000 – 640,000 Swiss Francs
Sold for: 882,000 Swiss Francs
Due to the vast quantity, Christie’s initially planned three auctions, but canceled the third due to controversies surrounding the World War II-era wealth accumulation of Heidi Horten’s husband, Helmut Horten. Nevertheless, the first auction alone reached a record-breaking $156 million, with the second auction adding nearly $200 million more to the total.
Set with a 90.36-carat briolette-cut diamond
May 2023, Christie’s Geneva
Estimate: 9,000,000 – 14,000,000 Swiss Francs
Sold for: 6,337,000 Swiss Francs
Most Unexpected Gemstone Auction
“Sunrise Ruby”
“The World of Heidi Horten” auction was full of surprises. While the total price set a new record, several individual items sold for unexpected amounts.
Particularly surprising was the famous “Sunrise Ruby”, a 25.59-carat premium Burmese “pigeon’s blood” ruby that had previously sold for $30.3 million in 2015, becoming the world’s most expensive ruby. However, in this auction, its value plummeted by half, ultimately selling for $14.7 million.
25.59-carat Burmese “pigeon’s blood” ruby
Sold for $30.3 million in 2015
Sold for approximately $14.7 million in 2023
Largest Royal Jewelry Collection in Auction History
“Vienna 1900: Imperial and Royal Treasures”
In November 2023, Sotheby’s Geneva auction “Vienna 1900: Imperial and Royal Treasures” showcased 250 priceless historical treasures from the Viennese court, mostly from the Austro-Hungarian Empire’s nobility centered around the Habsburg family.
The meticulously curated jewelry collections of grand dukes and duchesses from Austria, Bulgaria, and Württemberg were on display. The enthusiasm for this auction was impressive: all 250 pieces of jewelry were sold, achieving a “white glove” sale, demonstrating the enduring appeal of royal jewelry.
Natural pearls, diamonds
From the collection of Grand Duchess Marie Therese of Württemberg
November 2023, Sotheby’s Geneva
Estimate: 270,000 – 450,000 Swiss Francs
Chinese royal collections were also highly sought after. In May 2023, Phillips auctioned a Patek Philippe wristwatch originally belonging to Puyi, the last emperor of the Qing Dynasty, for a record-breaking 48.85 million HKD. This watch set three records: the most expensive Patek Philippe Reference 96, the highest auction record for an emperor’s watch, and the highest sale price for a timepiece at Phillips Asia.
Reference 96 Quantieme Lune
May 2023, Phillips Hong Kong
Sold for: 48,850,000 HKD
The Pinnacle of Pink Diamond Color
“The Eternal Pink”
Pink diamonds have always been highly sought after at auctions, and 2023 saw the emergence of another exceptional pink diamond. The 10.57-carat “The Eternal Pink” sold for $34.8 million, setting a world auction record for Fancy Purplish-Pink diamonds and a new per-carat price record for this color grade.
Weight: 10.57 carats
Color: Fancy Purplish-Pink
June 2023, Sotheby’s New York
Sold for: $34,800,000
The color of “The Eternal Pink” is truly stunning. Weighing 10.57 carats with a cushion cut and internally flawless clarity, its new record marks the soaring value of pink diamonds in recent years. The previous record holder for this color grade was a 10.64-carat pink diamond sold at Sotheby’s Hong Kong in 2019 for $19.9 million.
Largest Private Collection of JAR Jewelry in Auction History
Achieving a “White Glove” Sale
In addition to the stunning gemstones, works by design masters remained in high demand in 2023. At a Christie’s Geneva auction in May, 28 pieces by JAR were sold out, further solidifying its reputation as an “auction darling.”
May 2023, Christie’s Geneva
Sold for: 491,400 Swiss Francs
Max Fawcett, Head of Jewelry at Christie’s Geneva, stated: “This auction showcased a series of important JAR jewels spanning 40 years of creativity. We are very pleased with the results, with 100% of lots sold.
JAR is indeed one of the most outstanding contemporary jewelry masters, and his works represent the pinnacle of jewelry of our time. The top five lots each sold for over $500,000, with the 28 pieces totaling $6.7 million.”
Sapphires, spinels, diamonds
May 2023, Christie’s Geneva
Sold for: 856,800 Swiss Francs
Kim Kardashian, Known for Chasing Celebrity Jewels, Strikes Again
Princess Diana’s Amethyst Cross Pendant
Kim Kardashian is famous in the jewelry world for being a “celebrity chaser,” particularly fond of collecting jewelry with provenance. She has previously acquired bracelets originally belonging to Elizabeth Taylor and Jacqueline Kennedy’s Cartier Tank watch at auctions.
In 2023, she struck again, purchasing the “Attallah Cross” amethyst pendant made by Garrard for £163,800 at Sotheby’s London auction in February.
January 2023, Sotheby’s London
Estimate: £80,000 – £120,000
Sold for: £163,800
Kristian Spofforth, Head of Jewelry at Sotheby’s London, commented: “Jewelry owned or worn by the late Princess Diana very rarely comes on to the market, especially a piece such as the Attallah Cross, which is so colorful, bold and distinctive.”
Indeed, another piece associated with Princess Diana, the “Swan Lake Pearl Necklace Set,” was rumored to be up for auction this year but was quickly withdrawn, reportedly due to a private sale. Kim Kardashian’s decisive action in spending a fortune demonstrates her determination in chasing celebrity jewels. Congratulations to her on her successful acquisition.
The 2023 auction scene was truly spectacular, with numerous rare gemstones and historically significant jewelry masterpieces making appearances, providing jewelry enthusiasts with an eye-opening experience. Besides the items mentioned above, were there any other auction moments that left a deep impression on you?
The Dazzling Decathlon: 2023’s Top 10 Unforgettable Moments in Jewelry Auctions
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