NEW YORK, NY.- Christie’s December 11 auction of Magnificent Jewels totaled $67,519,625 with 93% sold by value and 91% sold by lot. The auction took place over two sessions lasting nearly ten-hours with active global participation from registered bidders spanning 44 countries. The top lot of the sale was ‘The duPont Ruby,’ Burmese ruby, emerald, diamond, and natural pearl brooch of 11.20 carats from The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Sold to Benefit Future Acquisitions, which sold for $8,957,750.

Other notable results included a superb fancy vivid blue diamond ring of 3.07 carats, VVS1 clarity, which sold for $3,375,000; a Belle Époque Kashmir sapphire and diamond ring of 30.14 carats that achieved $3,015,000; a diamond ring of 24.13 carats, D color, flawless clarity, that realized $2,055,000; a diamond ring of 23.55 carats, D color, potentially internally flawless, by Harry Winston, which sold for $2,235,000; and 'The duPont Emerald,' Belle Époque Colombian emerald and diamond ring of 9.11 carats, Tiffany & Co. from The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Sold to Benefit Future Acquisitions, which sold for more than three times its low estimate realizing $1,635,000.

Private collections performed with strong results including Property from the Rothschild Family Including the Late Baroness Edouard de Rothschild and the Late Jacqueline de Rothschild Piatigorsky, which was led by an Art Deco bracelet by Cartier that sold for $771,000; Property from the Collection of Judith-Ann Corrente, which featured the Art Deco diamond sautoir by Van Cleef & Arpels that achieved more than three times its low estimate selling for $1,515,000; and The Collection of Deeda Blair Sold to Benefit the Deeda Blair Research Initiative Fund for Disorders of the Brain, which was 100% sold.

Rahul Kadakia, International Head of Jewelry, Christie’s, remarks, “The depth of bidding, strong sell through rates, and solid prices realized demonstrate Christie’s continued ability to source and sell the very best jewels for our collectors. This sale was particularly special as it comprised truly exceptional gemstones, led by ‘The duPont Ruby,’ alongside an unparalleled depth of significant signed jewels from important private collections. We are delighted with the results as it showcases the strength of the market and a broader more sophisticated approach to what our clients are looking to acquire.”

The Jewels Online sale continues through December 12/13 presenting over 600 jewels comprising designs by Bulgari, David Webb, Dior, Cartier, JAR, Janeisch, Verdura, among others.