DALLAS, TX.- The Kimberley Sunshine Diamond lived up to its radiant name at Heritage Auctions' Fall Fine Jewelry Signature® Auction, where the spectacular 22.09-carat fancy yellow diamond realized $475,000 to lead a dazzling $7,707,260 event.
The Sept. 28 auction drew 1,610 bidders from around the world, with spirited competition extending across white and colored diamonds, signed designer jewelry and, in one of the auction's most notable surprises, antique and period pieces.
Leading them all was the Pragnell Kimberley Sunshine Diamond ring. Internally Flawless and verified as originating from South Africa's historic Kimberley Mine, the ring's showstopping center stone is secured in hand-forged 18k yellow gold talon claws, with a platinum band set with graduating rows of French- and carré-cut diamonds.
"The Kimberley Sunshine Diamond had everything bidders look for in an exceptional jewel: extraordinary size, beautiful natural color, Internally Flawless clarity, documented origin and superb craftsmanship," says Jill Burgum, Heritage's Executive Director of Fine Jewelry. "The $475,000 result — nearly double its high pre-auction estimate — reflects just how compelling that combination proved to be."
The result capped an auction in which diamonds commanded attention across virtually every size, color and setting.
An 8.17-carat emerald-cut diamond set in a platinum solitaire ring realized $275,000, while a necklace centered by a 22.06-carat round brilliant-cut diamond brought $212,500. An Oscar Heyman ring showcasing a 14.11-carat fancy yellow diamond flanked by triangular-shaped diamonds reached $175,000, and a Carvin French platinum ring featuring a 7.02-carat oval-shaped diamond realized $112,500.
The demand for colored diamonds extended well beyond the top lots. A ring featuring a 7.41-carat fancy yellow diamond sold for $93,750, while a Tiffany & Co. ring centered by a 5.76-carat fancy yellow diamond brought $65,625.
"There was active bidding across the board," Burgum says. "White diamonds performed beautifully, colored diamonds drew a great deal of attention and signed jewels continued to demonstrate their appeal. What was especially gratifying was seeing that enthusiasm extend throughout such a long and varied auction. Bidders stayed engaged from beginning to end."
Other notable diamond results included a 4.48-carat round brilliant-cut diamond ring at $81,250, a 6.63-carat round brilliant-cut unmounted diamond at $75,000, a 3.20-carat A. Jaffe diamond ring at $56,250, a 5.77-carat Jack Kelége diamond ring at $55,000 and a platinum ring featuring a 5.74-carat emerald-cut diamond at $52,500.
Signed jewelry provided another major source of competition during the auction. A David Webb necklace composed of sweeping pavé diamond panels and sculptural yellow gold links, set with 47.79 total carats of diamonds, sold for $75,000. A Van Cleef & Arpels diamond, mother-of-pearl and rose gold "Bal du Siècle" watch realized $62,500, while a Cartier & V.C. Perren convertible necklace brought $57,500.
An Hermès Alchimie bracelet crafted in 18k rose gold and set with 4.71 carats of diamonds also performed well, selling for $52,500.
One of the auction's biggest stories emerged from its oldest jewels. Antique and period pieces proved an unexpected hit, generating enthusiastic competition for craftsmanship and designs spanning the Victorian era through Art Deco. Leading the pack was an exceptional circa 1925 Cartier Art Deco watch that realized $93,750. Incorporating jadeite jade, black onyx, enamel and diamonds, the intricate French creation combines a jewel-like brooch with a suspended seal watch, its carved jadeite jade hololith cover spinning freely beneath a diamond-set mount.
Meanwhile, an exquisite circa 1870 Vatican City Workshop Victorian micromosaic necklace brought $21,250, and a Victorian coral, diamond and enamel suite realized $17,500.
Estate collections also performed strongly throughout the event, culminating in a dedicated second session featuring Property from the Charlotte Ralph Brunt Estate. The collection included an array of Jean Schlumberger designs for Tiffany & Co., among them one of his most recognizable creations: the iconic Bird on a Rock brooch, which sold for $57,500. Four colorful Schlumberger Croisillon enamel bangles were among the estate's additional highlights, with an opaque white version of the celebrated bracelet realizing $38,750.
