Sotheby's Geneva sets world record in jewellery auction

KOLKATA: On May 13, Sotheby’s Geneva set a world record for a jewellery auction. The sale of Magnificent Jewels and Noble Jewels totaled an outstanding CHF 125,507,450 ($141,492,079/€103,032,964) (estimate CHF 82.4-125.5 million/ $92.9-141.5 million). In total, seven records were established.

A record for a yellow diamond was established when the sensational ‘Graff Vivid Yellow’, an exceptional 100.09 carat daffodil yellow diamond ring sold for CHF 14,501,000 ($16,347,847/€11,904,321). This gem of extraordinary beauty, fire and brilliance is one of the largest fancy vivid yellow diamonds in the world.

Following the sale, David Bennett, chairman of Sotheby’s Switzerland and chairman of the Jewellery Department for Europe and the Middle East, commented in an email statement: "100 carats is a magical number when it comes to diamonds.

With its exceptional size and a superb daffodil colour, the Graff Vivid Yellow is a truly extraordinary diamond with immense presence. These rare qualities led to the record price achieved tonight. Throughout the day, we witnessed intense bidding from all corners of the globe for exceptional diamonds, gemstones and signed jewels.

Once again, fine pieces with important provenance were highly sought after. We were particularly pleased by the excitement surrounding were Suzanne Belperron’s creations, which further confirms her reputation as one of the greatest jewellery designers of the 20th century".