Sotheby’s Paris’ recent fine jewellery live auction recorded $8 million in sales, its highest since 2018. The event saw 600 attendees and over 2,200 bids placed, with 257 lots auctioned at 164% of their low estimates.
Historic jewellery saw strong demand. An art deco style Chaumet diamond brooch from 1929, originating from a noble family, was sold for approximately €159,000, exceeding its projected value. A Van Cleef & Arpels ‘Danseuse’ brooch, featuring rubies, sapphires, gold, and diamonds, brought in around €140,000, surpassing its expected range. A Wolfers tiara, designed with enamel, opal, glass paste, and diamonds, achieved €76,000, well above its initial estimate.
Five exceptional gemstone lots generated over €1.9 million in sales. The highest result came from a pigeon blood ‘Single Red’ ruby necklace at €609,600, twice its high estimate. A 17.48-carat pear-cut diamond ring sold for €546,100; a circa 1950 Boucheron Kashmir sapphire and diamond ring – featuring intricate gold rope like band – reached €285,750; a rectangular-cut emerald ring with diamonds achieved €254,000; and a 6.60-carat Fancy Vivid Yellow diamond ring brought €228,600.
Jewellery from leading brands attracted high bids. A Van Cleef & Arpels diamond necklace reached €482,600, just shy of its highest estimate. Fancy Yellow diamond earrings, featuring delicate white diamond florals, from the maison sold for €228,600. Cartier’s pearl necklace and earrings surpassed projections at €165,100, while a Van Cleef & Arpels diamond bracelet secured €152,400, close to twice its estimated base value.
The auction results reflect strong demand for fine jewellery, with high participation and competitive bidding reinforcing Sotheby’s Paris’ standing in the market.
