Pink Diamond Scores $13M at Christie’s New York

A pink diamond ring was the top seller at the most recent jewelry auction at Christie’s in New York, surpassing its high estimate to achieve $13.3 million.

Called the Eden Rose, the ring is set with a round brilliant, 10.20-carat, fancy-intense pink, internally flawless, type IIa center stone, Christie’s said Wednesday. The surround includes eight pear brilliant-cut diamonds ranging from 0.73 to 3.11 carats and two marquise brilliant-cut diamonds weighing 1.02 and 2.24 carats. The jewel carried a presale price range of $9 million to $12 million at the June 11 Magnificent Jewels sale.

The jewel led a strong showing by colored diamonds, which comprised six of the top 10 pieces. Other popular items were those from well-known design houses including Bulgari, Cartier, Tiffany & Co., and Van Cleef & Arpels. Meanwhile, a 16-piece collection belonging to heiresses Sunny Crawford von Bulow and Ala von Auersperg Isham brought in $1.4 million.

In total, the sale garnered $44.4 million, with 90% of lots finding buyers. The auction saw strong participation, with half of the bids coming from the Americas while a quarter came from Europe, and 26% from Asia Pacific and the Middle East combined.

The Eden Rose “surpassed all expectations,” said Rahul Kadakia, international head of jewelry at Christie’s. “Collectors participated actively in all areas of the sale, paying strong prices for rare colored gemstones and natural pearls in particular.”

Christie’s will close its spring jewelry season with the upcoming New York Jewels Online and Joaillerie Paris, both of which will take place this month.

Here are the rest of the top 10 items: