Skinner's Jewelry Sale Nets Nearly $3M

Auction house Skinner Inc. grossed $2.8 million, including buyer's premium, for its fine jewelry sale on June 12. Colored stones, Art Deco pieces, diamonds, and natural pearls were especially strong performers, according to the firm.

Highlights of the sale included an Art Deco diamond pendant necklace by Cartier, which sold for $325,000 and featured a 7.93-carat, F, VS1, pear-shaped diamond and a 3.92-carat diamond ring (pictured) by Tiffany & Co., which sold for $142,200. An antique Kashmir sapphire and diamond ring, set with a cabochon sapphire weighing 9.92 carats, with no evidence of heat treatment, fetched $189,600, surpassing its presale high estimate of $50,000.

Skinner will hold its next fine jewelry auction on September 11, in Boston.

-www.diamonds.net

Elvis Presley’s Omega Constellation Sells for a World Record Price of $52,500

An Omega Constellation watch that once belonged to Elvis Presley sold for $52,500—a world record for the reference—at Antiquorum’s auction of Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces, Part 2, in New York City on June 12.

The bids for the timepiece quickly escalated from $10,000 to the final total, which was over five times its pre-sale estimate.

The auction raked in a total of $4,437,225 resulting in a combined spring total of $9,073,713.

The top lot by value was a Patek Philippe tourbillon minute repeater with a custom grey dial that sold for $542,500 to a Chinese phone bidder.

A yellow gold Patek Philippe minute-repeating perpetual calendar raked in $380,500. A. Lange & Söhne's yellow gold Pour le Merite timepiece sold for $188,500, while the Ulysse Nardin Trilogy of Time watch brought in $164,500.

-Jckonline.com

Diamonds Sparkle at Christie's Opening Luxury Week Auction

A 22.46-carat rectangular-cut E-color diamond ring by David Webb sold above its estimate for $1.87 million, or $83,500 per carat, at Christie’s New York Important Jewels auction Tuesday. It was one of more than a dozen top-quality diamonds featured in the sale.


A 14.82-carat, pear-shaped E color VVS2 diamond also sold above its estimate for nearly $1.6 million, or $107,500 per carat.

A 15.65-carat circular-cut F color VS1 diamond sold above estimate at more than $1.5 million, or $98,300 per carat.

“Diamonds have been the flavor of the season, with top prices achieved in Geneva, Hong Kong and New York through spring 2012 as seasoned collectors and new economies went head to head for the best,” said Rahul Kadakia, Head of Jewelry, Christie’s Americas.

The jewelry sale at Chrsitie’s New York marked the first of four consecutive days of sales devoted to jewelry, watches, wine and 20th Century design that will be held daily until June 15. Known as “Luxury Week,” more than 1,000 items will be offered with a combined week-long total expected to exceed $23 million.

-http://www.forbes.com/

Elizabeth Taylor Jewelry Auction Benefits AIDS and HIV

Elizabeth Taylor is dead, but a jewelry auction for AIDS and HIV sufferers is taking place in California. A watch Michael Jackson gave her could go for $500,000. During her life, her charity and foundation supported research towards a cure for the condition.

The late actress and philanthropist loved the finer things in life. She took the phrase "Diamonds are a girl's best friend" to a whole new level.

According to CBS NEWS, as part of a traveling international effort to address growing concerns of AIDS in Africa and other parts of the world, precious jewels Elizabeth Taylor owned will be on display for auction.

The Liz Taylor jewels collection begins its journey around the world in West Hollywood, California, where 269 pieces will go to the highest bidder in each lot.

Among the treasured Taylor collection are primarily things her former husband (one of many) actor Richard Burton bought her. It was said he gave her lavish things to make peace after spats or because it was just an expression of his love.

Not only will buyers or enthusiasts see a wristwatch her dear friend, the late Michael Jackson, gave her, the famed 33.19 carat white diamond Burton ring is on display. It was a 1968 gift to Elizabeth Taylor.

Jewelry from another former husband, Mike Todd, will be on display as well. His antique diamond tiara to Taylor is dazzling. It is valued between $60,000 and $80,000.

Other items in the lots to help HIV and AIDS are a 16th century Burton-bought pearl surrounded by rubies on a necklace. It will probably fetch up to $3 million.

From West Hollywood, California, the traveling international auction heads to Paris, Geneva, Hong Kong, and Dubai. And on its last stop, New York will host the event for Taylor's AIDS foundation on Dec. 13 to 16.

Sadly Elizabeth Taylor died months ago. However, the jewels she loved the most will continue supporting the cause she supported the most. Hopefully, one day a cure for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome is found.

-Celebs Gather