Rare diamonds make waves at auction

April 1, 2024

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The passion for fancy colour diamonds has yet to show signs of slowing at recent international auctions, fetching impressive returns.

A fancy colour yellow diamond ring was the headline act at a Phillips auction in Hong Kong, returning $USD1.1 million ($AUD1.69 million).

The round brilliant-cut, 15.51-carat fancy vivid yellow VS2-clarity diamond fell within its pre-sale estimate on 28 March.

The auction returned $USD4.1 million ($AUD6.29 million) in total, with 73 per cent of items sold. Head of jewellery Benoît Repellin said it was pleasing to see the passion for remarkable diamonds remains strong.

“The sale total for our spring auction in Hong Kong increased by 20 per cent over the previous season, demonstrating the resilience of the global demand for rare and important jewels across the board,” he said.

“Fancy colour diamonds commanded the sale. Vintage signed pieces also performed well. We also saw notable demand for [the] finest Burmese rubies, emeralds and sapphires.”

Among the other items of interest was a 1985 Van Cleef & Arpels necklace, set with brilliant-cut diamonds and cabochon turquoise. The necklace returned $USD584,000 ($AUD895,000), more than three times its pre-sale estimate.

The auction excitement continues at Sotheby’s in Hong Kong on 6 April with the Magnificent Jewels event.

A ring featuring a rare 7-carat fancy vivid yellowish-orange diamond will take centre stage. Jewellery from well-known designers, including Harry Winston, Graff, Chopard, Tiffany & Co., and Bulgari, will also be displayed at the auction.

Fancy Colour Diamonds AT auction


15.51-carat fancy vivid yellow diamond ring.	1.38-carat fancy vivid purplish-pink diamond and sapphire ring.	2.65-carat fancy intense orangy-pink diamond ring.

Vintage Pieces prove popular


Van Cleef & Arpels turquoise and diamond necklace created in 1985.	Cartier art deco Burmese ruby and diamond bracelet.	Art deco Colombian emerald and diamond brooch.