Luxury Jewelry Holiday Gifts For Procrastinators

Best-known as Angelina Jolie’s jewelry design partner, Robert Procop has created a colorful interpretation of Paris’ most famous monument, the Eiffel Tower. The diamond and gem expert, and luxury jeweler created a ring made of white gold and amethyst topped with a 50.83-carat aquamarine. The Eiffel Tower ring is available at, Robert Procop private locations in Beverly Hills, Geneva and Hong Kong.

There’s only eight shopping days left before Christmas and you still have no idea what to give your loved one. It’s difficult to go wrong with luxury jewelry as a gift for the holidays. However, choosing that will make your loved one swoon is difficult because tastes in fine baubles are personal and there are endless choices available for every need.

This one-of-kind fringe necklace by Graff has 69.40-carats of diamonds and 108.10-carats of rubies. The price is available upon request at Graff Diamonds boutiques.

The 10 pieces of jewelry I provide include one-of-a-kind high jewelry creations, pieces that can be worn throughout the day and fine designer pieces. They include items made of diamonds, colored gems and pearls. There’s even a colored-enhanced diamond ring.

Emerald and diamond earrings from gem and jewelry company, Omi Privé, are handcrafted with 13.06 total carats of pear-shaped emeralds accented with 1.05 carats of brilliant diamond rounds set in platinum. The suggested retail price is $225,000. Visit www.omiprive.com to find a retailer.

Prices range from “If you have to ask” to more affordable pieces. When available I listed the price and where the item can be purchased. Hopefully these gifts ideas can help you procrastinators buy something appropriate before it’s too late. I provided the price and availability for most of the pieces.

The Exclusive Collection Double Strand Tahitian Pearl Necklace by Mastoloni is made of Tahitian Pearls (12-14mm) secured with a diamond encrusted clasp set with 18k white gold. It has a suggested retail price of $42,500. To find a retailer, visit www.mastoloni.com.

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The Ruby Divine Ring by Martin Katz features a 2.56-carat natural cushion shape ruby microset with 336 round diamonds and 26 round rubies set in 18k white gold. Price is available upon request at the Martin Katz Beverly Hills boutique.

Amethyst and diamond earrings by jewelry designer and manufacturer, Miiori, are centered with two amethysts stones (8.19-carats) and 5.73cts of white diamonds set in 18k white gold. It retails for $17,275.

Venetian Rose Windows Earrings by Italian jewelry designer, Bizzotto, are made of 18k white and rose gold, diamonds and pink sapphires. Suggested retail price is $8,740.

The Petales Entrelaces Petits Pétales bracelet from Montblanc’s Princess Grace collection is a delicate and discreet pink gold piece of jewelry that can be throughout the day and for any occasion. It is available at Montblanc boutiques throughout the world.

The Etoile de Vie Ring by Mauboussin features a pair of 18k white gold stars, one topped with white mother of pearl alongside a second covered in pavé diamonds. It retails for $2,100 and is available at the Mauboussin boutique on Madison Avenue, New York.

Natural pink diamonds are among the most sought after in the world. Fiamma Jewelry has developed a proprietary technology to create color-enhanced pink diamonds. The Beverly ring is centered with a 1.3-carat cushion-cut diamond surrounded by 82 round brilliant pink and white diamonds mounted in 14k white and pink gold. It retails for $6,799. To find retailers visit fiammajewelry.com.

Laurence Graff Buys 50-Ct. Diamond for Third Time, Pays $8.3 Million

50-ct. Graff diamond. Photo credit: CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD.

A 50-carat, rectangular-cut, D-color, potentially flawless diamond ring by Graff sold for $8.37 million at Christie’s New York Magnificent Jewels auction Tuesday. The buyer? Laurence Graff.

“This is the third time that I have owned this beautiful diamond and I am as thrilled today as I was the first time. Diamonds of this exceptional caliber have a life and legacy that carries on beyond us all,” Graff said in a statement after the sale. “This is one of the finest D-color diamonds in the world and I am delighted to have it back again.”

The diamond’s estimated sale price was $7-10 million. It sold for $167,400 per carat.

3.15-ct. reddish-orange diamond. Photo credit: CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD.

The final lot of the auction was a rare fancy reddish-orange diamond of 3.15 carats. The stone is the largest reddish orange diamond ever graded at the Gemological Institute of America. Exhibiting two of the rarest hues in the world of diamonds, the price soared beyond its low estimate of $700,000 to sell for nearly $2.1 million, setting a new world auction record for a reddish-orange diamond and a new per-carat record price of $666,200.

 Earlier in the sale, Christie’s realized a new per-carat record for a Kashmir sapphire at auction, with the sale of an 8.91 carat sapphire for $1.37 million, or $154,000 per carat (pictured left).

The day-long sale realized a total of $32.5 million, with sell-through rates of 84 percent by lot and 86 percent by value. This sale result, combined with results from Christie’s New York jewels auctions in April, June and October, brings the 2012 New York jewelry auction total to more than $163 million, the auction house estimated. The full 2012 total for the jewelry category will be announced in January 2013 as part of Christie’s annual corporate figures release.

10.5-ct. ring set with a rectangular-cut diamond flanked on either side by three baguette-cut diamonds mounted in platinum. Gemological Institute of America report states that the diamond is D color, VVS1 clarity. Estimate $800,000 - $1.2 million. Price realized, $938,500. Photo credit: CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD.

For the year in New York, Christie’s said it sold 29 jewels over the $1 million mark, of which four jewels sold for more than $7 million. In April, Christie’s sold a collection of 17 Art Deco period jewels from the estate of the reclusive American copper heiress Huguette M. Clark. The sale realized $20.8 million and saw a new U.S. auction record achieved for The Clark Pink, the most expensive pink diamond ever sold at auction in the United States.

Art Deco sapphire and diamond Bracelet by Paul Flato. Designed as an openwork rectangular-cut sapphire and diamond bricklink band, mounted in platinum, circa 1935. Estimate $120,000 - $180,000. Price realized, $338,500. Photo credit: CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD.

Diamond and onyx cuff bracelet by Verdura. The wide onyx cuff set at the top with an old mine and rose-cut diamond plaque, mounted in silver and gold. Estimate $35,000 - $55,000. Price realized, $47,500. Photo credit: CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD.

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Big Pink and Orange Diamonds to Lead Geneva Auctions

The 59.6 carat "Pink Star."

If one would compare major jewelry auctions to prizefights (like I’m doing), then the large, statement diamonds would be the heavyweight contenders. The top prizes in the heavyweight division this year are extremely rare fancy colored diamonds that will be put up for auction in Geneva this week by Sotheby’s and Christie’s.

Sotheby’s on Wednesday will be offering what it calls “the most valuable diamond ever to come to auction” as part of its Magnificent Jewels sale. The Pink Star is a 59.6 carat internally flawless fancy pink vivid diamond and has a pre-sale estimate in excess of $60 million.

The diamond is graded as Type IIa, which rare for a pink diamond of this size and color. Cut over a period of two years, The Pink Star is more than twice the size of the Graff Pink—a 24.78-carat fancy intense pink diamond that established a world auction record for a diamond and any gemstone or jewel at $46.2 million, at Sotheby’s Geneva in 2010. The current record price per carat for a fancy vivid pink diamond ($2,155,332) set by a 5-carat diamond, sold in Hong Kong in January 2009.

Cut by Steinmetz Diamonds from a 132.5-carat rough, the diamond was first unveiled to the public in May 2003 as the “Steinmetz Pink.” The stone was first sold privately in 2007 and renamed The Pink Star.

In total, the Sotheby’s Magnificent Jewels sale will comprise over 370 lots, including iconic jewels, such as the “Walska Briolette Diamond” brooch with an estimate in excess of $8 million. The total sale has a pre-sale estimate of $123 million to $167 million.

The 14,82 carat "Orange"

Meanwhile, on Tuesday, not to be outdone, Christie’s will sell the largest fancy vivid orange diamond ever to appear at auction at its Magnificent Jewels sale. Weighing approximately 14.82 carats, this diamond, called simply “The Orange,” is expected to fetch between $17 million and $21 million.

Pure orange diamonds are exceptionally rare, the auction house said. It is more common to find orange diamonds with secondary colors. The orange color is the result of the presence of nitrogen during the diamond’s creation. Among the very few fancy vivid orange diamonds that were ever sold at auction, the largest was the “Pumpkin Diamond” 5.54 carats. The Orange is more than double that size. A 4.19 carat fancy vivid orange diamond sold at auction for a record price of $2.95 million in October 2011.

Other items being presented at Christie’s Magnificent Jewels auction include three jewels from the world famous collection of Bolivian tycoon Simón Itturi Patiño, with the highlight being an emerald and diamond necklace by Cartier, 1937. The ‘Property of Hélène Rochas’ will include 18 lots, with a rare diamond and colored diamond ‘Tiger’ shoulder brooch, by Boivin. The Art Deco period will be represented by HRH Princess Faiza of Egypt emerald drop and diamond necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels, 1929, and an “Orientalist” emerald and diamond sautoir by Cartier, 1926.

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‘Graff Ruby’ Leads Esteemed Jewelry Collection For Sale at Sotheby’s

The 8.62-carat “Graff Ruby,” is the lead item in a collection of 16 jewels belonging to Dimitri Mavrommatis that is part of Sotheby’s Geneva November 12 Magnificent Jewels and Noble Jewels sale.  The cushion-shaped Burmese stone is estimated to fetch 6.9 million to nearly 9.2 million. 

The gem possesses the rare vivid red hue known as “pigeon’s blood,” according to a report from the Swiss Gemmological Institute, and is also of outstanding purity and superb brilliance.

Dimitri Mavrommatis began a lifelong interest in the fine and decorative arts in 1982 during trips to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The 16 jewelry and gem pieces from his personal collection to be placed on auction at the Beau-Rivage Hotel is expected to bring in more than $17.6 million.

David Bennett, chairman of Sotheby’s Jewellery Division for Europe and the Middle East, said the collection “is a testament to Dimitri Mavrommatis’ discerning eye and impeccable taste.”

Another item of from the Mavrommatis collection is a 27.54-carat Kashmir sapphire (pictured above) to fetch $3 million to $6.1 million. The stone exhibits a saturated velvety blue color, combined with a very high purity, according to the auction house. “These features elevate Kashmir sapphires above all others and the appearance of such a fine example weighing over 20 carats is an extremely rare event.”

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24-Ct. Graff Diamond Ring Could Fetch $3.5 Million at Auction

Graff diamond ring. Photo credit: Denis Hayoun - Diode SA

Superb jewels, top-quality colorless diamonds, rare gemstones, natural pearls, and signed jewels from Bulgari, Cartier, Boivin, Graff, JAR, Tiffany & Co, Van Cleef & Arpels and Harry Winston will be part of Christie’s Geneva Magnificent Jewels auction on November 16.

Several private collections also will be part of the auction at the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues, including the collection of Richard Burton’s former wife, Susan Hunt Burton, and a private collection featured in a separate catalog: “Timeless Elegance - Important Jewels from the Collection of a European Family.” (Follow link to read more about this collection).

The top piece among the 360 lots for sale is a 24.30-ct. oval cut diamond ring by Graff. The D color, internally flawless gem is estimated to fetch $2.9 million to $3.5 million (top picture).

The auction of haute joaillerie is expected to fetch more than $50 million.

Diamond “en tremblant” flower brooch, by Bulgari, 1960s. Estimate $110,000 - $220,000. Photo credit: Denis Hayoun - Diode SA

Bulgari will command its own section of more than 40 lots in the upcoming sale. It amounts to the largest sale of Bulgari jewels since a Christie’s Geneva auction in 1993. Among the highlights is an emerald, ruby and diamond sautoir suspending a hexagonal-shaped emerald of 44.90 carats, dated from the 1970s and estimated at $270,000 – $360,000. Also for sale will be a diamond and yellow gold necklace estimated at $73,000 – $89,000.

Diamond and yellow gold necklace by Bulgari. Estimate $70,000 - $90,000. Photo credit: Denis Hayoun - Diode SA

Among the colored gemstones and diamonds to be offered are an 8.11-carat, oval-cut Burmese ruby estimated at $2 million – $2.5 million, a pair of Colombian pear-shaped emerald and diamond earrings, weighing 23.66 and 23.55 carats, estimated at $1.8 million – $2.5 million, and a 55.98-carat Kashmir cabochon sapphire mounted with diamonds as ring by Mouawad, estimated at $800,000 – $1.2 million. A 30.15-carat, D color, VS1 clarity, Type IIa pear-shaped diamond with an antique cut is estimated to sell at $1.9 million to $2.3 million.

Pair of detachable 7.60 & 7.57cts pear-shaped diamond and diamond ear pendants by Van Cleef & Arpels has an auction estimate of $1.5 million - $2 million. Photo credit: Denis Hayoun - Diode SA

Richard Burton, the Welsh actor of stage and screen, was at the height of his fame when he married Susan Hunt, an international model, in August 1976. Among the jewels from the Susan Burton collection are 6.17 carats oval-cut diamond ring (estimate: $56,000 – $78,000), an emerald and diamond necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels (Estimate: $45,000 – $67,000) and a two row cultured pearl, pink tourmaline and diamond necklace with cultured pearl, sapphire and ruby ear pendants (Estimate: SFr. $40,000 – $63,000).

Emerald, ruby and diamond sautoir suspending an hexagonal-shaped 44.90-ct. emerald by Bulgari has an auction estimate of $260,000 - $360,000. Photo credit: Denis Hayoun - Diode SA

From the “Property of a Royal House, Christie’s November sale will present three fancy yellow diamonds: a 79-carat cushion-shaped diamond ring weighing estimated $1.5 million – $2 million, a 67.54-carat, brilliant-cut diamond brooch estimated $1.4 million – $1.5 million and a 32.62-carat brilliant-cut diamond ring with an estimate of $700,000 – $800,000.

From what is billed as the “Estate of a Gentleman,” a selection of 19 jewels created by the famous Swiss jeweler Meister mainly in the 1960s and 1970s. Among the highlights are a diamond fringe necklace estimated at $230,000 – $330,000) and a gold, diamond ruby and emerald snake bracelet estimated at $14,000 – $17,000).

Mystery-Set sapphire and diamond leaf brooch by Van Cleef & Arpels, circa 1930s, has an auction estimate of $300,000 - $500,000. Photo credit: Denis Hayoun - Diode SA

A group of Period and Art Deco jewels featured in the sale is highlighted by a diamond necklace created by René Boivin, circa 1960, (estimate: $340,000 – $440,000) and an emerald and diamond bracelet mounted in platinum, 1930s, estimated at $400,000 – $600,000.

Clouds, Flowers and Beautiful Gems Inspire Graff’s Nuage Collection

Sapphire and diamond necklace

Clouds and flowers in the world’s most famous gardens provided the inspiration for the the Nuage collection, the latest line by Graff Diamonds available to the public after its unveiling at the recently concluded La Biennale des Antiquaires. 

Ruby and diamond necklace

Anne-Eva Geffroy, Graff’s design director, used organic forms; geometric patterns; and a color palette dominates by red, white and blue to create the first six pieces released in the collection. The inspiration is based on her travels to the world’s most famous gardens, including the Ginkaku-ji a Zen temple in Kyoto, the Majorelle Garden in Marrakech, the Kew Gardens in London and the gardens of Claude Monet in France. 

Ruby and diamond bracelet

Nuage is French for cloud and the geometric forms replicate the swirling of these heavenly bodies. For example, a sapphire and diamond necklace uses swirling pavé diamonds in the shapes of clouds that embrace brilliant cut sapphires spouting out of platinum and diamonds like flowers in bloom. The necklace is accompanied by a matching bracelet. 

Sapphire and diamond bracelet

The motif of clouds and flowers are played out throughout the remainder of the collection, which includes a matching earrings, bracelet and necklace set with the same swirling diamond pavé over platinum. In this case the flowers are more pronounced in both the swirling formations and in use of rubies to create flower figures within the clouds. 

Ruby and diamond bracelet

Finally, among the items released by Graff, is a platinum and white diamond bracelet using the same motif.

This is classic jewelry in the Graff tradition where high-quality diamonds and gems take center stage and the designs showcase the gems.

Diamond Nuage bracelet.

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Graff Honors Paris With Two Statement Jewels For La Biennale

Royal Star of Paris

The Biennale des Antiquaires at the Grand Palais in Paris hosts some of the top high jewelers in the world who release special collections every two years just for this event. Graff Diamonds marks its return to the show by unveiling a new collection led by two statement jewels centered by standout diamonds and gems: the “Royal Star of Paris,” and “Le Collier Bleu de Reve.”

The Royal Star of Paris, a brooch (which also can be worn as a pendant) has two diamonds of at least 100 carats each: the “Graff Sunflower,” a 107.46-carat fancy yellow cushion cut diamond and the “Graff Perfection,” a 100-carat D flawless pear shape diamond drop.

“We create legendary stones with remarkable stories to tell, one such diamond is the Graff Perfection, Graff said. “Following many hours of painstaking work, we unleashed the true potential of an incredible 225 carat rough diamond, transforming it from perfection to ultra-perfection.”

Le Collier Bleu de Reve

Le Collier Bleu de Reve is set with a 10.47 carat fancy vivid blue internally flawless briolette diamond. The other key stone is a 4.22 carat untreated old-mine Colombian emerald. The central element of the jewel can be detached from the beaded diamond necklace and worn alone as a brooch.

“I truly believe that when you are searching for the perfect precious gemstone you should look for an emerald greener than green,” Graff said. “The emerald in this necklace really is greener than green and incredibly clear.”

The remaining pieces in the Biennale collection continue the theme of stone-led design; with brooches made of rare colored diamonds and gemstones, necklaces depicting natural motifs using gemstones, and designs with beaded tassels all complemented by bracelets and earrings.

All of the jewels, including the statement pieces, are hand-crafted at Graff’s London atelier.

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Diamond Tiara from Maureen Swanson Could Fetch $235,000

Diamond tiara from the late Countess of Dudley, also known as the actress and dancer Maureen Swanson.

With the ongoing celebration of Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee, it seems fitting that Christie’s London sale of Important Jewels on June 13 would focus on royal and aristocratic jewels.

A total of 368 lots include jewels from the collections of Princess Soraya Esfandiary Bakhtiary, Beatrice Countess of Granard OBE, and the late Countess of Dudley. Spanning four centuries, the sale has rare historic rings, diamonds and pearls. The roll call of signed jewels by the leading houses and designers includes: Boucheron, Cartier, Chaumet, Chopard, Graff and Van Cleef & Arpels.

One of the top pieces of the sale is an Art Deco diamond tiara by Cartier (pictured above) from the collection of the late Countess of Dudley, also known as the actress and dancer Maureen Swanson, with an estimate of £100,000 – £150,000 ($156,850 – $235,270). It is one of 17 jewels offered from the collection up for sale. The tiara is “composed of five graduated shield shaped clip brooches, each resembling the Pylon, the tapering monumental towers of ancient Egypt whose bold form inspired so much 1930s design,” Christie’s said. “Together, mounted atop the simple diamond line frame, these clips are transformed into a modern soaring geometric skyline, their design recalling both the architectural innovations of the era together with its inimitable style.”

The sale also will be led by the Cowdray Pearls, a rare natural pearl necklace, composed of a single row of thirty-eight graduated natural grey pearls, with an estimated price of £280,000 – £350,000 ($440,000 – $549,000). It is from the collection of the late Viscountess Cowdray, Lady Pearson (1860-1932).

Leading the small group of jewels formerly from the collection of Princess Soraya Esfandiary Bakhtiary is a 12.15 carat diamond circular single-stone ring (estimate: £70,000 – £100,000; $110,000 – $156,850). Another ring with notable provenance is an Edwardian sapphire and diamond ring, circa 1905, which was formerly in the collection of Beatrice Countess of Granard OBE (estimate: £30,000 – £40,000; $47,000 – $63,000).

A selection of 40 lots from Cartier, including jewels, cufflinks, watches and clocks, is a highlight of the auction. This portion of the sale is led by an Art Deco diamond and gem bracelet of Oriental inspiration, circa 1925 (estimate: £100,000 – £150,000; $156,850 – $235,270), and a pair of platinum and diamond ear pendants, composed of a graduated line of three brilliant-cut diamonds, suspending a pear-shaped diamond drop (estimate: £100,000 – £150,000; $156,850 – $235,270).

For information on all the lots offered in the sale, view the online catalog.

Graff Luxury Watches At Basel

Diamond MasterGraff Tourbillon

Graff Diamonds doesn’t sell wholesale or deal with the watch and jewelry trade. So there was no reason for the brand founded by Laurence Graff to have a presence at Baselworld 2013. However, company representatives did come to Basel during the fair to show its newest collection of luxury timepieces to press members in a nearby hotel suite.

As one would expect from the London-based jeweler—known for purchasing some of the most valuable diamonds and gems in the world—the watches on display were big and bold with plenty of diamonds and gems. Gold and DLC were used for bezels shaped in a notable faceted motif that has the appearance of a single diamond, with lugs serving as prongs that would hold the “diamond” in place. These are more than just show pieces, however, as the majority of these watches contain branded calibers and high-end complications.

Even when adding the bling factor, there’s also a refinement to the pieces, a notable design trait of Graff products.

MasterGraff Minute Repeater Tourbillon
This 47mm mechanical timepiece showcases two horological complications. The dial is made of mother of pearl dial in a radial-carved motif. In addition to navy blue, the dial is available in black and white. The minute repeater element is triggered by an upward push on a slide positioned on the side of the case. Two hammers striking two gongs sound the hours, quarter hours and minutes. A flying tourbillon is revealed at 6 o’clock encircled by a small seconds disc. It’s limited to 100 pieces.


Diamond MasterGraff Tourbillon (top photo)
The mechanical movement of this 45mm watch has complications that include a tourbillion displayed at 9 o’clock. But really, this timepiece is about Graff’s diamond expertise. A total of 634 diamonds in 20 shapes weighing 47 carats were used to cover the watch. The dial features a radiating pattern of baguette cut diamonds, with the 120 hour power reserve displayed in emerald, yellow sapphire and ruby. Emeralds circle the dial, acting as hour markers. The case and strap are covered with more diamonds in Graff’s patented mosaic design, framed by diamond set lugs and baguette links. It’s limited to 30 pieces.

GraffStar Grand Date
The Graff Caliber 1 mechanical movement, made in Switzerland for Graff, powers this watch. Along with hours and minutes, the movement provides the date– shown in large numerals at 12 o’clock, the seconds on a sub-dial at 9 and a 50-hour power reserve indicator at 6. The DLC case (also available in white and rose gold) is faceted to appear as a single diamond with the lugs serving as prongs. The dial is in black guilloché with a multi-level design and gold indicators. It is limited to 100 pieces.

 

GraffStar Slim
The black dial set with a triangular emerald at 12 o’clock has gold hour markers set in gold. Inside the 43mm white gold case is the mechanical Graff Calibre 3 Swiss movement. The faceted case has a thickness of 6.35mm. It is also available in rose and with a white dial.

ChronoGraff 45mm
The black dial has a guilloché pattern that contrasts against gold disks that move to reveal each chronograph indicator and the 60 second dial. At 12 o’clock is a triangular emerald marker. It’s housed in Graff’s signature faceted case, available in various combinations of yellow gold, white gold and DLC. The dial also is available in white. It’s limited to 300 pieces.

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