17–20 March - New York
The world of gemology is full of intrigue – it is where beauty, rarity, and grandeur converge, captivating individuals with its celestial charm. Sporting iridescent hues, impeccable clarity, and blinding brilliance, it is no wonder that gemstones are so cherished.
As a custodian of the world’s finest possessions, Sotheby’s has a treasure trove of precious gemstones under its auspice, all with historical provenance and staggering value.
Discerning collectors, UHNW investors, and jewellery enthusiasts from around the world flock to the three-century-old auction house to marvel at some of the world’s most gatekept gemstones, leading to record-breaking sales. Take, for instance, the 55.22-carat ruby that became the most valuable gem of its kind to sell at auction, commanding $34.8 million in June 2023 at a Sotheby’s New York auction. In a similar vein, the 'Pink Star Diamond’ auctioned by Sotheby’s in 2017 sold for an astounding $71.2 million, becoming the most expensive diamond ever sold at auction.
Sotheby’s: The Premier Gem Destination
The Gem Drop – a monthly release of stunning jewels under the Sotheby’s Sealed platform – reinforces the enduring fascination that gemstones hold, besides reaffirming their great investment value.
The March 2025 edition is set to take place from the 17th to the 20th, with bidding taking place online. The lots will be closing in 60-second intervals, ensuring an incredibly high-octane, dynamic event. The closed-bid auction ensures confidentiality in bid amounts and selling price.
From striking diamonds to blue and pink sapphires, the event will be steeped in a flourish of sparkly hues. An impressive range of diamonds, rings, and bracelets are set to go under the hammer, commemorating the highly anticipated diamond season.
Standout Lots
The 7.11 Carat Cushion-Cut Diamond Ring
This beauty is a lesson in balance and elegance – versatile, exquisite, yet effortlessly wearable. Set in a classic four-prong platinum setting, the depth and luminosity of the 7.11-carat gem are accentuated by its cut. It is flanked by round diamonds along the gallery and shoulders, adding understated grandeur to the piece.
Weighing about one carat, the accent stones are graded F-G in colour and VS in clarity. Estimated to be worth between $70,000 and $100,000, this ring will be the jewel in the crown of any collection.
The 31.53 Carat Emerald-Cut Diamond Bracelet
The epitome of understated glamour, this bracelet is set with 30 immaculately matched emerald-cut diamonds, totalling 31.53 carats. The stones, ranging from 1.14 to 1.00 carats each, have been carefully handpicked for their clarity and cut, creating a flawless symphony of brilliance. Graded between F and G in colour, with clarity ranging from Internally Flawless to VS2, these diamonds are a class apart in terms of purity. They are set in platinum, evoking the classic appeal of a tennis bracelet.
A timeless piece, it is estimated to fetch between $90,000 and $120,000.
The 5.31 Carat Ceylon Sapphire Ring
This emerald-cut Ceylon sapphire enraptures one’s senses with its arresting blue hue and step-cut facets that lend a crystalline transparency. Nestled in a dainty East-West bezel of 18-karat pink gold, the ring is a modern take on a traditional gemstone. It exhibits no signs of heating, evidencing its rare, natural beauty.
Estimated at $15,000–20,000 and with no reserve, the 5.31-carat Ceylon Sapphire Ring will undoubtedly hold a privileged place in any jewellery collection.
The 17.96 Carat Padparadscha Sapphire Ring
This piece is an homage to nature’s powerful artistry. The term ‘Padparadscha’ is derived from the Sinhalese word for ‘lotus blossom’ — the ideal name for a sapphire with an iridescent blend of pink and orange hues.
Cut en cabochon in a sugarloaf shape, the stone’s sheen mingles elegantly with the light, conjuring an ethereal quality. It is set in a brushed 22-karat gold mounting, whose glistening warmth complements the stone’s pastel palette.
A geological marvel, the ring is estimated to command $24,000–30,000.
Final Note
People turn to Sotheby’s as purveyors of excellence, exclusivity, and prestige. Crowned by an enduring heritage and steeped in tradition, the auction house leads the way in the realms of art, collectibles, and luxury goods. It steers the evolution of culture by influencing artists, patrons, and investors alike. Stories are nurtured and conversations are sparked, thanks to Sotheby’s commendable efforts in preserving vital fragments of history.
The upcoming auction celebrates the captivating allure of gemstones. Fortunes will be made – and lost – as these precious treasures exchange hands in a breathtaking tango of taste and wealth. It is time to take part in the dance and lay your hands on some of the rarest gems in the world.
