Lot 2427 Magnificent Unenhanced Classic Columbian Emerald Approx. 29 cts. Sold for: $1,030,000. Courtesy of Rago Auctions.

Lambertville, NJ: An unenhanced Colombian emerald weighing some 29 carats brought $1,030,000 in Rago’s $4.25 million dollar jewelry auction on December 4, 2016.  A pear-shaped diamond of approximately equal size, suspended as a pendant, followed closely at a sale price of $850,000. In all, it was an auction in which the flashiest prices were achieved by serious gemstones and pieces by renowned makers like Cartier and David Webb.

“Property from many fine homes, collectors and estates provided us with beautiful material across a wide spectrum," said Sarah Churgin, Director of the Jewelry Department, "From Imperial jade to museum quality Ottoman era Armenian jewelry, from top designers such as Cartier to diamonds and gemstones significant in their own right, this was a benchmark sale for us."  

Katherine Van Dell, the jewelry specialist who will head the department as of 2017, when Sarah Churgin transitions to a Rago consultant, agreed. “This auction, to me, marked new territory in terms of what we have offered and what we are capable of achieving for our consignors.”

Highlighted Lots 

Lot 2427. Magnificent Unenhanced Classic Columbian Emerald Approx. 29 cts. Sold for: $1,030,000

Lot 2428. Highly Important Diamond Necklace 28.67 cts. Sold for: $850,000. Courtesy of Rago Auctions

Lot 2030. Cartier, Paris, Enameled Gold & Agate Table Box. Sold for: $75,000. Courtesy of Rago Auctions

Lot 2456. 7.70 Cts. Unmounted Pear Shaped Diamond. Sold for: $68,750. Courtesy of Rago Auctions

Lot 2432. Important Tiffany & Co. Ruby & Diamond Ring. Sold for: $62,500. Courtesy of Rago Auctions

Lot 2433. Predominantly Natural Pearl Necklace. Sold for: $56,250. Courtesy of Rago Auctions

Lot 2440. Art Deco Diamond & Platinum Pendant. Sold for: $38,750. Courtesy of Rago Auctions

Lot 2418. Fine Jadeite "A" Jade Pendant Earrings. Sold for: $37,500. Courtesy of Rago Auctions

Lot 2444. 4.01 Cts. Fancy Light Yellow Diamond & Platinum Ring. Sold for: $28,750. Courtesy of Rago Auctions

Lot 2160. David Webb Gold & Diamond "Princess Lillian" Cuff. Sold for: $27,500. Courtesy of Rago Auctions

Lot 2442. Fancy Vivid Yellow & White Diamond Pendant. Sold for: $27,500. Courtesy of Rago Auctions

Lot 2449. Cartier Diamond & Platinum Link Bracelet. Sold for: $27,500. Courtesy of Rago Auctions

Lot 2431. Natural Saltwater Pearl & Platinum Belle Epoque Ring. Sold for: $23,750. Courtesy of Rago Auctions

Lot 2441. Art Deco Diamond & Platinum Chandelier Earrings. Sold for: $23,750. Courtesy of Rago Auctions

Lot 2000. Marcus & Co. Phantom Fire Opal Art Nouveau Brooch. Sold for: $10,625. Courtesy of Rago Auctions

Lot 2178. Fine Ruby & Sapphire Bow Hinged Victory Bracelet. Sold for: $11,250. Courtesy of Rago Auctions

Lot 2115. Chinese Gold Filigree Pendant, 18th-19th C. Sold for: $13,750. Courtesy of Rago Auctions