New world record for earrings at auction, the Apollo and Artemis diamonds sell for a combined total of US$57,425,478 / CHF 57,118,750 / HK$447,169,270 and are renamed… ‘The Memory of Autumn Leaves’ and ‘The Dream of Autumn Leaves’. Photo: Sotheby's.

GENEVA - Sotheby’s sale of Magnificent Jewels and Noble Jewels in Geneva, ‘The Apollo and Artemis Diamonds’ became the most valuable earrings ever sold at auction, realising a combined total of US$57,425,478 / CHF 57,118,750 / HK$447,169,270.

The diamonds, which were purchased by the same anonymous buyer, who renamed them ‘The Memory of Autumn Leaves’ (Fancy Vivid Blue diamond) and ‘The Dream of Autumn Leaves’ (Fancy Intense Pink diamond).

Sold separately as individual lots:

‘The Memory of Autumn Leaves’ Internally Flawless Fancy Vivid Blue diamond weighing 14.54-carats US$42,087,302 / CHF41,862,500 / HK$327,731,674

‘The Dream of Autumn Leaves’ Fancy Intense Pink diamond, weighing 16-carats US$15,338,176 / CHF 15,256,250 / HK$119,437,596.

Speaking after the sale, David Bennett, Worldwide Chairman of Sotheby’s International Jewellery Division and Chairman of Switzerland commented: "It has been a privilege for Sotheby's to be entrusted with the superb ‘Apollo Blue’ and ‘Artemis Pink’, which have now been renamed ‘The Memory of Autumn Leaves’ and ‘The Dream of Autumn Leaves’. The results from today’s sale – which saw more than 90 per cent of lots sold and three new world auction records – yet again underline the strong demand for top quality diamonds, gemstones and jewels. I am delighted that the stones will remain together as earrings. This has been a wonderful inaugural jewellery sale at Mandarin Oriental, Geneva which far exceeded expectations, with a total of over $150 million. We are greatly looking forward to the upcoming auction of Fine Jewels at Sotheby’s rue Diday in Geneva on the 1st of June.”

OTHER NOTABLE RESULTS

Lot 371 - A rich and impressive diamond by Piaget weighing 7.04 carats. Sold for: US$13,245,750 / CHF13,175,000 / HK$103,143,979. Auction record for a fancy intense purplish pink diamond. Auction record price per-carat for a fancy intense purplish pink diamond  (Previous record set in November 1995 - US$6,038,496) Price per carat: $1,881,499 (Previous record set in April 2015 - US$1,089,792) (Estimate: US$8million – 12million / CHF 8,030,000 – 12,040,000. Photo: Sotheby's.

GEMS AND JEWELS FROM A SUPERB PRIVATE COLLECTION (LOT 272 – 326)

A collection of the finest diamonds and gemstones, as well as signed jewels from the most desirable and sought-after Jewellery houses, doubled pre-sale estimates to realise a combined total of US$15,899,550 / CHF 15,814,625 / HK$123,808,982 and achieved an outstanding sell-through rate of 96%.

Lot 326: Pear-shaped diamond ring, weighing 32.42 carats by Harry Winston which doubled its low estimate to realise US$3,330,288 /CHF3,312,500 / HK$ 25,932,784. Photo: Sotheby's

Lot 315: Emerald and diamond ring by Harry Winston achieved five times its estimate selling for US$929,465 /CHF924,500 / HK$ 7,237,693. Photo: Sotheby's

Lots 318 and 319: Ruby and diamond brooch and ear clips by Van Cleef & Arpels which sold for a combined total of US$477,551 /CHF475,000/ HK$ 3,718,663. Photo: Sotheby's

Lot 374. Rare ruby, onyx and diamond bracelet, circa 1925, soared above estimate to realise US$748,498 / CHF 744,500 / HK$5,828,516. Photo: Sotheby's

Lot 362. Important jadeite, onyx, ruby and diamond pendant-brooch, Cartier, circa 1925. Sold for US$ 374,500 / CHF 372,500 / HK$2,916,215 more than double the high estimate. From the ‘golden era’ of Cartier’s production, this pendant/brooch was formerly in the collection of Mona, Countess von Bismarck (1897 – 1983). Photo: Sotheby's