Class outsells crass. A 10.7 mm pearl necklace estimated by Christie’s to sell for between $500,000 and $800,000 doubled in value and was purchased for a Taj Mahal price of $ 1,639,049. In these cases, size does matter, as does history. McGinnis notes that “jewelry design as an art form has held its appeal since the beginning of time, and as the banks engage in debate about the merits of investing in jewelry as an asset class, collectors will continue to seek out these emotionally charged objects for their beauty and provenance.”
Christie’s
Diamond and pearl brooch
Estimate: $38,000-$53,000
Sold: $664,697
Antique sapphire and diamond necklace
Estimate: $220,000-$240,000
Sold: $462,473
Phillips
ASPREY, suite of multi-gem jewelry
Estimate: $13,000 – $18,000
Sold: $30,000
Buccellati, diamond and gold cuff bracelet
Estimate: $9,500 – $11,000
Sold: $20,000
Sotheby’s New York
CHOPARD, 18K white gold and diamond-set limited-edition tourbillon wristwatch
Estimate: $100,000 – $150,000
Sold: $461,000
PATEK PHILIPPE, platinum Perpetual Calendar Tonneau Wristwatch with Retrograde Date and Moon Phases
Estimate: $350,000 – $450,000
Sold: $461,000
