Asian Collectors Drive Record-Breaking Auction for Fortuna
NEW YORK (PRWEB) December 21, 2017 -- In their first-ever Magnificent Jewels auction, Fortuna shattered their previous sale records, with the sale realizing a total of $2.3 million, selling 70% by value. With strong interest around the globe, registered bidders came from 41 countries across six continents. The top price achieved in the sale was $994,000 for a rare 10.33ct D Color Internally Flawless emerald cut diamond ring by Van Cleef & Arpels.
Fortuna’s strength in the Asian market continued to shine, with three of the six highest grossing lots being sold to Asian private collectors. “There is a burning desire for important jewelry and gemstones in Asia that far surpasses what we see in the American and European markets. Many of our Asian clients are actively building large private collections, and are very proactive in acquiring large flawless diamonds, gem-quality untreated colored stones, and rare signed pieces. We consistently sell our cover lots and sale highlights to these collectors,” said Anna Lin, Fortuna’s Director of Fine Jewelry, Asia.
Important fancy yellow and colorless diamonds stole the show: a pair of Fancy Vivid Yellow diamond ear studs weighing 2.02cts each achieved $87,500, a 7.65ct Fancy Vivid Yellow diamond ring achieved $237,500, a 5.01ct D Color Internally Flawless emerald cut diamond ring achieved $200,000, a 3.05ct D color Internally Flawless marquise cut diamond ring achieved $81,250, and a pair of diamond cluster earrings achieved $75,000.
360º View of 7.65ct Fancy Vivid Yellow Diamond Ring
Intense bidding wars erupted for many of the lots including an Art Deco diamond bracelet by Oscar Heyman Brothers which sold for $27,500—nearly three times its low estimate, and a Retro charm bracelet that brought $11,875, triple its low estimate. “Excitement and energy filled the auction room. Many of the lots garnered very intense bidding, going far beyond the opening bid. It was a phenomenal sale for us to end the year with, and we look to 2018 with confidence and optimism,” said John Saxon, Fortuna’s President.
The cover lot and highlight of the sale was the 10.33ct D Color Internally Flawless emerald cut diamond ring, by Van Cleef & Arpels. The 10.33ct diamond ring was consigned by an affluent collector on the West Coast, and created a buzz of excitement among diamond collectors and connoisseurs. Not only was the diamond graded as the top color and clarity, but was also determined to be Type IIa. Often called “Golconda” diamonds, after the famous mine in India, Type IIa diamonds are the most chemically pure and are highly sought after by collectors. The chemical purity makes a D grade stone look even whiter than other D grade stones, and often gives them a transparent, watery appearance—making them a true treasure to collectors.
The 10.33ct diamond ring was originally brought to Andrew Kravit, a nationally renowned jewelry appraiser and consultant, to seek his advice on how to best market a ring of such importance. “When selecting a venue through which to showcase such a rare ring to an international audience, I felt that Fortuna presented an ideal sale platform. I knew from my prior experience that their team would work tirelessly to deliver amazing results, and they certainly did,” said Kravit.
The successful Magnificent Jewels auction wrapped up a record-breaking year for Fortuna. Overall sale revenue was up over 300% from 2016, and the recent December auction grossed over 500% more than the December auction of 2016. Fortuna’s no-risk approach to selling, along with their base of private collectors in Asia, has attracted increasing numbers of affluent clients seeking assistance in selling their jewelry and gemstones. “This Magnificent Jewels sale is a major milestone for us. The performance of this sale and the caliber of jewelry and gemstones we sold has shown our strength in selling very important jewelry. We have already seen an increase in private clients contacting us to sell their higher value items,” said Seth Holehouse, Fortuna’s CEO.
Seth Holehouse, Fortuna Inc., http://www.fortunaauction.com/, +1 2123899040 Ext: 109, [email protected]
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