Large Sapphires to Lead Christie's New York

RAPAPORT... A collection of large sapphires will take center stage at the Magnificent Jewels auction at Christie's in New York next month, with the top item expected to fetch up to $7 million.The bracelet, which is from a private collection, features a 43.10-carat Kashmir sapphire surrounded by 67.90 carats of diamonds. It's estimated to bring in $5 million to $7 million at the December 8 sale, Christie's said Monday. Meanwhile, a cabochon, 21.72-carat Kashmir sapphire ring designed in 1917 by Van Cleef & Arpels has an upper estimate of $2.7 million, while an 80.86-carat Burma sapphire necklace carries a high valuation of $1.6 million. The auction house will also sell an Art Deco 12.64-carat Kashmir sapphire and diamond brooch by Cartier, which was previously in the collection of philanthropist Jean Stralem. That piece has a high presale estimate of $1.5 million.Other notable items include a pair of earrings, with one containing a 2.61-carat, fancy-intense-purplish-pink diamond, and the other a 2.34-carat, fancy-intense-pink diamond. The set, which is potentially internally flawless, is valued at up to $2.2 million. A 102.61-carat, Y- to Z-color, VS2-clarity diamond has a high presale estimate of $1.2 million.Christie's will also showcase the Vanderbilt Diamond Necklace, previously belonging to Wendy Vanderbilt Lehman, estimated at $500,000 to $800,000, as well as a selection of jewels from notable private collections, and signed pieces by well-known designers.The auction house will hold its Jewels Online sale from November 18 to December 1, prior to the live New York sale.Image: The 43.10-carat Kashmir sapphire. (Christie's)