News: Graff Ring Sold for Record-Breaking £1.3m by Fellows

A rare, ravishing and extremely expensive ring went under the hammer at Fellows today

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Here’s a closer look at the Graff diamond ring that went under the hammer at Fellows today in Birmingham…

The Fellows Antique and Modern Jewellery Sale, 7 December

Could this be one of the most expensive rings up for grabs in auction history? Fellows Auctioneers have just announced the record-breaking £1.3m sale of the Graff Fancy Yellow Diamond Ring, breaking a house record as the most important piece to be sold by the auction house in its 141-year history. The sale of the ring at a whopping £1,307,600 marks the first seven-figure bid from a regional showroom since 2012, and is the top price in the UK for a regional auction house this year.

“We are delighted with this result. It was a privilege to sell such an important jewel here in Birmingham’s historic and world-renowned Jewellery Quarter” – Alexandra Whittaker, spokesperson for the auction house

Graff Diamonds are known as one of the world’s best cutters of yellow diamonds, so it’s no wonder this particular piece has received so much attention. Always wanted to know how yellow diamonds get their extraordinary colour? The intricate and rare inclusion of nitrogen atoms during their creation gives an irreplaceable fiery colour that is so sought-after. Yellow diamonds are extremely rare and the Fancy Intense ring is a particularly unique piece, which is set to break records at auction.

For 141 years, Fellows has been one of the country’s most prominent auctioneers, chosen to auction this exceptional piece due to their heritage and expertise. They now hold over 50 watch and jewellery auctions a year, including two Rolex “Paul Newman” Daytona watches and jewellery with royal provenance. To date, the Graff Fancy Yellow Diamond ring is their most important piece.

The Hero Lot

The 43.59 carat Fancy Intense Yellow radiant-cut VS2 diamond is set between two white tapered diamond shoulders at 1.62 carats in total. The significant yellow diamond is the centrepiece of a magnificent ring created by Graff Diamonds, sold today at auction in Birmingham for £1.3m.

Other Lots To Know

Other hero lots to know about for this sale include a stunning French mid-20^th Century emerald and diamond bracelet, a Tiffany & Co single stone diamond ring and a Cartier ‘Juste un Clou’ bangle.

Lot 506 – A 20th-Century Emerald & Diamond Bracelet, est. £22,000 – £28,000

‘This beautiful emerald and diamond bracelet is comprised of a series of three old-cut diamond geometric panels, with square and cushion shape emerald collets. Total emerald weight 2.41cts. Estimated total diamond weight 15.50 to 16.50cts. French assay marks. With fitted case.’

Lot 260 – Sapphire and Diamond Earrings by Mouawad, est. £7,000 – £9,000

‘An elegant pair of sapphire and diamond earrings by Mouawad. Each earring is designed as an oval shape sapphire and brilliant-cut diamond articulated tassel, suspended from a floral cluster surmount. Maker’s marks for Mouawad. Total diamond weight 4.74cts.’

Lot 174 – Single Stone Triangular Shaped Diamond, est. £20,000 – £30,000

‘A diamond single-stone ring. A triangular-shape diamond weighing 3.04cts, surrounded by brilliant-cut diamonds and diamond line shoulders. Accompanied by a report, from HRD, stating D colour, SI1 clarity. Total diamond weight 4.44cts.’

When and Where?

The auction took place in Fellows’ Birmingham office and saleroom, at 11 am on 7th December 2017.

View the full online catalogue here.

Find out about future sales here.