#1.) Impressive Sapphires:

Showing at Sotheby's Geneva

Blue Sapphires Reign Supreme!

Surprise - The 101 carat Fancy Vivid Allnatt - Withdrawn

Gary Roskin

Roskin Gem News Report

At least four blue sapphire and diamond rings, along with some beautiful natural pearls, and an incredible flame spinel, all performed exceptionally well, including this 17.29 carat cushion-shaped Kashmir sapphire, no heat, set in platinum between triangular diamond shoulders.

This particular piece was estimated to sell for between 500,000 and 800,000 CHF, and it crushed the numbers, selling for over four times the high estimate at just under 3.5 million CHF!



However, the Allnatt, this magnificent 101 carat cushion cut Fancy Vivid Yellow historical diamond, mounted in a Cartier diamond and platinum brooch, went missing from the results column.

Pulled just prior to the auction, the star of the show was not offered.

Tap here for coverage of the Sotheby's Geneva auction results!

#3.) Results from Christie's Geneva

Rapid Bidding kept the day Exciting!

Gary Roskin

Roskin Gem News Report

There were many beautiful pieces in this auction, including two fabulous Cartier clocks, a couple of stunning Burma rubies, several important sapphires including a Graff Burmese sugarloaf, some impressively large colorless diamonds, and several outstanding strands of natural pearls… All of which can be seen here in our highlights review.

We also include videos of the live auction, specifically for the natural pearl sautoirs, several JAR jewels, the Graff sugarloaf Burma sapphire, and yes, even the 202 carat Yellow Rose, "the second highest price ever paid for a yellow stone above 200 carats at Christie’s."

Tap here to see and view our results review of Christie's Geneva!

Gary Roskin

Roskin Gem News Report

Barbara M. Berk is an artist, an expert in textile techniques in metal, and a jeweler, weaving precious metals into museum quality wearable art, including brooches, necklaces, earrings and hair ornaments. Her award-winning works have been worn, displayed, placed in art museums, and now, “Aquamarine Rhapsody,” a woven platinum pendant, featuring a Sherris Cottier Shank carved aquamarine, resides at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History as part of the National Gem Collection in Washington, D.C.

It was a fabulous day in DC - Tap here to read all about the artists and the jewel.

Gary Roskin

Roskin Gem News Report

There may be all sorts of reasons for high steady pricing of gems (supply, demand, rising costs of mining equipment, fuel, shipping, travel, manufacture, etc…), but one reason you may have left out of the equation is seen here in the global economic numbers.

According to reports by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) released in April 2024, updates in current and projected rates of inflation show significant numbers in over a dozen countries, and we take a closer look at a few.

Tap here to see what inflation is predicted for several gem producing countries. It may just be eye-opening!

Lauralee

WhoWoreWhatJewels.com

“When it comes to showcasing stunning jewelry, the Met Gala red carpet always steals the spotlight,” says Lauralee from Who Wore What Jewels. “Renowned as 'fashion’s grandest stage’ and arguably the pinnacle of haute couture events, the Met Gala never disappoints with its display of extravagant and inventive jewelry pieces.”

Well said, Lauralee. The Met Gala is all about Extravagance and being out-of-the-box Creative.

GABRIELLE UNION: Union’s ears donned drop earrings by Paloma Picasso from Tiffany & Co.

And take a look at those two bracelets—two Tiffany High Jewelry bracelets—one featuring a green tourmaline of over 9 carats, and the other, a black opal of over 18 carats, sprinkled with diamonds, evoking the scales of a fish. Talk about making a splash!

Tap here for the WWWJ Met Gala jewel review!

Yes, we know that a Baseball Diamond is not a gem material, but we just have to tell you about this auction. Besides, do you realize how many times baseball writers refer to winning games as "a Gem"? We can tell you ... it's a LOT!

Heritage

Heritage auction house in Dallas, Texas will be auctioning off what has been described as the most valuable sports collectible in sports history.

The Called Shot

So here's the story... Babe Ruth, one of baseball's all time historic figures, steps up to the plate in one of the most contentious games of the 1932 World Series, points to center field, then swings at the next pitch and knocks the ball over the center field fence - calling the shot where he would hit the winning home run.

The Called Shot is legendary. And even though it is debatable even 90 years later as to whether this really happened, it is one of baseball's all time famous stories about one of baseball's all time famous players, George Herman "Babe" Ruth.

The New York Yankees jersey seen here is what Babe Ruth was wearing in game 3 of that 1932 World Series against the Chicago Cubs.

And you won't believe how much the auction estimate is! WOW...

Read the complete story here about this baseball gem!

Gary Roskin –

Roskin Gem News Report –

While the press has been relatively quiet this past week about BHP’s attempted bid for Anglo American, that’s not the case behind the scenes. “The world’s biggest listed mining group (BHP) now has until May 29 to make a firm bid for Anglo American or it will be forced to walk away for at least six months under the UK’s takeover rules after it was granted a one-week extension on Wednesday.”

Is BHP working to come up with a final offer before time runs out on Wednesday the 29th?

Reportedly, Anglo has been pushed to continue listening, but listening to what – or to whom?

Some are reportedly in favor of accepting a potentially higher bid, and divest some of their portfolio (De Beers, etc…), while others think Anglo is moving too fast – a knee jerk reaction to a hostile takeover. Still others feel Anglo should divest anyway - BHP or no BHP.

Read on.

Tap here to catch up with the latest: Anglo vs BHP!

Press Release

Gem-A

May 22, 2024

Gem-A, London, United Kingdom

The Board & Trustees of the Gemmological Association of Great Britain (Gem-A) today announced that Alan Hart has decided to step down as Chief Executive Officer. The Board of Directors has unanimously accepted Alan’s resignation.

For the last eight years, Alan has given Gem-A his leadership, stewardship, network, and positivity to the organisation. The Board would like to take the opportunity to thank Alan for his service to the organisation and wish him every success in his future endeavours.

Gem-A CEO Alan Hart FGA commented: “It has been a privilege to have led the Gemmological Association of Great Britain over the last eight years, providing services to our membership and the wider gems and jewellery industry. I feel fortunate to have been supported by a committed staff team, the Gem-A Board of Trustees, and our international partners."

Tap here for the complete Gem-A announcement and timeline.

Gary Roskin

Roskin GemNews Report

In a bold move by Charles & Colvard, makers of synthetic/created moissanite, it was just announced that IGI, the International Gemological Institute, will be issuing laboratory grading reports on the lab grown product.

Keeping in step with grading laboratory grown diamonds, IGI is adding laboratory grown moissanite to their list.

Could this be a trend?

Are consumers looking for quality even in laboratory grown gem materials? Or is it simply a marketing tool as an added sales feature for synthetic moissanite? Or both?

What is synthetic moissanite, and what does Charles & Colvard say about this new move?

Charles & Colvard

Press Release

“Not all [synthetic] moissanite is created equal,” says Don O'Connell, President and CEO of Charles & Colvard. “The new collaboration with IGI emphasizes our commitment to maintaining brand integrity in a market increasingly saturated with false information and counterfeit products.” 

Tap here for a greater understanding of synthetic moissanite!

SNAG x San Diego June 5–8, 2024

SNAG (the Society of North American Goldsmiths) : 51st Conference.

With 1.4 million people, San Diego is the second largest city in California. The San Diego/Tijuana region is the largest bi-national conurbation shared between the United States and Mexico with a population of 7.1 million.

San Diego/Tijuana have been designated as the 2024 World Design Capital, exemplifying connection, cooperation, and collaboration. Come to SNAG’s conference to gain new creative inspiration and foster lifelong bonds of collaboration and friendship within the jewelry and metals community

Tap here for more conference information!