Elizabeth Taylor Jewelry Auction Tops $115 Million and Sets 7 World Records

The Christie’s auction room was packed with bidders looking to own a piece of history.   Nearly every item was sold raising over $115 million and setting numerous records.

Tied for second place were the Elizabeth Taylor Diamond, a 33.19 ct. D color potentially flawless stone formerly known as the Krupp Diamond, and the Taj Mahal Diamond, a gift from Richard Burton set in a heart-shaped pendant on a ruby and diamond chain by Cartier. Each realized $8.8 million, against high estimates of $3.5 million and $500,000, respectively.

Above are the 33.19 carat Elizabeth Taylor Diamond ring and Taj Mahal Diamond. In lot 45, was a gold and multigem charm bracelet—this one estimated at no more than $6,000—sold for a hammer price of $160,000, offering a compelling example of just how much the market is willing to pay for an illustrious back-story.

On the first Friday of December Bellman Jewelers holds it annual Holiday Party to showcase our newest jewelry designs for 2011 and introduce new designers.  The party was very well attended by over 200 customers who took the opportunity to enjoy the wonderful food provided by Greenhouse Catering and our open bar featuring wine, champagne and beer.

This year was highlighted by the introduction of Charles Krypell  (you can visit our online holiday catalog to see some of his latest designs)  Charles is an innovator in our industry having built a reputation for very high-end handmade fancy colored diamond rings, bracelets and earrings.

A few years ago he took his design skills and applied them to Sterling Silver and 18k Yellow Gold and created a line of fashion jewelry that has taken the country by storm.  His fresh approach to the medium has resulted in wearable high fashion jewelry at an affordable price.   With over 100 items in stock you are sure to find the perfect holiday gift.

As always our new diamond jewelry designs were a big hit, Miss New Hampshire Regan Hartley was wearing a spectacular 18k tri-colored gold diamond bracelet which was co-designed by Bellman’s and a famous NYC designer.  Her earrings and pendant were from Simon G. In her photo she is joined by Kayla Layton the winner of Miss New Hampshire High School.

I was very pleased with the wonderful effort made by every one of the Bellman’s staff who made this event such a success.  It takes many weeks of preparation to make this night a success.  To all our friends and customers we would like to wish you all a Marry Christmas!

Here is the largest Ruby and Diamond ring we have ever manufactured, weighing in at over 7.50 carats this cushion cut ruby is spectacular in its size and color.  Our customer wanted a special ring for his wife and I spent several weeks locating the perfect ruby.  Over the years I have developed a network for gem-cutters and dealers all over the world allowing me to source any type of gemstone in any quality and size.

I routinely compete with larger retailers for the same gemstones, my advantage is that being located in New Hampshire, my overhead is considerably lower than jewelers located in New York City, Boston or Los Angeles.  Then when you consider that New Hampshire does not have a state sales tax, now your saving an additional 6% to 9.5%.

If you ever have questions or comments please contact me from my website www.bellmans.com 

David

Velvety blue. Liquid blue. Cornflower blue. The sapphire has been beloved for centuries as the ultimate blue gemstone. The ancient Persian rulers believed that the Earth rested on a giant sapphire and that its reflection colored the heavens blue. But just like the endless colors that appear in the sky, sapphire is found in many, many other shades besides blue, from the gold of sunrise, to the fiery reddish-orange of sunset, to the delicate violet of twilight. These diverse colors are referred as the “fancy” colored sapphires.

A gift of a sapphire symbolizes a pledge of trust and loyalty. It is from this tradition that sapphires have long been a popular choice for engagement rings as well as the birthstone for September. Sapphire, like its sister stone, the ruby, is one of natures most durable gemstones making it a popular choice for jewelry.

Sapphires are found in many parts of the world, even right here in the United States, but the most prized stones are from Myanmar (Burma), Kashmir, and Sri Lanka. The purer the blue of the sapphire, the greater the price of the stone can command.  Bellman’s has one of the largest collections of untreated Ceylon Sapphires in New England.

A HUGE yellow diamond known as the “Golden Eye” has recently been auctioned off by the US Marshalls Service to one lucky bidder for as scant $2.8 million dollars. The 43.51 carat Flawless yellow diamond belonged to an Ohio Business man who was convicted of money laundering and conspiracy. Prosecutors say he tried to sell the diamond to an undercover FBI who was posed as a rep for a South American coke kingpin. The agent then forfeited it to the government. The winning bidder has yet to be disclosed as they need to verify the winning bid. I guess maybe this shady business man should have just put it up for sale on Ebay and saved himself about 10 to 20 -years that is!

$1600 — $1700 — $1800/oz. who knows when we hit the top of this roller-coaster ride but I can tell you I never thought we would see $1800/oz gold. Nevertheless, here we are and Bellman’s has seen a significant increase in customers selling gold this last week once gold hit $1800. People are telling me that they are selling their gold for scrap for more than they paid for the item at retail. Amazing!

I can’t say gold will never go higher, but I have a strong feeling that when gold prices start to drop it will happen fast, very fast. So, look in the jewelry box and anything that’s broken or out of style. Bring it in for a quote, you’ll be surprised how quickly it adds up.

We can’t wait to share our stories about the store, the industry and more.  In the meantime, check out our new website.  We look forward to seeing you soon.

-David