Huguette M. Clark Estate Auction Includes 9-Carat Pink Diamond

The 9-ct. Belle Epoque cushion-cut, fancy vivid purplish pink diamond ring has an auction estimate of $6 - $8 million. Photo credit: Christie's Images Ltd. 2012

As reported previously, the April 17 Magnificent Jewels auction at Christie’s New York includes 12 items of art deco jewelry and objects from the estate of Huguette M. Clark.

The auction house released images of the items being offered from the estate. The top lot for the auction is a 9-carat pink diamond ring that is estimated to fetch $6 - $8 million (top picture). 

The 19.86-ct. D-color, potentially internally flawless clarity, Type IIa diamond ring by Cartier has an auction estimate of $2 - $3 million. Photo credit: Christie's Images Ltd. 2012

Another notable item is a 19.86-carat rectangular-cut diamond ring by Cartier (pictured above). 

Circa 1925 Art Deco diamond bracelet by Cartier has an auction estimate of $300,000 - $500,000. Photo credit: Christie's Images Ltd. 2012

At least six other items in the auction are from Cartier, including bracelets, a flag brooch and a desk clock. Tiffany & Co. also figures prominently in the sale with at least two items. The auction estimate for the entire collection is $9 to $12 million.

Circa 1925 Art Deco emerald and diamond bracelet by Cartier has an auction estimate of $50,000 - $70,000. Photo credit: Christie's Images Ltd. 2012

The jewelry is part of the sale of Ms. Clark’s residences at 907 Fifth Avenue in Manhattan owned by the late copper heiress. Christie’s International Real Estate has been entrusted with the sale. 

Diamond, ruby and sapphire American Flag brooch by Cartier has an auction estimate of $30,000 - $50,000. Photo credit: Christie's Images Ltd. 2012

Ms. Clark was the youngest daughter of former United States Senator and industrialist William A. Clark. She died May, 2011, at the age of 104.

Circa 1915 ruby, sapphire, emerald and gold bracelet by Tiffany & Co.has an auction estimate of $30,000 - $50,000. Photo credit: Christie's Images Ltd. 2012

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The Clark Pink Diamond Sells for Record $15.7 Million

The 9-ct. Belle Epoque cushion-cut, fancy vivid purplish pink diamond ring from the estate of Huguette M. Clark sold for $15.7 million.

NEW YORK — A 9-carat pink diamond from the estate of Huguette M. Clark sold for more than $15.7 million, after intense, competitive bidding that led to an eruption of applause on the crowded auction floor at Christie’s Tuesday. It is the most valuable pink diamond ever sold in the United States at auction, according to the auction house.

The Belle Epoque cushion-cut, fancy vivid purplish pink diamond, known as “The Clark Pink,” was estimated to fetch $6 to $8 million. Clark, one of the last heiresses of America’s Gilded Age, died in May, 2011, at the age of 104. Her collection of 12 lots drew intense intentional attention because she lived a reclusive life in her later years and her jewels were believed to have been kept in a vault unseen since the 1940s.

The entire collection, which included picture frames, a clock, an American flag lapel and jewelry pieces by Cartier and Tiffany, took in a total of $20.8 million against a presale estimate of $9 million. Other significant items from the estate sale included:

* A 19.86-carat rectangular-cut diamond ring by Cartier that sold for $3.1 million;
* An Art Deco diamond bracelet by Cartier that sold for $578,500; and
* A ruby, sapphire, emerald and gold bracelet by Tiffany & Co. that sold for $266,500.

More images of the Clark estate jewelry can be found by following this link.

The collection was part of Christie’s Magnificent Jewels sale Tuesday that had 305 lots that included signature jewels, items from several estates and serious diamonds. It took in a total $70.7 million, with 95 percent of the items sold by lot and 97 percent of the estimated price realized.

More on other significant sales from the auction later today.

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