IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser.

Sotheby's Jewelry Auction Hauls Record $141.5 Million

The auction house says seven records were set at the Geneva auction, including the highest amount ever paid for a yellow diamond.
Image: Sotheby's sold a record $141.5 million in jewelry, including the highest amount ever paid for a yellow diamond.
Sotheby's said it sold a record $141.5 million in jewelry at its spring auction, including the highest amount ever paid for a yellow diamond — $16.3 million for the 100.09-carat "Graff Vivid Yellow" diamond ring (center).Martial Trezzini / AP
/ Source: The Associated Press

GENEVA — Sotheby's says its spring auction has sold a world record $141.5 million in jewelry.

The auction house says seven records were set at the Geneva auction, including the highest amount ever paid for a yellow diamond — $16.3 million for the 100.09-carat "Graff Vivid Yellow" diamond ring.

Image: Sotheby's sold a record $141.5 million in jewelry, including the highest amount ever paid for a yellow diamond.
Sotheby's said it sold a record $141.5 million in jewelry at its spring auction, including the highest amount ever paid for a yellow diamond — $16.3 million for the 100.09-carat "Graff Vivid Yellow" diamond ring (center).Martial Trezzini / AP

It said Wednesday that the auction, featuring two diamonds over 100 carats, drew buyers from more than 30 countries.

The second huge diamond, at 103.46 carats, is part of a Graff diamond ring that sold for $4.9 million.

David Bennett, chairman of Sotheby's Switzerland, said that "100 carats is a magical number when it comes to diamonds" and having two such rare gems at auction led to the record haul and intense bidding from around the globe Tuesday night.

-The Associated Press