New York, 10 June 2026 - Phillips' New York Jewels auction realized $4,133,805 (£3,090,576 / €3,580,580), selling 95 percent by lot, with 107 of the 113 lots offered finding buyers. The sale was led by an extraordinary emerald and diamond necklace, which sold for $541,800, and demand for signed jewels proved especially strong, with examples by makers such as Harry Winston, Cartier, and JAR selling 100 percent by lot and doubling their overall pre-sale estimate. Two esteemed single-owner collections, formerly from the collections of Irma Nicolas and Tina Hills, each doubled their pre-sale estimates.
Dianne Batista, Head of Jewels, New York, and Senior Vice President, and Cristina Rodrigo, Specialist and Head of Sale, jointly reflected on the result. "It was wonderful to see such enthusiasm from our collecting community around the globe as we concluded our jewels auctions for the spring season at Phillips," they said, noting that 82 percent of sold lots achieved prices within or above estimate. They added that Phillips "has continuously demonstrated a proven ability to achieve strong results for single-owner collections, and today's results underscore that commitment by our international team."
The leading lots
An emerald and diamond necklace anchored the sale, selling for $541,800 against an estimate of $500,000 to $800,000. A fancy intense yellow diamond ring followed at $258,000, surpassing its estimate of $150,000 to $250,000, while a Paraiba tourmaline and diamond pendant necklace realized $167,700. Two diamond rings each brought $154,800, as did an emerald and diamond ring, and a pair of Harry Winston diamond earrings, the "Winston Cluster," sold for $141,900. A Paraiba tourmaline and diamond ring achieved $129,000, and a further diamond ring reached $116,100.
Strength for single-owner collections
The momentum achieved across the spring for the Collection of Tina Hills continued into the auction, with forty lots realizing impressive results. Most notably, the De Vroomen Tourmaline, Diamond and Enamel Pendant Brooch, 1999, skyrocketed past its estimate of $3,000 to $5,000 to lead the group at $100,620. The Collection of Irma Nicolas achieved a white-glove, 100 percent sold result. Both collections doubled their pre-sale estimates, further reinforcing the strength of the market and the continued confidence in jewels from private collections.
Top ten lots
| Lot | Description | Estimate | Price achieved |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40 | Emerald and Diamond Necklace | $500,000 to $800,000 | $541,800 |
| 38 | Fancy Intense Yellow Diamond Ring | $150,000 to $250,000 | $258,000 |
| 88 | Paraiba Tourmaline and Diamond Pendant Necklace | $200,000 to $300,000 | $167,700 |
| 97 | Diamond Ring | $120,000 to $220,000 | $154,800 |
| 39 | Emerald and Diamond Ring | $120,000 to $180,000 | $154,800 |
| 83 | Harry Winston, Pair of Diamond Earrings, 'Winston Cluster' | $100,000 to $150,000 | $141,900 |
| 98 | Paraiba Tourmaline and Diamond Ring | $80,000 to $120,000 | $129,000 |
| 41 | Diamond Ring | $90,000 to $120,000 | $116,100 |
| 70 | De Vroomen, Tourmaline, Diamond and Enamel Pendant Brooch, 1999 | $3,000 to $5,000 | $100,620 |
| 42 | Emerald and Diamond Ring | $40,000 to $50,000 | $96,750 |
The sale arrives as Phillips marks its 230th anniversary in 2026. Founded in 1796 by the auctioneer Harry Phillips, the house has celebrated more than two centuries at the forefront of the global market for Modern and Contemporary Art, Design, and Luxury, and today holds its principal auctions in New York, London, Geneva, and Hong Kong.
Estimates do not include buyer's premium; prices achieved include the hammer price plus buyer's premium. Exchange rate on 10 June 2026: US$1 = £0.7478, €0.8662, HK$7.836.
(Press Release)
