PodcastsJan 12, 2026
The latest poscasttest
AuctionsMar 30, 2020
Sotheby’s Just Had a Very Successful Online Jewelry Auction
It boasted the best sell-through rate of any of the auction house’s online jewelry sales.
Sotheby’s recent Jewels Online sale boasted the auction house’s highest online jewelry auction sell-through rate. Pictured is the top lot from designer Michele Della Velle.
New York—While economic uncertainty is rife amid the coronavirus’ hold on the United States, consumers recently showed they’re still shopping for jewelry online.
Sotheby’s announced Friday that its“Jewels Online” sale, concluded last week, boasted the best sell-through rate of any of the auction house’s online jewelry sales, selling 97 percent of all lots.
Surpassing the $671,600 high estimate for the sale, Jewels Online garnered a total of $739,375.
Half of the lots sold for above their high estimates.
The sale’s top lot was a pair of ruby earrings designed by Michele Della Velle (pictured at top of article), which, at $25,000, sold for more than three times their $7,000 pre-sale high estimate.
David Webb proved to be a hot commodity, with all 11 available items selling for a total $112,000.
The top David Webb lot, and second-highest of the entire sale, was the above gold and enamel cuff bracelet, which sold for $21,250, well above its $6,000 to $8,000 estimate.
Consumers demonstrated a demand for signed jewels, with pieces from Verdura and Tiffany & Co. commanding attention.
From the latter, all 15 lots were sold, with a Paloma Picasso-designed peridot necklace eclipsing its $2,000 pre-sale estimate, going for $12,500.
Verdura, meanwhile, also sold each of its four lots for a total $42,500. A pair of “Byzantine” ear clips in citrine and rhodolite garnet were the top earners, garnering $13,750, though estimated to sell for between $5,000 and $7,000.
Sotheby’s Global Head of Online Jewels, Kendall Reed, noted in a press release: “In this unprecedented moment, collectors were determined to compete for beautiful jewels in Wednesday’s sale, which earned our best sell-through rate to-date for any online jewelry auction.
“Bidders—many new to auction—responded to our well-curated offering of signed jewels, including pieces from famed American makers like David Webb, Verdura and Tiffany & Co. that we offered at accessible price-points. Our global team looks forward to building on this momentum by sourcing more exceptional pieces for upcoming online sales.”
Sotheby’s indicated that 22 percent of buyers were new. Auction participants represented 32 countries and half of all bids were
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
placed on mobile devices.
More on Auctions
The Latest
Weekly QuizOct 03, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
PodcastsJan 12, 2026
Introducing My Next Question, the PodcastA monthly podcast series for jewelry professionals
Brought to you by
Navigating Cybersecurity: Essential Guidance for JewelersFrom protecting customer data to safeguarding inventory records, it's crucial to learn how to tackle cybersecurity challenges.
PodcastsNov 27, 2025
Test Podcast With VideoTest Podcast With Video. New interview with Ada Lovelace.
PodcastsNov 25, 2025
Test New Podcast PostAbstract for tests. New Podcast interview with John Lennon, Jimi Hendrix and Jim Morison.
ColumnistsOct 09, 2024
Peter Smith: 7 Things to Know When Selling LuxuryAhead of the holiday season, Smith delves into the often subconscious reasons people buy luxury products for themselves or their loved ones.
MajorsOct 09, 2024
New Simon Campaign Invites Gen Z to ‘Meet Me At The Mall’The ads celebrate the mall culture of the ‘80s and ‘90s.
MajorsOct 09, 2024
PGI Launches New Virtual Sales TrainingRetail sales associates can access the video series on mobile to refresh their selling skills.
Policies & IssuesOct 09, 2024
GJNRF: Reaching Out, Rebuilding Futures For 25 years, India’s Gem & Jewellery National Relief Foundation has provided aid in the wake of war, natural disasters, and global crises.
SourcingOct 08, 2024
Rio Tinto Begins New Phase of Production That Will Extend Diavik’s LifeCommercial production has begun underground at the Canadian diamond mine’s A21 pipe.
SurveysOct 08, 2024
What to Know About Online Shopping This Holiday SeasonDeloitte and Adobe Analytics shared their insights on the season, from the retail sales forecast to the role of generative AI.
CollectionsOct 08, 2024
Sylvie Adds New Men’s BandsThe Texas-based jeweler collaborated with luxury clothing brand Uncommon Man on men’s bands designed with European influences.
SourcingOct 08, 2024
Is Current Diamond Industry Turbulence Shaping a ‘New Normal’? Industry players have found ways to cope with market conditions while working to reshape themselves in the face of emerging realities.
SourcingOct 07, 2024
Rio Tinto to Offer 76 Diamonds in 2024 Beyond Rare Tender The sales event, in its second year, features a selection of rare diamonds from the miner’s Argyle and Diavik diamond mines.
CollectionsOct 07, 2024
Olympian Kristi Yamaguchi Partners With Heller Jewelers on New CollectionA portion of the proceeds from the “Always Dream” collection will go to Yamaguchi's foundation, supporting early childhood literacy.
SurveysOct 07, 2024
Hill & Co.’s New ‘Business of Jewelry Report’ Is OutThe first in what is slated to be a series of in-depth reports from the consulting company, it focuses on shortening supply chains.
WatchesOct 04, 2024
Watches of Switzerland Clocks Another Acquisition—HodinkeeThe company said Benjamin Clymer will return to his role as head of the watch news website, which will maintain editorial independence.
