Big Diamonds Smash Estimates at Heritage

RAPAPORT... A 21.93-carat diamond far outstripped its high estimate at Heritage Auctions' most recent jewelry sale, raking in $300,000.The round brilliant-cut, W- to X-color, VVS2-clarity diamond necklace, which has baguette-cut diamonds set into the chain, was expected to fetch $200,000 at the May 2 Fine Jewels sale, Heritage said last week. In total, the auction realized $5.4 million.A round brilliant-cut, 19.02-carat, J-color, I1-clarity diamond ring from the estate of artist and businesswoman Phyllis Rubin sold for $237,500, above its high estimate. Meanwhile, a citrine and gold jewelry set designed by Raymond Yard, which belonged to Joan Crawford, garnered more than 12 times its $20,000 high estimate. The necklace, brooch and bracelet, which the actress wore in the 1941 film When Ladies Meet, brought in $250,000 as the room erupted in applause, Heritage noted."We knew the star-studded combination of Joan Crawford and Raymond Yard would be an attention-getter, but we were beyond thrilled with the final result," said Jill Burgum, senior director of fine jewelry for Heritage. "This was an exciting moment for the winning bidder, as well as for everyone in the auction room."Other notable items included a 20-piece group of ear clips by Paris-based designer JAR, amassed over a 10-year period by a single individual. Two pairs of those did especially well, Heritage stated. The first, a pair of pink pansy-themed titanium ear clips, fetched $27,500, while a set of white gardenia-themed clips made of resin sold for $20,000.Image: The 21.93-carat diamond necklace. (Heritage Auctions)