Diamond Ring Fetches $31K/ct. at Sotheby's

RAPAPORT... Sotheby's brought in a total of $8.5 million at a New Yorkauction last week, as a 15.13-carat diamond ring more than doubled its high estimate. The pear-shaped, D-color, SI2-clarity, Marianne Ostier piecegarnered $475,000, or $31,395 per carat, against a high estimate of $225,000.It was the top-selling lot at the Important Jewels sale. A diamond ring - set with a cushion-cut, 22.41-carat,L-color, VS2-clarity stone - sold for $437,500, within its valuation of$375,000 to $475,000. Another diamond ring, by designer Harry Winston, alsobeat its estimate. The emerald-cut, 15.88-carat, E-color, SI2-clarity piecewent for $362,500, or $22,827 per carat. It had a high estimate of $300,000. Meanwhile, a cut-cornered rectangular mixed-cut, 6.51-carat,fancy-light-purplish-pink diamond ring, estimated at $525,000 to $575,000,failed to find a buyer. Several pieces by Harry Winston, Van Cleef & Arpels,Tiffany & Co. and Buccellati also sold at the auction. Sotheby's sold 91% of all lots on offer, it said. Image: The Marianne Ostier diamond ring. (Sotheby's)