Sotheby’s, Phillips Withdraw Top Auction Diamonds

By Rob Bates | November 18, 2025

Both Sotheby’s and Phillips pulled the top diamonds from their auctions last week in Geneva, spokespeople for the companies confirmed to JCK.

The Glowing Rose (pictured), a 10 ct. fancy vivid pink cushion-cut that was expected to fetch as much as $20 million, never made it to Sotheby’s High Jewelry sale on Nov. 12. In addition, Phillips pulled a 6.95 ct. fancy vivid purplish pink diamond ring, which was expected to achieve about $9 million, from its Nov. 10 Geneva Jewels auction.

A Sotheby’s spokesperson tells JCK: “The Glowing Rose is an absolutely beautiful pink diamond, and it has been a privilege to present it to collectors and connoisseurs in recent weeks. However, following discussions with the consignor, the lot was withdrawn prior to the sale.”

The Glowing Rose had attracted attention because it is a cushion cut—similar to what Taylor Swift received for her engagement—and only the third fancy vivid pink cushion larger than 10 cts. to come to auction in a decade.

Phillips had a similar explanation for removing its top lot. “In agreement with the consignor, Phillips made the decision to withdraw the lot prior to the sale,” a spokesperson for the auction house tells JCK.

The withdrawals were first reported in Forbes.

Sotheby’s still generated $37 million from its High Jewelry sale, with 94% of lots sold, and 75% of sold lots beating their high estimate. Adding in the Royal & Noble Jewels results, Sotheby’s took in $51.3 million overall during its Geneva jewelry auctions this month.

Phillips Geneva garnered $17 million in its November jewelry auctions. The Vanderbilt family collection did especially well, with every piece selling and the collection achieving four times its low-end estimate.

(Photo courtesy of Sotheby’s)