The majority of this week’s events can be summed up in a single word: vintage. As in, high jewelry and luxury timepieces (in Hong Kong), two historic artifacts recovered from the Titanic (Chicago), and a general treasure hunt across multiple vendors under one roof (New York City). Plus: a virtual event featuring half a day’s worth of educational programming hosted by AGS (no travel required!).
BID
Freeman’s Watches Sale: April 22, 10 a.m. Central time (in person and online)
The undeniable highlight of this live auction featuring timepieces by the market’s most collectible—and prestigious—watchmakers are two important historic artifacts connected to the Titanic’s fateful voyage. Only one is a watch, but both objects were the property of business magnate John Jacob Astor IV and were reportedly found with his body when it was recovered days after the luxury liner sank: an 18k gold Patek Philippe pocket watch, sold by Tiffany & Co., and a 14k gold Battin & Co. pencil case.
Sotheby’s High Jewelry Sale: April 23, 11 a.m. Hong Kong time (in person and online)
The headliner of the High Jewelry sale in Hong Kong—which starts at 11 p.m. Eastern time on April 22—is the Jwaneng 28.88, an internally flawless diamond estimated to fetch up to $2.8 million. Representing a collaboration between the auction house and De Beers, “the Jwaneng 28.88 is a perfect emblem of De Beers’ unmatched legacy in diamonds,” Quig Bruning, head of jewels at Sotheby’s, said in a statement. “It’s at once a vanishingly rare feat of nature, combined with a master class in diamond cutting and polishing. Natural diamonds truly are forever, and I cannot think of a better stone to symbolize this special collaboration.”
Sotheby’s Important Watches Sale: April 24, noon Hong Kong time (in person and online)
Sotheby’s has already begun to generate substantial buzz about this auction, the first of three events featuring “the largest and most comprehensive collection of vintage Cartier watches in auction history” according to the auction house The Hong Kong sale—which begins at midnight on April 23 for those in the eastern U.S.—will be followed by Geneva (May 10) and New York (June 15). Included are some of the rarest, most recognizable models, such as the Baignoire, Octagonal, Driver, and specialized vintage Tank variations.
WATCH
AGS Confluence: April 22, 1–4:30 p.m. ET (online)
This virtual half‑day event organized by the American Gem Society (AGS) features expert‑led educational sessions covering AI design trends (presenter: Michael Magee, GIA); “Communicating Responsibility With Clarity and Credibility” (presenter: Brandee Dallow, Grandview Klein Diamond Group); and diamond sales training (presenter: Grace Isley, Natural Diamond Council). There will also be a panel discussion on the industry’s hot topics moderated by Rob Bates, author of The Jewelry Wire on Substack. Register here; AGS members attend free.
ATTEND
New York City Jewelry Antiques & Object Show: April 23–26 (in person)
Held at Manhattan’s Metropolitan Pavilion, the spring edition of this showcase of art objects, rare collectibles, plus jewelry old and new kicks off with a special trade-only preview on April 23 (2–7 p.m.). Be sure to add these JCK editor favorites to your list of booths to visit: the Eden Collective, Jewels by Grace, Lauren DeYoung Jewelry, Lauren Addison, and Wilson’s Estate Jewelry,
Top: Anna drop huggies with 0.97 ct. t.w. light brown-yellow pear-shape diamonds in 18k yellow gold, price on request; Jade Ruzzo
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