Two exceptional fancy colour diamonds – one of them a highly sought-after Argyle diamond – were the top performers at Phillips’ Geneva Jewels Auction.

Held on May 13, 2024, the event generated CHF23.6 million (about US$26 million) from the sale of 97 out of the 131 lots offered. Top-billing the auction was a 6.21-carat Type IIa fancy vivid pink diamond of VS1 clarity grade that sold for CHF10.8 million (approximately US$12 million).

Another highlight of the sale was “The Argyle Phoenix,” a "very rare" fancy red diamond of 1.56 carats, which fetched CHF3.8 million (around US$4.2 million) and achieved a world record for a fancy red diamond sold at auction. Price per carat was US$2.7 million – also a world record for a red diamond.

Benoît Repellin, Phillips’ Worldwide Head of Jewellery, revealed that The Argyle Phoenix, the largest known round brilliant fancy red diamond, was sold to Laurence Graff. 

“Notable jewels from esteemed houses like Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Harry Winston, alongside exquisite coloured diamonds, sapphires, and emeralds, also achieved impressive results,” noted Repellin. 

Phillips’ next jewellery auction is scheduled for June 12 in New York.