International News
Historic Mughal Emerald Jewels to Lead Christie’s Magnificent Jewels Auction in New York
Over 2,000 carats of rare Mughal-era emeralds and multi-gem treasures — including a 470-carat centerpiece — headline a landmark sale alongside prestigious pieces from Anne Bass and Lucille Coleman collections.
Christie’s will showcase an extraordinary array of Mughal jewels at its upcoming Magnificent Jewels auction in New York on June 17, led by a remarkable carved emerald necklace bearing over 1,150 carats of Colombian emeralds. The historic piece is inscribed with the name Ahmad Shah Durrani, founder of the Durrani Empire, and features a massive 470-carat central emerald. Dating back to 1612, this jewel is steeped in royal heritage and has been linked in historical records with other legendary gems such as the Timur Ruby and the Koh-i-Noor diamond. It carries a pre-sale estimate of up to $3 million.
Two additional Mughal masterpieces will also feature in the sale. One is a multi-gem necklace set with four Colombian emeralds totaling nearly 800 carats, expected to fetch up to $3 million. The other is a remarkable necklace strung with over 2,000 carats of spinel and natural pearls, with eight stones engraved with the names of influential rulers including Delhi Sultan Muhammad ibn Tughluq, Mughal emperors Babur, Jahangir, and Shah Jahan. That piece is estimated to sell for as much as $2 million.
These jewels will be presented alongside the personal collection of philanthropist Anne Hendricks Bass, which includes 26 pieces from esteemed design houses such as Van Cleef & Arpels, Bulgari, Cartier, and JAR. A standout from this collection is a pair of Van Cleef & Arpels diamond pendant earrings, estimated at up to $1.8 million, and a JAR sapphire, emerald, and diamond necklace, valued at up to $300,000.
Also featured in the auction is a group of nine Van Cleef & Arpels Mystery-Set jewels from the collection of philanthropist Lucille Coleman, described by Christie’s as a “significant” highlight of the sale.
With its blend of historical depth and iconic 20th-century design, the June auction promises to be one of the most compelling jewelry events of the year.
International News
Platinum Jewellery Gains Share Amid Record Gold Prices, PGI Reports Q4 2025 Market Shifts
Momentum key Regions In The Q4 Validates Platinum’s Growing Relevance In Today’s Jewellery Market.
The Platinum Guild International (PGI) today released its Q4 2025 Platinum Jewellery Business Review (PJBR), highlighting varying regional performance trends, with platinum’s value proposition remaining supportive in key markets against a backdrop of record-high gold prices and evolving trade dynamics.
Tim Schlick, CEO of Platinum Guild International, Said:
“The momentum we observed across key regions in the fourth quarter validates platinum’s growing relevance in today’s jewellery market. With gold prices remaining elevated, platinum continues to offer a premium yet accessible alternative that appeals to value-conscious consumers and luxury buyers alike. Looking ahead, PGI remains committed to partnering with the trade to capitalise on this favourable price dynamic—driving innovation, supporting strategic marketing initiatives, and reinforcing platinum’s enduring value in bridal, fashion, and other key segments.”
Regional Market Highlights
China
China’s platinum fabrication softened further in Q4 after a strong first half, but still recorded a 56% annual increase for 2025. The slowdown was driven by a combination of slower inventory turnover and elevated metal prices, which diverted retailer capital towards gold and dampened restocking sentiment. Wholesalers liquidated generic stock to realise capital gains, while retailers prioritised operational resilience. Despite significant challenges, PGI’s retail partners outperformed the broader market, achieving a 7% year-over-year increase in platinum jewellery sales volume during the last quarter of 2025.
India and the Middle East
In India, platinum jewellery continued to outperform the broader market, with strategic partners’ retail sales growing 10% year-over-year. Overall jewellery demand saw a marginal uptick, supported by the festive season and a shift toward lightweight purchases, though volume growth was constrained by a high comparison base and sharp gold price increases. Promotional efforts for brands such as Men of Platinum reinforced platinum’s value amidst price volatility.
PGI continued expanding its UAE presence by onboarding new retailers, bringing the total to 174 stores at the end of 2025.
Japan
Japan’s jewellery market saw value recover in Q4 due to sustained price increases, while platinum jewellery unit sales recorded a notable 1.5% year-on-year recovery. This upturn was partly supported by substitution away from gold amid extreme price volatility. For the full year, platinum’s share of unit sales rose, whilst white gold’s share declined.
United States
In the U.S., platinum jewellery sales reflected a clear divergence between declining unit volumes and strong value growth, with dollar sales significantly outpacing volumes. Record-high gold prices cooled volume demand across the broader industry, but platinum’s price—remaining less than half that of gold—bolstered its appeal. Despite tariff-related headwinds, the shift from white gold to platinum accelerated, with strategic partners reporting double-digit revenue growth.
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