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
De Beers Group Reports H1 2026 Production Surge
The company reported a significant increase in production volume while maintaining its full-year production target of 21 to 26 million carats.
De Beers Group today released its operational and sales performance update for the second quarter and first half of 2026. Driven by strong recovery efforts and strategic access to higher-grade ore bodies, the company reported a significant increase in production volume while maintaining its full-year production target of 21 to 26 million carats.
Despite market pressures stemming from broader macroeconomic volatility, the company continues to advance operational streamlining and cost-optimization initiatives to ensure long-term resilience.
Key Highlights & Operational Summary
- Q2 Production Surge: Production jumped 88% year-on-year to 7.8 million carats in the second quarter, bringing total H1 output to 14.9 million carats (+46% YoY).
- Volume Growth: Consolidated H1 sales volume expanded 13% to 12.4 million carats (total sales volume up 20% to 14.8 million carats).
- Full-Year Guidance Reaffirmed: Full-year output remains targeted at 21–26 million carats, with second-half production planned to balance out via scheduled maintenance and a temporary operational pause at the Venetia mine.
- Resilient High-Value Demand: While entry-level categories faced broader pricing shifts, pricing for higher-value natural diamonds remained firm, providing baseline support to the overall index.
Market Dynamics & Strategic Response
Trading conditions during the first six months of 2026 reflected ongoing global macroeconomic uncertainties and regional conflicts that weighed on general consumer sentiment. Additionally, lower-value natural categories experienced continued pressure from lab-grown alternatives.
In response, De Beers actively adjusted its sales strategies, utilizing its inventory mix to meet existing market demand. While lower-value inventory sales shifted the average realized price to $105 per carat for H1, the company noted that underlying value indices for premium, higher-grade natural goods remained stable throughout the period.
Outlook & Portfolio Optimization
Looking ahead to the second half of 2026, De Beers will align production output directly with global demand signals. The anticipated surge from H1 will be offset by:
- The previously announced two-year operational pause at the Venetia mine.
- Planned facility maintenance at the Orapa and Jwaneng operations in Botswana.
Anglo American continues to execute its operational transformation and strategic divestment plans for De Beers, ensuring capital discipline and long-term organizational value.
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