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
AGTA appeals US Government to Scrap 10% Import Tariff on Gemstones
Trade body seeks exemption for coloured gemstones under new temporary tariff regime, with potential implications for diamonds.
The American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) has formally appealed to the US government to remove the newly imposed 10% global import tariff on gemstones, and potentially diamonds, warning of its impact on the trade.
The tariff was announced on February 20 after the US Supreme Court struck down President Donald Trump’s reciprocal tariffs issued under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). In response, the administration introduced a temporary 10% import surcharge under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974. The measure will remain in effect for 150 days unless Congress votes to extend it, though further tariff mechanisms have not been ruled out.
AGTA has submitted a formal request to the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), urging that precious and semiprecious coloured gemstones be added to the exception list under Annex I or Annex II. The association argued that these stones are not mined domestically in the US and therefore should qualify for exemption.
Previously, AGTA’s lobbying efforts contributed to diamonds and gemstones being included in Annex III — a list of products eligible for potential exemption from duties for “aligned” countries. This had placed Indian diamonds and gemstones on track for relief following a prospective US-India trade agreement. However, it remains unclear whether Annex III provisions apply under the new tariff framework that recently took effect.
If the across-the-board exemption request is denied, AGTA has asked the USTR to confirm whether Annex III remains a viable pathway for country-specific tariff relief on coloured gemstones.
While the current petition focuses on coloured gemstones, AGTA noted that trade experts believe any exemption granted in this category could effectively extend to diamonds, as seen in past trade agreements such as the US–European Union deal.
“We will continue to work tirelessly toward eliminating tariffs on gemstone imports into the US. We remain fully committed to this effort — giving up is not an option,” said AGTA President Bruce Bridges and CEO John Ford.
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