Sotheby’s Single-Collector Auction Smashes Estimate

A collection of jewelry belonging to the Wolf family exceeded its high presale estimate at Sotheby’s New York, fetching $8 million at auction.

The group, which was 100% sold, contained pieces by well-known designers including René Boivin, Jean Schlumberger, JAR and Harry Winston, Sotheby’s said last week. However, it was Van Cleef & Arpels that dominated the top 10. The sale, which closed on April 20, was estimated to bring in between $4.1 million and $6 million. The jewelry event was part of a series of auctions featuring items owned by the Wolf family.

The top item was a mystery-set ruby and diamond necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels that sold for $673,100, beating its $500,000 upper price tag.

Here are the rest of the top 10 lots:

Main image: The ruby and diamond Van Cleef & Arpels necklace. (Sotheby’s)