Freeman’s Achieves $4.5M in New York Important Jewelry Auction, Led by Exceptional Diamonds

Reading Time: 7 minutes

(New York)—Freeman’s is proud to report exceptional results from its Important Jewelry auction held on December 11 in New York, which realized $4,511,606 with a 91% sell-through rate. Highlighted by rare diamonds, iconic signed jewels, and the highly sought-after Dayle Haddon Collection, the sale underscores Freeman’s leadership in presenting distinguished private collections and premier jewelry to the global market.

Lot 128 | GRAFF, AN IMPORTANT OVAL DIAMOND RING | Sold for $368,800

Building on the excitement generated during previews nationwide, collectors responded enthusiastically across all categories, driving many lots above estimate and producing a robust 115% sell-through rate by value. Competitive bidding involved participants from around the world, with 553 bidders and 13% being new participants. 

Reflecting on the year’s successes is April Matteini, Senior Vice President | Head of Department, Jewelry. “This was our second year at our Upper East Side gallery, and it is thrilling to be part of the buzz of jewelry week in New York, as we continue to grow our jewelry & watches department. The stellar results of our final jewelry auction for 2025 achieved a 1-million-dollar year-over-year increase, and we are grateful to the clients who entrusted us with the sale of their jewelry.”

Exceptional Diamonds Spark Fierce Bidding, Headlined by a Graff Masterpiece

From left to right: Lot 136 | MARQUISE CUT DIAMOND AND PLATINUM RING | Sold for $57,600
Lot 142 | 12.32 CARAT ROUND BRILLIANT CUT DIAMOND RING | Sold for $171,950
Lot 139 | 10 CARAT OVAL DIAMOND RING | Sold for $114,800

Diamonds drew spirited bidding throughout the sale, with eight of the top diamond 10 lots selling within or above their low estimates, underscoring the market’s deep appetite for exceptional stones. The day’s top lot was an important oval diamond ring from Graff, selling for $368,800 against an estimate of $250,000–$350,000. The piece came from a Private Collection in Boston, MA, and featured an oval brilliant-cut diamond weighing 13.11 carats. Other top performers were:

Lot 131—17 Carat Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Ring, sold for 178,300

Lot 142 — 12.32-Carat Round Brilliant-Cut Diamond Ring, realizing an impressive $171,950

Lot 139 — 10-Carat Oval Diamond Ring, which sold for $114,800

Bold Gold and Bulgari Jewelry Shine in the Sale

Left to Right: Lot 71 | BULGARI, YELLOW GOLD ‘MONETE’ TUBOGAS CHOKER NECKLACE | Sold for $54,400
Lot 75 | BULGARI, YELLOW GOLD 1806 EARLY AMERICAN HALF EAGLE ‘MONETE’ NECKLACE |
Sold for $48,000

Bold gold jewelry performed exceptionally well in the December auction, with collectors responding enthusiastically to both sculptural contemporary designs and iconic signed pieces. Works by Bulgari—renowned for its voluptuous forms, rich yellow gold, and unmistakable Italian glamour—were especially sought after.

The sale featured several standout Bulgari lots, each achieving strong results:

Lot 66 — Bulgari, Yellow Gold and Ancient Coin ‘Monete’ Convertible Necklace, a striking example of the house’s bold, architectural aesthetic, sold for $83,050, one of the top gold results of the day.

Lot 71— Bulgari, Yellow Gold ‘Monete’ Tubogas Choker Necklace, showcasing the maison’s signature flexible, coiled design, realized $54,400 after spirited bidding.

Lot 75— Bulgari, Yellow Gold 1806 Early American Half Eagle ‘Monete’ Necklace, featuring a high karat early American yellow gold 1806 Liberty coin, realized $48,000.

White Glove Status: Strong Response to the Dayle Haddon Collection

Lot 22 | VAN CLEEF & ARPELS, DIAMOND ‘SNOWFLAKE’ EARRINGS | Sold for $70,350

Freeman’s was especially honored to present jewels from the personal collection of Dayle Haddon—the internationally celebrated actress, model, author, and humanitarian known for her enduring influence on standards of beauty and her philanthropic work supporting women and children around the world. The offering drew widespread attention and delivered exceptional results.

Haddon’s collection achieved white-glove status, with 100% of the lots sold affirming both the quality of the pieces and the ongoing resonance of her legacy among collectors.

The top performer was Lot 22, the exquisite Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond “Snowflake” Earrings, which achieved $70,350, far surpassing expectations and capturing the refined elegance synonymous with Haddon’s personal style.

Competitive bidding across her pieces echoed the strong pre-sale interest and confirmed the collection as a defining highlight of the December auction.

Additional Auction Highlights

Lot 132 | TIFFANY & CO., PARAIBA-TYPE TOURMALINE, DIAMOND, AND PLATINUM ‘SOLESTE’ ‘LEAF BASKET’ RING | Sold for $95,750

Lot 200 | THREE ROW DIAMOND AND PLATINUM NECKLACE | Sold for $70,350

Lot 140 | ANDRÉ VASSORT FOR M. GERARD, UNHEATED BURMESE SAPPHIRE, DIAMOND, AND YELLOW GOLD BRACELET | Sold for $64,000

About Freeman’s

Freeman’s is a premier American auction house offering services in multiple categories including fine art, jewelry, design, books and manuscripts, furniture, decorative arts, antiquities, couture, and Asian works of art. With 16 regional locations nationwide, the firm provides auctions, appraisals, private sales, and art advisory services, connecting clients to the global art market. Freeman’s strives to bring art, history, and design to life by connecting people with extraordinary objects through exceptional service and expertise.