HONG KONG – A gem called The Sakura sold for a record $29.3 million at the Christie’s Magnificent Jewels auction in Hong Kong.
The stone became “the largest purple pink flawless diamond ever sold at auction,” according to a Christie’s press release. The Sakura is named for the Japanese word for cherry blossom.
The piece was purchased by a private Asian buyer, according to reports.
The May 23 auction totaled $76.8 million. Another notable pink diamond in the sale – The Sweet Heart, a fancy vivid pink diamond ring of 4.19 Carats, sold for nearly $6.6 million.
“We are very excited to have marked another important chapter in jewellery auction history today, with The Sakura realising a record-breaking price of US$29.3 million, continuing Christie’s tradition of offering the finest pink diamonds at auction,” said Vickie Sek, chairman, department of jewelry, Christie’s Asia Pacific.
“The strong sell-through rates and exceptional prices achieved for top quality coloured diamonds and gemstones reflect a robust market demand, and we look forward to extending this strong buying momentum to our upcoming live auction in New York on 8 June.”
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Four Decades of Excellence: How Wilkerson Transformed a Jeweler's Retirement into Celebration
After 45 years serving the Milwaukee community, Treiber & Straub Jewelers owner Michael Straub faced a significant life transition. At 75, the veteran jeweler made a personal decision many business owners understand: "I think it's time. I want to enjoy my wife with my grandchildren for the next 10, 15 years."
Wilkerson's expertise transformed this major business transition into an extraordinary success. Their comprehensive approach to managing the going-out-of-business sale created unprecedented customer response—with lines forming outside the store and limits on how many shoppers could enter at once due to fire safety regulations.
The results exceeded all expectations. "Wilkerson did a phenomenal job," Straub enthuses. "They were there for you through the whole thing, helped you with promoting it, helping you on day-to-day business. I can't speak enough for how well they did." The partnership didn't just facilitate a business closing; it created a celebratory finale to decades of service while allowing Straub to confidently step into his well-earned retirement.
