Headlines

Two Bidders Battle for 20 Minutes Before ‘Oppenheimer Blue’ Sets New All-Time Auction Record at $57.5 Million

Published

8 years ago

May 24, 2016

INSTORE Staff

Blue diamond beats previous mark by more than $9 million.

A protracted bidding war ratcheted up the sale price of the “Oppenheimer Blue” diamond to $57.5 million, setting a new record for the highest-priced gemstone ever sold at auction, writes Howard Cohen of The Jeweler Blog. He says that “two bidders battled back and forth for more than 20 minutes in a dramatic exchange that included 44 individual offers,” noting that the bidding started at $30.4 million and moved higher in $1 million increments. When the auctioneer banged his gavel, the final price stood at $51.2 million before commissions and fees inflated the number to $57.5 million – which is $9 million more than what was fetched by the “previous record-holder, Blue Moon of Josephine.”

This Third-Generation Jeweler Was Ready for Retirement. He Called Wilkerson

Retirement is never easy, especially when it means the end to a business that was founded in 1884. But for Laura and Sam Sipe, it was time to put their own needs first. They decided to close J.C. Sipe Jewelers, one of Indianapolis’ most trusted names in fine jewelry, and call Wilkerson. “Laura and I decided the conditions were right,” says Sam. Wilkerson handled every detail in their going-out-of-business sale, from marketing to manning the sales floor. “The main goal was to sell our existing inventory that’s all paid for and turn that into cash for our retirement,” says Sam. “It’s been very, very productive.” Would they recommend Wilkerson to other jewelers who want to enjoy their golden years? Absolutely! “Call Wilkerson,” says Laura. “They can help you achieve your goals so you’ll be able to move into retirement comfortably.”