37-Carat 'Raj Pink' Diamond Could Fetch $30 Million

The 37.30-carat "Raj Pink" diamond will be the top lot at Sotheby’s Geneva Magnificent Jewels and Noble Jewels sale on November 15 with a hefty estimate of $20 million - $30 million.

“The discovery of any pink diamond is exceptional, but The Raj Pink’s remarkable size and intensity of color places it in the rarefied company of the most important pink diamonds known,” said David Bennett, worldwide chairman of Sotheby’s International Jewellery Division. 

According to Sotheby’s, the rough diamond that yielded The Raj Pink was studied for over a year after its discovery in 2015. It was then entrusted to a master cutter, who crafted it into a cushion-modified brilliant cut.

The diamond was named by its current owner, who requested anonymity. Its meaning is based on the Sanskrit word for king. 

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA), in its report characterized the diamond as an “astonishing stone,” describing its hue as “a very bright and ravishing fancy intense pink color,” adding, “For a diamond to display strong, unmodified pink color like that observed in The Raj Pink is rare, particularly at so considerable a weight.”

The discovery of a gem-quality pink diamond of any size is an extremely rare occurrence. Of all diamonds submitted to the GIA each year, fewer than 0.02% are predominantly pink, Sotheby’s said.

The current record holder for a fancy intense pink diamond is the 24.78-carat “Graff Pink,” which sold for more than $46.1 million at Sotheby’s Geneva, 2010.

“Only on the rarest occasions do diamonds with vibrant, shocking color like the Raj Pink’s emerge,” GIA said. “Only the most privileged and knowledgeable in the industry know of their existence. With an unmodified Fancy Intense Pink hue, substantial size and desirable clarity, the Raj Pink is certainly one of those gems that only few may have the honor of experiencing.” 

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Christie’s To Sell The De Grisogono 163-Carat D-Flawless Diamond

The De Grisogono diamond suspended from an asymmetric necklace with a trailing on the left side of 18 emerald-cut diamonds and to the right two rows of pear-shaped emeralds

Christie’s is selling the largest D-color flawless diamond to ever appear at auction, a 163.41-carat emerald-cut stone owned by the Geneva-based luxury jeweler, De Grisogono.

It will be a highlight of Christie’s Magnificent Jewels sale in Geneva to be held November 14 at the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues. The diamond is currently on a world tour.

The diamond was cut from a 404-carat rough discovered in February 2016 in the Lulo mine in Angola. Given the name, “4 de Fevereiro,” it is the 27th biggest rough white diamond ever discovered and the largest in Angola. Fawaz Gruosi, founder of De Grisogono, purchased the rough diamond. He had it analyzed in Antwerp and cut in New York, where a team of 10 diamond-cutting specialists spent 11 months mapping, plotting, cleaving, laser-cutting and polishing the rough into the gem.

The De Grisogono 163.41-carat diamond, the largest D-color flawless diamond ever come at auction

The diamond is the centerpiece of an asymmetric necklace with a trailing on the left side of 18 emerald-cut diamonds and to the right two rows of pear-shaped emeralds, offering a contrasting appearance. No gold is visible between the emeralds as the gems are perfectly matched and the metal is darkened to create the chiaroscuro effect that is characteristic of De Grisogono jewels. The prongs holding in place the 163.41-carat diamond disappear under four baguette-cut diamonds creating an effect of dazzling brilliance. The reverse side of the gold basket is engraved with the diamond’s weight and set with more diamonds.

It took 14 craftsmen more than 1,700 hours to create the necklace.

Rahul Kadakia, international head of Christie’s Jewels said the “emerald and diamond necklace propels De Grisogono into a class of their own.”

The 404-carat rough diamond, "4 de Fevereiro," that created the 163.41-carat D-color flawless diamond that will be sold at Christie's

This diamond necklace marks the first jewel in a partnership between the auction house and the high jeweler in which they “will bring to auction the most exquisite diamonds ever offered to the market.”

The schedule for the worldwide tour is as follows:

Christie’s Hong Kong
September 28 – October 1
22nd Floor, Alexandra House, 18 Chater Road Central

Christie’s London
October 4 -7.
8, King Street, SW1Y 6QT London

Christie’s and De Grisogono in Dubai
October 17 - 19

Christie’s New York
November 3 - 6
Rockefeller Centre, 20 Rockefeller Plaza

Christie’s Geneva
November 9 - 14
Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues, Quai des Bergues 33 

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3-Carat Fancy Blue Diamond To Be Featured At Heritage Auctions Jewelry Sale

A 3.23-carat natural fancy blue diamond is one of the top attractions of Heritage Auctions Beverly Hills Fine Jewelry sale on September 25. 

The gem with an SI2 clarity grade is set on a platinum ring flanked by two round white diamonds and has a pre-sale estimate of $900,000 to $1.2 million. 

The fancy blue diamond is one of a trio of gems being featured at the September 25 auction. The others are: 

* A 5.04-carat cushion-shaped fancy intense purplish-pink diamond mounted on a platinum ring and flanked by bullet-shaped diamonds. Its estimate is $100 - $150,000.

* A 10.45-carat oval modified brilliant-cut fancy yellow diamond measuring mounted on 18k gold, flanked by triangle-shaped diamonds weighing a total of approximately 1.00 carat. Its estimate is $40,000 to $70,000. 

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92-Carat Heart-Shaped Diamond Fetches World Auction Record $14.9

A 92-carat D Flawless heart-shaped diamond sold for $14.9 million at Christie’s Geneva Magnificent Jewels sale Wednesday. It set a world record for the price of a heart-shaped diamond sold at auction. 

It sold just above its $14 million low estimate. The jewel was given the name, La Légende. It was created by Boehmer et Bassenge, a high jewelry house that was launched a year ago. The company began working with the auction house last year.

Another big sale for the evening was a 15.03-carat unheated Burmese ruby mounted on a diamond ring that sold for $12.9 million ($861,000 per carat), within its estimate of $10 - $15 million.

In addition, a 7.97-carat fancy intense blue cushion-shaped diamond fetched more than $12.7 million, smashing its $3 million high estimate and setting an auction record per carat at $1.6 million, according to Christie’s. 

These were the top three items of the sale held at the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues that featured 267 lots, achieving $94.5 million, with 85% sold by lot and 90% sold by value.  

Other highlights include:

A 56.03-carat, pear-shaped D color, potentially IF diamond pendent on a diamond necklace by Chopard fetched $6.3 million ($113,000 per carat);

A 4.05-carat square-cut, fancy deep blue VS1 diamond sold for $4.3 million ($1.05 million per carat);

A 47.63-carat cushion-shaped Burmese sapphire sold for more than $2.4 million ($50,500 per carat), three times its high estimate. 

A ruby and diamond four leaf clover brooch by Boucheron fetched $2.2 million, three times its high estimate. 

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‘Rockefeller Emerald’ Poised To Break Two World Auction Records

It has size, provenance and "exceptional" quality. Now the 18.4-carat “Rockefeller Emerald” is poised to set new world auction records for an emerald jewel and an emerald per carat.

The Colombian emerald set on a diamond and platinum ring by famed New York jeweler, Raymond C. Yard, will be the highlight of Christie’s New York Magnificent Jewels auction on June 20. The gem, which passed through several members of the Rockefeller family, has a presale estimate of $4 million - $6 million.

It seems fitting that the sale will be held at Christie’s Rockefeller Center headquarters, named after the same family that owned the emerald ring.

The current world record for an emerald jewel and an emerald per carat is believed to be held by a 23.46-carat emerald and diamond pendant brooch by Bulgari, formerly owned by Elizabeth Taylor. It sold for more than $6.5 million ($280,000 per carat) in December 2011 as part of the landmark auctions of “The Collection of Elizabeth Taylor” at Christie’s New York.

If the emerald sells for its $6 million high estimate it will easily beat the current per-carat record. If it exceeds its high estimate it would likely surpass the overall record.

The emerald of Colombian origin was purchased in 1930 by John D. Rockefeller, Jr., the only son among the five children of Standard Oil co-founder John D. Rockefeller. It was part of a brooch believed to have been created by Van Cleef & Arpels for his wife, Abby Aldrich Rockefeller.

When Aldrich Rockefeller passed away in 1948, the brooch was disassembled and the 18.4-carat emerald was given to his son, David Rockefeller. The son then asked Yard to mount the gem on a ring.

Yard—the personal jeweler to several Rockefeller family members—created a classic and understated diamond and platinum setting for the gem. The ring is considered to be one of Yard’s most important private commissions, according to Christie’s.

Christie’s says the Colombian emerald is described by the American Gemological Laboratories as “exceptional,” and possesses what AGL calls an “unusual combination of size, provenance, absence of treatment and quality factors [that contribute] favorably to its rarity and desirability.”

“Due to its rarity, an emerald of this quality and significant weight is not readily found in the market, and it is ranked at the top of its class,” Christie’s added in a statement. “Though it has passed on to other hands, this superb Colombian emerald still embodies the grandeur of the Rockefeller family name.”

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92-Carat Flawless Heart Shaped Diamond To Appear At Christie’s Geneva Sale

A 92-carat D Flawless heart shaped diamond is estimated to fetch $14 - $20 million at Christie’s Geneva Magnificent Jewels sale, being held May 17 at the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues.

The diamond is beings sold as the centerpiece of a cultured pearl necklace with the name, La Légende. The piece was created by Boehmer et Bassenge, a high jewelry house that was launched a year ago.

La Légende, a cultured pearl necklace, by Boehmer et Bassenge, featuring a 92.15 carats, D, Flawless heart-shaped diamond

The heart-shaped diamond is the highlight of an international tour of jewels in the upcoming sale—making stops in Hong Kong (March 30 – April 2), London (April 10 – 12) and New York (April 21 – 25 and May 5 – 8).

La Légende is one of two jewels by Boehmer et Bassenge that will be part of the Geneva auction and the worldwide preview of jewels and gems. The other is La Vie Bohème, chandelier earrings, each with an asymmetrical pink diamond bow, a pear-shaped diamond connecting link, and each suspending a marquise-cut diamond weighing approximately 10.07 and 10.05 carats. Each drop is a D color, flawless clarity diamond. The estimate is $2 - $3 million.

The May 17 auction at the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues, will feature approximately 250 jewels. It will include diamond and ruby earrings and bracelet once owned by Elizabeth Taylor, a Cartier and Art Déco collection assembled by Cartier expert Éric Nussbaum and Italian jewelry designs from the 1900s to the present day in a dedicated "Dolce Vita" section. Among other highlights:

A 15.03-carat unheated Burmese ruby set on a diamond ring with an estimate of $10 - $15 million.

A 14.88-carat unheated Kashmir sapphire set on a diamond ring with an estimate of $1 - $1.5 million.

A Cartier diamond and platinum fringe necklace once owned by the late Doris Duke is part of the sale. The 20th Century heiress purchased the necklace at Cartier New York in 1937 for $65,000. The mounting alone was auctioned by Christie’s in 2004 as Duke removed all of the larger diamonds for use in her other jewels. The buyer spent years replacing all of the missing stones with age appropriate diamonds, Christie’s said. It will now be offered at the Geneva sale with an estimate of 3-5 million.

The sale also includes a number of colored diamonds and signed jewels from Boucheron, Cartier, Harry Winston and JAR. 

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Signed Jewels That Sparkle At Sotheby’s Hong Kong Sale

Unique pair of ruby and diamond bangles by Bhagat and a diamond, sapphire and emerald ‘Panthère’ Ring by Cartier. All photos courtesy of Sotheby's

Among the approximate 196 lots at Sotheby’s Hong Kong “Magnificent Jewels and Jadeite Spring Sale” are an Art Deco mystery clock by Cartier, a pair of ruby and diamond bangles by famed Indian designer, Bhagat, and a gem and diamond necklace by Mauboussin. 

You may have also heard about a particular 59.60-carat pink diamond known as the “Pink Star.” 

While the focus will be deservedly on the Pink Star, there are many other jewels, gems and art objects that will be offered at the April 4 sale at the at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Among the highlights are: 

Art Deco Gem Set and Diamond Mystery Clock, ‘Le Ciel’ by Cartier, 1928
This collection of clocks produced by Cartier between 1922 and 1931 incorporated antique Chinese jade carvings from the 18th and 19th centuries. Le Ciel is one of only thirteen clocks from the collection still known to exist, according to the auction house. The dial is embellished with bejeweled shooting stars and planets on a night sky. The dial is supported by two antique jade carps. Its estimate is $1.36 million - $1.81 million.

Important Jadeite and Diamond Demi-Parure
Being a Hong Kong sale, jadeite will always play starring role. The necklace in this set consists of seven highly translucent oval jadeite cabochons of brilliant emerald green color, embellished with circular-cut diamonds. It comes with a matching set of jadeite cabochon earrings. Its estimate is $2.58 million $3.87 million.

Gem Set and Diamond Pendent Necklace by Mauboussin
This colorful necklace by the Parisian jeweler features circular- and single-cut diamonds, embellished with sapphires, rubies and emeralds, accented by black enamel. The diamonds weigh approximately 18 carats. Its estimate is $765,000 - $970,000.

Fine Diamond Bracelet by Harry Winston
Designed as six rows of pear-shaped diamonds decorated with circular-cut diamonds, the platinum necklace has a total diamond weight of approximately 124.06 carats. Its estimate is $258,000 - $323,000.

Unique Pair of Ruby and Diamond Bangles by Bhagat
Sotheby’s refers to the Indian jewelry brand as “one of the greatest living jewelers,” with works that represent a fusion of artistry and craftsmanship that draws inspiration from classic Indian themes. Each bangle is set with 38 oval rubies (60 carats), to the edge of floral motifs embellished with circular-cut diamonds (30 carats). Its estimate is $252,000 - $361,000.

Diamond, Sapphire and Emerald ‘Panthère’ Ring by Cartier
This panther ring is pavé-set with circular-cut diamonds weighing approximately 4.50 carats, embellished with sapphire spots, emerald eyes and an onyx nose, mounted in platinum. Its estimate is $194,000 - 258,000. 

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Phillips Auction To Feature Four Patek Watches Signed By Tiffany

Patek Philippe Reference 2499, Second Series. Photo courtesy of Phillips

Four Patek Philippe watches sold and signed by Tiffany & Co. will be among the top items at the Phillips and Bacs & Russo Geneva watch auction, being held May 13 and 14 at Hôtel La Réserve. Other highlights of the sale include seven rare Rolex watches, a collection of cloisonné enamel timepieces and more collectible Patek watches.

The selection of Patek Philippe watches retailed and signed by Tiffany & Co. are as follows:

Patek Philippe Reference 2499, Second Series (above and top photo)
An extremely rare yellow gold perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch with moon phase retailed by Tiffany & Co., circa 1960, with an estimate of nearly $1 million - $2 million. Reference 2499 was introduced in 1951 and was made for a period of 34 years, in four different series, a total of 349 pieces were made, “making this a highly exclusive reference in the company’s history,” the auction house says. There are only two reference 2499 second series with a Tiffany & Co. signature on the dial that are known, one with Arabic numerals and the other, the piece for sale, with baton indexes.

Patek Philippe World Time Wristwatch, Reference 2523/1
An extremely rare 18k gold dual crown world time wristwatch with 24-hour indication retailed by Tiffany & Co., circa 1963, has an estimate of nearly $900,000 - $1.8 million. Launched in 1953, reference 2523 featured a two-crown system, one for winding the watch and the other at 9 o’clock controlling the city disc. Two versions were available, reference 2523 with larger lugs sitting above the bezel and reference 2523/1 with a slightly larger diameter and thinner lugs. There are believed to be only nine reference 2523/1 known in all case metal and dial combinations, with only one having the Tiffany & Co. signature, according to the auction house.

Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar, Reference 3450
This piece is described as a “highly exclusive” yellow gold perpetual calendar watch with moon phases and "red dot" leap year indicator retailed by Tiffany & Co., circa 1985. Its estimate is nearly $220,000 - $320,000. Introduced in 1981 as the successor of reference 3448, Patek Philippe’s first self-winding perpetual calendar watch, the reference 3450 houses the 27-460 QB caliber. There are five accounted for Tiffany & Co. signed reference 3450s to have been offered at public auctions, according to the auction house.

Patek Philippe Reference 2597
A rare gold wristwatch with a separate adjustable hour hand retailed by Tiffany & Co., circa 1961, with an estimate of nearly $70,000 - $120,000. Based on Louis Cottier’s “Time Zone Watch” system developed in 1959, the reference 2597 was made in two versions. The first generation models, such as the one being sold, feature an independently adjustable hour hand using pushers found on the left side of the case for setting the hour hand forward or backwards in one-hour increments, according to the auction house. The second version, launched in 1962, featured an additional hour hand. It is one of only a few known 2597 models with the Tiffany & Co signature.

Other standouts include a selection of vintage and modern timepieces featuring cloisonné enamel, including a Patek Philippe yellow gold pocket watch with cloisonné enamel dial depicting North America, reference 605 HU (estimate at nearly $300,000 - $600,000), and a Patek Philippe mechanical cloisonné enamel dome table clock, ref. 743E, made in 1959 (estimate at nearly $120,000 - $250,000).

Other exceptional Patek Philippe watches include a “fresh-to-the-market” perpetual calendar in rose gold – “The Tasmanian Rose” (estimate at nearly $400,000 - $800,000). This reference 2497 comes directly from the son of the original Australian owner, where it spent nearly 50 years unworn in a vault. Another highlight is a pink gold split seconds chronograph with pink dial, one of only nine known, reference 1436 (estimate at nearly $350,000 - $550,000). 

To celebrate the 100th anniversary of Cartier’s Tank watch, the sale will include a selection of “rare and highly desirable” variants of the Tank. 

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Phillips Geneva To Auction 7 Rare Rolex Watches, Including The ‘Mythical’ Bao Dai

Rolex Reference 6062 “Bao Dai.”  All photos courtesy of Phillips

The iconic Rolex Reference 6062, “Bao Dai,” will lead a sale of no fewer than seven Rolex watches by Phillips auction house in association with Bacs & Russo. The auction, which will include timepieces from many other luxury watch brands, will be held May 13 and 14 at the Hôtel La Réserve in Geneva.

The Bao Dai chronograph is among the “most valuable and desirable Rolexes” and the “most complicated and iconic Oyster-cased model” ever made by the Swiss watch manufacturer, the auction house said. In addition to its rarity, this particular model also has imperial provenance. It has a pre-sale estimate of more than $1.5 million.

This Rolex triple calendar with moonphase in yellow gold is one of three black dial models known to exist with diamond markers, the auction house said in a statement. Of the three, the Bao Dai, is the only one to feature diamond markers at the even hours. 

The watch belonged to Bảo Đại, the last emperor of Vietnam. According to family legend, Đại (the 13th and last emperor of the Nguyễn Dynasty) purchased the watch in Geneva in 1954, while he attended a conference seeking peace in Indochina.

The “Bao Dai” first appeared on the market in 2002 and was sold by Phillips for what was at the time the most expensive Rolex ever, according to the auction house. A private collector was winning bidder and it had stayed in private hands since.

Aurel Bacs, senior consultant at Phillips, sold the watch at that time. 

“It is an absolute privilege to offer the Rolex 6062 ‘Bao Dai’ for the second time in my career,” Bacs said. “With its incredible imperial provenance, stunning condition, and exceptional rarity, it’s a mythical watch that occupies the dreams of scholars, collectors, and enthusiasts all over the world.”

Other Rolex watches to be sold at the two-day auction include the following: 

The Gold Oyster Paul Newman Chronograph, Reference 6263
The yellow gold Rolex chronograph with "lemon" dial, white graphics and bracelet, circa 1969, is the third known yellow gold Paul Newman Daytona with screw down pushers to appear on the market, according to the auction house. Its estimate is $815,000 - $1.6 million.

The Neptune, Reference 8382
This 37mm yellow gold Rolex watch, circa 1953, is one of two reference 8382s to feature a cloisonné enamel dial depicting Neptune riding the sea. The dial was created by acclaimed enamel artist, Nelly Richard. Its estimate is $305,000 to $610,000.

Stainless Steel, Reference 6062
This triple calendar Rolex watch, circa 1953, with two-tone dial, moonphase and bracelet, and Arabic numerals at 3 and 9 o'clock is among a handful of examples to survive in original condition, the auction house said. Its estimate is $610,000 - $1.2 million.

Tiffany & Co. John Player Special Paul Newman Daytona, Reference 6241
Described by the auction house as “fine, rare, important and probably unique,” this 14k yellow gold Rolex chronograph, retailed by Tiffany & Co, , circa 1968. This is the only known and correct “John Player Special” Paul Newman Daytona retailed by Tiffany & Co, featuring the retailer’s signature on the dial. Its moniker is derived from the color scheme of the iconic “John Player Special” Formula One automobile. Its estimate is $406,000 - $813,000.

The Only Gold ‘Qaboos’ Daytona, Reference 6265
This yellow gold Rolex chronograph with champagne dial and bracelet, especially made for the Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Saided of Oman, circa 1973. This watch is the only known example of a reference 6265 in yellow gold to feature the red Qaboos signature, according to the auction house. Its estimate is $203,000 - $406,000.

The Pre-Daytona Chronograph with Black Galvanic Dial, Reference 6238
This 14k yellow gold Rolex chronograph watch with black galvanic dial and bracelet, circa 1967, is the second known example to appear on the market, which highlights its rarity, the auction house says. Its estimate is $254,000 to $508,000. 

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59-Carat ‘Pink Star’ Diamond Could Fetch At Least $60 Million In Sotheby’s Second Attempt To Sell It

Courtesy of Sotheby's 

“The Pink Star” diamond will be given a second chance to smash world auction records. The Largest Internally Flawless Fancy Vivid Pink diamond ever graded by the Gemological Institute of America will be placed on the auction block for the second time at Sotheby’s Hong Kong Magnificent Jewels and Jadeite sale on April 4.

The 59.60-carat oval-cut diamond has an estimate is more than $60 million, which, if matched, will be a world auction record. 

The diamond first sold for a remarkable $83 million at Sotheby’s Geneva in November 2013, a figure that remains the highest ever for a diamond to this day. However, in February 2014, in its annual report, Sotheby’s said the consortium of buyers, led by diamond cutter Isaac Wolf, had defaulted on the sale. The diamond was placed in its inventory valued at approximately $72 million. The auction house reportedly had to buy back the diamond for $60 million because it had guaranteed that price to the original seller of the diamond.

Courtesy of Sotheby's

In June 2016 Sotheby’s announced it has entered into a partnership with two other firms, Diacore and Mellen Inc., for the diamond. 

Diacore is a multi-national company that specializes in the manufacturing of large, fancy colored and rare stones. The company said it was the original owner of the 132.50-carat rough diamond that created the Pink Star.

Mellen Inc. is a third generation, family run private jeweler based in New York.

View a video of The Pink Star diamond on Sotheby's website.

“At a time of unprecedented demand for the finest in colored diamonds, I am delighted to be bringing this magnificent stone back to the market,” David Bennett, worldwide chairman of Sotheby’s Jewellery Division, said in a statement. “The extraordinary size of this 59.60-carat diamond, paired with its richness of color, surpasses any known pink diamond recorded in history.” 

Currently, the world’s most valuable diamond sold at auction is the 14.62-carat “Oppenheimer Blue,” which sold for more than $57.5 million at Christie’s Geneva sale held May 18, 2016. The Pink Star has the possibility of not only breaking the record but shattering it. 

Courtesy of Sotheby's

The Pink Star is graded as Type IIa, which is rare for any pink diamond, much less one of this size and color. It originated from a 132.5-carat rough mined by De Beers in 1999 and was cut and polished over a period of two years. The Pink Star is more than twice the size of the Graff Pink—a 24.78-carat fancy intense pink diamond that established a world auction record for any pink diamond sold at auction. It sold for $46.2 million, at Sotheby’s Geneva in 2010. 

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Kelly Clarkson’s Quest For Jane Austen's Ring Subject Of TV Show

Jamie Colby (left), host of the FOX Business Network series "Strange Inheritance"

Literary giant, meets pop star, meets British law, meets Jewelry News Network, meets television series.

It’s a strangely connected world we live in. Sometimes it reads like a novel. 

“American Idol” winner Kelly Clarkson is a fan of Jane Austen, the 19th Century English novelist whose own star shines to this day. Clarkson, who collects Austin items, successfully bid for a turquoise and gold ring owned by the writer at a Sotheby’s London auction in 2012. She paid 152,450 pounds ($235,654 at the time of sale), approximately five times the high estimate.

The Jane Austen turquoise and gold ring that became the subject of an ownership war

However, before she could take the ring to her home in Texas the British government stepped in, declaring the ring a national treasure and imposing a temporary export ban. This allowed time for the Jane Austen’s House Museum to match the bid. Clarkson, who originally outbid the museum for the ring, was forced to sell it to them. I wrote about the story in 2013 when the museum was in the process of raising the funds (which included an anonymous donation of 100,000 pounds). The ring is now on permanent public display. 

The story that never seems to die is being revived by the show, “Strange Inheritance,” on the FOX Business Network, hosted by Jamie Colby. It will air February 27 at 9 p.m. EST.

In the episode Colby goes to Oxfordshire, England, to visit Nicky Gottelier, the fifth generation descendant of Austen who inherited the ring. Nicky and her husband David were happy to cash in on their inheritance. Little did they know that the modest ring would be subject of an international dispute.

Colby then traveled to the museum to view the ring and learn its history. 

It certainly appears the couple and museum came out ahead. While Clarkson, according to reports, was gracious in relinquishing its ownership. 

All's well that ends well. Until the next chapter....

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