Courtesy Christie’s

The 392.52 ct. sapphire and diamond necklace that was auctioned for $17.3 million

Christie’s 2014 jewelry auction sales totaled $754 million, making the revered auction house the leading worldwide jewelry auctioneer for the 21st year in a row.

“Our sales have continued to demonstrate the great strength and international appeal of diamonds, colored stones, natural pearls, and vintage and signed jewelry from the leading houses, as well as contemporary creations from such storied artists as JAR,” said Rahul Kadakia, international head of jewelry, in a statement.

Last year was the best year ever for Christie’s, he said. In 2014, the house sold 149 lots at more than $1 million and set 11 new world auction records.

Highlights from the year included a 392.52 ct. sapphire and diamond necklace that sold for $17.3 million and a 13.22 ct. blue that sold for $24.2 million.

Sotheby’s will release its 2014 annual sales report in February, though early reports put the company’s 2014 jewelry sales at $602.5 million.  

JCK