By Erika W.
Last night, an emerald and diamond tiara broke auction records at Sotheby’s Magnificent and Noble Jewels sale in Geneva. The rare tiara, which was estimated to sell for $5-10 million, sold for $12.7 million-the highest price ever realized for a tiara at auction. Another top seller was a 10.99 carat fancy intense pink diamond, which sold for $10.8 million. The rare Type IIa stone is the third most expensive pink diamond ever sold at auction. Sotheby’s achieved a grand total of $89.1 million at the May 17 auction.

Photo: Fabrice Coffrini/AFP/Getty Images
The emerald and diamond tiara was commissioned circa 1900 by Count Guido Henckel von Donnersmarck as a gift to his wife Katharina Wassilievna de Slepzoff. For additional images and video, please visit: An Emerald Tiara for May

Photo: Sotheby’s
A Sotheby’s employee holds the 10.99 carat pink diamond described to be the size of a SIM card. For additional information and images of this rare Type IIa pink diamond please visit: Sotheby’s to Auction 10.99 ct. Fancy Intense Pink Diamond
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