Diamond Necklace Fetched $1.7m As Christie's Announces 10% Sales Rise

Published on 23/07/08

A diamond necklace was among the items that have driven Christie's International sales up by ten per cent in the first six months of 2008.

The art business, founded in 1766 by James Christie, has announced worldwide sales of £1.8 billion for the first half of the year, compared to last year's corresponding figure of £1.6 billion.

Jewellery sales represented some £150 million of the total, compared to £19 million for books and manuscripts and £497 million for impressionist and modern art.

In the Middle East, the organisation's fourth Dubai sale series reached $40 million (£20 million), with four works selling for more than $1 million.

One of these was a pearl and diamond necklace, which fetched $1.7 million at auction in Dubai.

Edward Dolman, chief executive officer with Christie's International, said: "Christie's' ability to source the rarest, most beautiful and impressive works of art in all categories underpins our continued art market leadership and success."