Sotheby's to Auction Karpidas Jewelry in New York

The December 8 auction at the Sotheby's Breuer building features 70 high-end lots.

Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Jewelry

Bold vector editorial illustration of a sapphire ring on a velvet plinth, evoking the elegance of a high-end jewelry auction. — Sotheby's will host an evening auction of Pauline Karpidas's jewelry collection in New York City on December 8, featuring 70 high-end lots. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Sotheby's will host an evening auction of a jewelry collection belonging to Pauline Karpidas in New York City on December 8. The event will showcase 70 individual lots expected to realize more than $10 million in total sales.

Why it matters

The sale continues a series of high-profile auctions for the collector, following significant art and design sales held previously in London and Paris. This auction highlights the market interest in pieces from renowned designers such as Joel Arthur Rosenthal, Cartier, and Chanel.

The auction features a pink diamond and chalcedony ring by Joel Arthur Rosenthal estimated at $2.5 million to $3.5 million. An 18th-century reliquary cross once owned by Francesco Martelli carries an estimate of $80,000 to $120,000.

The players

Pauline Karpidas

She is a notable collector who previously auctioned significant art collections in London and Paris.

Sotheby's

It is an international auction house that manages the sale of luxury goods and fine art.

Joel Arthur Rosenthal

He is a high-profile jewelry designer known for unique, often one-of-a-kind, creations.

Claude Lalanne

She was a French artist and sculptor who previously collaborated on jewelry commissions.

The details

The collection spans various eras and makers, including works by Suzanne Belperron and a Chanel bracelet from the 1930s. Bidders will also compete for a sapphire and platinum ring estimated at $300,000 to $500,000 and a basalt and diamond ring valued between $450,000 and $650,000.

1930s: A Chanel bracelet included in the sale was created.
1978: Andy Warhol completed a portrait of Pauline Karpidas.
2023: Sotheby's held a Paris auction featuring the Hydra home collection.
September 2025: A London auction of the Karpidas art collection took place.
December 8, 2026: The Sotheby's jewelry auction is scheduled in New York.

Culture Shift

This auction follows the market precedent established by the 2023 Sotheby's Paris auction of Hydra home collection, indicating continued collector demand for the Karpidas estate. The sale reflects a broader trend of large-scale, singular estate liquidations that define the high-end jewelry market.

Collectors in the area can participate in the competitive bidding process for the 70 lots during the evening event at the Sotheby's Breuer building. Attendees should prepare for the high-value nature of the items, which may influence market pricing for similar high-end jewelry.

The takeaway

Prospective collectors should note the specific estimates assigned to high-value items like the pink diamond ring to gauge current market appraisal standards. Understanding these valuation ranges provides essential insight for those tracking investment-grade pieces in the jewelry market.