Sotheby’s Paris Luxury Sales: September 2025 Results
On October 9, 2025, Sotheby’s made headlines with their September jewelry and watch auctions held in Paris. These events collectively achieved a staggering €9.3 million (approximately AUD$16.4 million), underscoring Sotheby’s best jewelry outcomes in the City of Light since 2018. This success marks the fourth straight “white glove” sale for its Fine Watches auction, indicating a trend of remarkable sales outcomes for Fine Jewelry and timepieces.
Overview of the Auctions
Sotheby’s Paris Luxury Sales featured not only jewelry and watches but also luxury handbags and fine wines. On September 30, the Fine Jewelry auction saw 269 exquisite pieces garner over €7.4 million (around $13.07 million), with nearly half of all lots surpassing their high estimates. The auction showcased a dazzling array of signed antique and vintage jewels from prominent Parisian houses, such as Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels.
Highlights from the Fine Jewelry Auction
The auction’s standout items included a beautiful 10.68-carat Kashmir sapphire ring, framed by two dazzling diamonds, which fetched an impressive €698,500 (USD$1.2 million), double its expected value. This impressive sale set the tone for what would be an extraordinary event for high-value jewelry.
10.68 carat Kashmir sapphire ring flanked by diamonds sold for $814,368 (Sotheby’s)
An Array of Iconic Brands
The auction prominently featured jewels from notable maisons including 33 pieces from Cartier, 14 from Van Cleef & Arpels, and others from Boucheron and contemporary artist Lydia Courteille. Highlights included a Cartier ring with an 18.25-carat vivid blue Burmese sapphire that sold for €558,800 (USD$985,000), demonstrating the continuous allure of high-quality gemstones.
Cartier ring with 18.25 carat cushion shape vivid blue Burmese sapphire sold for $653,908 (Sotheby’s)
Innovative Designs
Another standout piece was the exquisite Cartier Panthère bangle, crafted from 18k gold and platinum and artfully set with sapphires and diamonds. It captured the attention of collectors, selling for €279,400 (USD$493,000). The fusion of artistic design and fine materials underscores the enduring appeal of pieces from esteemed jewelry houses.
Cartier Panthere bangle with sapphire spots, diamonds, emerald eyes fetched $326,954 (Sotheby’s)
Major Performers and Surprises
Among the significant surprises was a “Toi et Moi” ring that featured a unique combination of a Kashmir emerald and a Colombian sapphire. This stunning piece sold for €203,200 (USD$358,000), nearly tripling its estimated value.
Magali Teisseire, head of the Jewelry and Watches department at Sotheby’s France, commented on the event, highlighting the strong and growing presence of their Jewelry Department in the international market.
The Fine Watches Auction
Simultaneously, Sotheby’s hosted the Fine Watches auction on September 18, showcasing a selection of 106 lots of coveted timepieces, amassing a total of €1.9 million. Remarkably, this auction also achieved a 100% sell-through rate, indicative of the fervent demand among collectors.
Breguet N° 700 sold 3 Ventose An 9 ‘Souscription’ montre à tact sold for $165,789 (Sotheby’s)
Historical Timepieces
The groundbreaking piece of this auction was a historic “Souscription” tact pocket watch by Breguet, dating back to 1801. Known for its revolutionary calendar feature, it commanded €139,700 (USD$245,000), well exceeding its high estimate.
Cartier Yellow gold Baignoire watch gifted to Joseph Losey by Elizabeth Taylor. It fetched $113,038 (Sotheby’s)
Unforgettable Provenance
Another exceptional item was a Cartier Baignoire watch, gifted to director Joseph Losey from Elizabeth Taylor, which sold for €95,250 (USD$167,000). This piece not only exemplifies fine craftsmanship but also represents a captivating story, enhancing its value and allure.
Camille Jucker, head of Sales for Watches at Sotheby’s France, expressed delight over the sustained success seen in their watch auctions, further substantiating the strength of the luxury market.
Through these spectacular auctions, Sotheby’s has established a vibrant marketplace for collectors and enthusiasts, solidifying Paris’s status as an epicenter of luxury goods. The high demand for fine jewelry and watches, coupled with exceptional quality, drives a robust environment for collectors looking to invest in timeless pieces.