The gavel has fallen on the final major auctions of 2025, and the results from Sotheby’s and Christie’s “Magnificent Jewels” and “Important Watches” sales have set a new benchmark for the luxury market.
At New York Loan Company, we use these auction results as real-time data points to update our own lending valuations. Here is what we saw in December 2025.
Colored Diamonds Command the Room
The highlight of the New York sales was undoubtedly the strength of colored diamonds. Pink and blue diamonds, in particular, shattered estimates. This trend confirms that in uncertain economic climates, investors flock to the rarest of hard assets. If you own fancy colored diamonds, their collateral value is currently at a peak.
Independent Watchmakers Surge
While Rolex and Patek Philippe remained stable, the real growth story of Q4 2025 was the explosion of independent watchmaking. Brands like F.P. Journe, Philippe Dufour, and Rexhep Rexhepi saw fierce bidding wars. The “artisanal” factor is driving value, with collectors prizing low-production, hand-finished movements over mass luxury.
Provenance Pays
Jewelry with noble or celebrity provenance continued to command premiums of 200% to 500% above intrinsic value. A standard Art Deco bracelet is valuable; the same bracelet owned by a 1920s socialite is priceless.
What This Means for You
If you own assets in these categories, your net worth may have increased significantly over the last month. However, this value is “on paper” until you sell or collateralize.
For those who wish to unlock this newfound equity without selling the asset, New York Loan Company offers the solution. We recognize the “auction premium” in our valuations. We understand that an F.P. Journe Chronomètre Bleu is not just a watch, but a highly liquid asset class.
Contact us to update the valuation of your collection based on these latest market comparables.
