Born and raised in Mumbai, Rahul Kadakia, international head of jewellery at Christie’s, has been surrounded by jewels for as long as he can remember. “It’s in my blood,” he tells ET PanacheLuxury, noting that he’s the fourth generation of his family in the jewellery business. “My uncles still run a store in Bombay and my cousins continue the family tradition. I grew up with these stories.”
Kadakia has overseen several landmark auctions, including the sale of the ‘Winston Pink Legacy’ (a 18.96-carat fancy vivid pink diamond acquired by Harry Winston for more than $50.3 million in 2018) and the ‘Blue Belle of Asia’ sapphire, which sold for a record $17 million in 2014.
In a conversation, he recalls unforgettable diamonds that have sold — and explains why, in his view, fine jewels might be recession-proof.
Star lots
“We’ve handled quite a few remarkable pieces through the years — Mughal spinel beads, the Archduke Joseph Diamond, the Princie Diamond (named after the Prince of Baroda), the Wittelsbach-Graff Diamond, the Oppenheimer Blue. In 2011, we sold Elizabeth Taylor’s jewels. It’s been an incredible journey and I hope it’s not over yet.”
Getting auction ready
“It’s not easy. There are many locked doors, armed guards — layers of security. But when you finally get to the exhibition, and you’re able to hold and examine a piece, it’s a privilege.”
Tariff-proof
“The market is always influenced by global events. But with the suspension of tariffs and policy moves aimed at strengthening the [US] economy, we hope for a positive impact.”
Lucky charm
“My mother insists I wear a diamond around my neck. She says, ‘Rahul, you’re in the diamond business — you must wear one.’ So I do. It’s small, but I wear it every day. And I believe it brings me luck.”
Kadakia has overseen several landmark auctions, including the sale of the ‘Winston Pink Legacy’ (a 18.96-carat fancy vivid pink diamond acquired by Harry Winston for more than $50.3 million in 2018) and the ‘Blue Belle of Asia’ sapphire, which sold for a record $17 million in 2014.
In a conversation, he recalls unforgettable diamonds that have sold — and explains why, in his view, fine jewels might be recession-proof.
Star lots
“We’ve handled quite a few remarkable pieces through the years — Mughal spinel beads, the Archduke Joseph Diamond, the Princie Diamond (named after the Prince of Baroda), the Wittelsbach-Graff Diamond, the Oppenheimer Blue. In 2011, we sold Elizabeth Taylor’s jewels. It’s been an incredible journey and I hope it’s not over yet.”
Getting auction ready
“It’s not easy. There are many locked doors, armed guards — layers of security. But when you finally get to the exhibition, and you’re able to hold and examine a piece, it’s a privilege.”
Tariff-proof
“The market is always influenced by global events. But with the suspension of tariffs and policy moves aimed at strengthening the [US] economy, we hope for a positive impact.”
Lucky charm
“My mother insists I wear a diamond around my neck. She says, ‘Rahul, you’re in the diamond business — you must wear one.’ So I do. It’s small, but I wear it every day. And I believe it brings me luck.”
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