Sotheby’s (BID) is back and the sales are as hot as ever. The auction house, a viable predictor of major market turns, is officially telling us its back to pre-Lehman levels.

Many million dollar pieces are even fetching bids twice the amount predicted, as wealthy buyers appear more than ready to spend again.

The newest branch to take the lead is in Hong Kong, where a rare blue diamond from the De Beers Millennium collection was just purchased for over $6 million and just today an imperial white jade deal from the 18th century went home with an Asian buyer for $12.29 million – breaking the world record for both white jade and imperial seal sales.

There’s no doubt about the Chinese auction market taking a strong lead, but New York, Paris and Geneva aren’t doing too poorly either.

In recognition of Sotheby’s new spurt of success we’ve brought you a gallery of the most expensive stunning pieces ever sold by the famous house from around the world, and the million dollar stunner that are hitting the auction block in the upcoming days.

Take a look and place your bids >

Brilliant-cut rare blue diamond – Geneva – $ 2.3 Million

Predicted Price: $800,000 – 2,000,000

Sold For: $ 2.3 Million

Auctioned on: November 17, 2009

A brilliant-cut is the most difficult to obtain from a rough diamond and the one that causes the most weight loss of the stone. Still, it looks like the choice paid off with a $2,373,152 auction sale price for this 3.17 carat platinum-mounted ring.  The huge price tag also has a lot to do with how seldom blue diamonds are found in nature, and how rarely they appear at auction.

Imperial Jade seal – Hong Kong – $12.3 Million

Predicted Sale Price: $4,000,000 – 6,400,000

Sold For: $12.3 Million

Auctioned on: April 8, 2010

One of the most expensive things every auctioned at the Hong Kong Sotheby’s branch. According to Sotheby’s, the seal, which stands 1 3/4 in., is “made of a circular white jade that has a russet skin. The face of the seal is deeply carved with the four characters tai shang huang di “Treasure of the Emperor Emeritus.” The seal was made in 1796. 

Martin Kippenberger painting – Amsterdam – $ 1.4 million

Predicted Sale Price:  $270,000 – 400,000

Sold For: $ 1.4 Million

Auctioned on: March 8, 2010

Dinosaurierei (Dinosaur Egg) is a 94 1/2 by 78 3/4 in. oil on canvas painted in 1996 by the German artist Martin Kippenberger (1953 – 1997) before his sudden death at the age of 44.

This painting belongs to the iconic “Egg” series – a signature motif for Kippenberger, of which he said, “Justice hasn’t been done to the egg, justice hasn’t been done to fried egg, Warhol’s already had the banana. An egg is white and flat, how can that turn into a coloured picture?”

Sketchbook of a British settler – Melbourne – $830K

Predicted Sale Price:$373,000 – 560,000

Sold For:  $830K

Sale date: May 5, 2009

A sketchbook of 30 folios containing 26 watercolors, two wash drawings, and six pencil sketches, together with a separate ink drawing by another hand and two handwritten sheets. The book is ascribed to Edward Close, a British settler (1790-1866), soldier, engineer, magistrate, Legislative Councillor, and settler. 

Sotheby’s called it, “one of the most beautiful, charming and significant artifacts of early Australian colonial culture (…) its component watercolours constitute a notable part of the rich visual culture of the Macquarie era (1809-1821)”.

De Beers rare blue diamond – Hong Kong – $6.4 Million

Predicted Sale Price: $4,640,000 – 6,000,000

Sold For: $ 6.4 Million

Auctioned on: April 7, 2010 

A piece from the De Beers Millennium collection that pushed New York City from it’s second place spot of diamond auctioneer, with Hong Kong now taking its place. The rare blue 5.16 carat diamond, all natural and distinguished by flawless internal quality, was purchased by Moussaieff Jewellers Ltd.’s founder Alisa Moussaieff, who beat out  Asian rivals for the gem.

The De Beers Millennium Collection, which had its debut in 2000, is made up of 12 rare gems that took decades to assemble.

 

Kadinsky painting – New York – $10.6 Million

Predicted Sale Price:$6,000,000 – 8,000,000

Sold For: $ 10.6 Million

Auctioned On:  November 4, 2009

A 1932 Kadinsky oil painting from a private collection. The  39 5/8 by 47 3/8 in. canvas, titled Krass und Mild (Dramatic and Mild), is signed and dated. According to Sotheby’s, “Kandinsky believed that particular arrangements of shapes triggered an “inner resonance” or “spiritual vibration,” and could elicit from a viewer a powerful emotional response. Jagged solid forms, arcs, grids, triangles and circles, whether overlapping or adjacent, were strictly non-representational and created only to celebrate the beauty of form for form’s sake.”

Van Dyck oil painting – New York -$ 7.2 Million

Predicted Sale Price: $5,000,000 – 7,000,000

Sold For: $ 7.2 Million

Auctioned On: January 28, 2010

A 18 1/4 by 25 1/2 in. oil by Sir Anthony Van Dyck (1599 – 1641) – Two Studies of a Bearded Man – raised millions for the auction house at the start of 2010. In this study, Van Dyck paints the same man from two different positions, one with a looming glare towards the viewer and one in bust-length. It was painted by the young artists when he was still training with Rubens in his studio, already recognized by Rubens (who kept a large numbers of Van Dyck’ studies which were found saved in his studio after his death) as a master. 

Picasso painting – Paris – $1.5 Million

Predicted Sale Price: $335,000 – 470, 000

Sold For: $1.5 Million

Auctioned On: March 24, 2010

Picasso’s (1881 – 1973) Portrait of a Woman was done by the artist in gauche, wash and ink in June of 1945. The subject is Françoise Gilot, a young painter Picasso had met a couple of years earlier. Of Françoise, Picasso’s friend, Brassaï said in 1964, “all youth – 17 or 18 years old – passionate for paining, impatient to show her talents (…) I was stunned by the vitality of this young woman, her tenacity to triumph over obstacles.” Apparently, Picasso and the million dollar bidders were too.

Ming Dynasty flask – Paris – $2.2 Million

Predicted Sale Price: $308,000 – 460,000

Sold For: $2.2 Million

Auctioned On: June 11, 2009

A Ming Dynasty Yongle Period (1403 – 1424) flask with flowers of the four seasons was another top Hong Kong seller. All 17 inches of it.
 

Imperial pearl court necklace – Hong Kong – $ 8.7 Million

Predicted Sale Price: $1,031,000 – 1,547,000

Sold For: $8.7 million

Auctioned on: April 8, 2010

This 18th century Qing Dynasty necklace is made of 108 flawless Eastern pearls – one of the most precious materials used exclusively for the royal family. There are only five of these in China, all located in the Palace Museum in Beijing. 

Upcoming Auction – Flawless pink diamond – New York

Predicted Sale Price: $2,500,000 – 3,500,000

Up For Auction On: April 20, 2010

According to Sotheby’s, this is a “cut-cornered rectangular modified brilliant-cut diamond of fancy intense pinkish orange color weighing 7.67 carats, framed and flanked by round diamonds, mounted in platinum and 18 karat pink gold.” It’s an internally flawless stone of natural color.

Upcoming Auction – Persian decorative box – London

Predicted Sale Price: $768,000 – $1,076,000

Up For Auction On: Apr 14, 2010

This decorative 6.8 in. by 3.5 in. storage box with a single ruby will probably fetch well over one million dollars. As Sotheby’s says, this piece, “highlights the exceptionally refined masterpieces produced by Persian goldsmiths working for the Ottoman court at the beginning of the sixteenth century. Its  ornamentation is unmatched in elegance and skill.”

Upcoming Auction – Diamond Pendant Earrings – New York

Predicted Sale Price – $600,000 – 800,000

At Auction On:  April 20, 2010

J and H colored diamonds clips from the private collection of Patricia Kluge. The pendants are set at the top and bottom with pear-shaped diamonds weighing 13.16, 11.83, 9.33 and 8.74 carats.

Upcoming Auction – Persian Vase – London

Predicted Sale Price: $460,000 – 770,000

At Auction On: April 14, 2010

Ten figures are set against a a ground of scrolling foliage in shallow relief on this Persian monochrome vase from the Parish-Watson Collection. This piece has been featured in the most prestigious exhibitions since the 1930s and is now up for grabs.

 

Upcoming Auction – Autographed telegram by Abraham Lincoln – New York

Predicted Sale Price: $ 500,000 – 700,000

Up For Auction On: April 14, 2010

This signed telegram was sent by Lincoln from Washington on May, 25 1862, to Major General George B. McClellan. It gives “one of the sharpest orders issued by the most militarily involved of all presidents: ‘you must either attack Richmond, or give up the job and come to the defense of Washington’,” said Sotheby’s.

Upcoming Auction – Bronze 18th century table – Paris

Predicted Sale Price: $471,000 – 606,000

Up For Auction On: April 2010

This end of the 18th century Russian-made bronze, marble, and gold table is attributed to Andre Voronikhine (1759-1814). It stands 28 1/3 in., is 28 1/3 in. in diameter and is up for auction from a private collection. The top mosaic is made from exceptionally rare Russian minerals, with the piece being most likely commissioned for the Stroganoff palace in Saint-Petersburg.

Upcoming Auction – Yellow diamond necklace – New York

Predicted Sale Price: $2,000,000 – 3,000,000

Up For Auction On: April  2010

This necklace from naturally-colored, internally flawless brilliant-cut diamonds weighs a total of 100.17 carats and is mounted in 18 karat gold. It came from a private collection, where will it go next? 

Upcoming Auction – John Frederick Lewis oil painting – New York

Predicted Sale Price: $1,000,000 – 1,500,000

Up For Auction On: April 2010

An oil on panel painting by the British Lewis (1805-1876) depicts an encampment in the desert of Mount Sinail and is signed and dated 1862. The piece was commissioned by the fourth Marquess of Londonderry, with a request of Lewis that, “According to our convention in conversation, I hope you will accept a commission to paint a picture for me of ourselves, a party (…) the price 200 guineas. . . . You must take your own time etc. but I am sure you will agree with me that the sooner the work is accomplished the better for all of us.” 

Upcoming Auction – Courbet oil painting – New York

Predicted Sale Price: $700,000 – 900,000

Up For Auction On: Apr 2010

The Sleeping Woman by Gustav Courbet (1819 – 1877) is up for auction from a private collection. The 25 5/8 by 31 7/8 in. oil on canvas was a product of Courbet’s speedy attempt to finish in time for the March deadline of the May 1864 Salon. His first two hopeful submissions were damaged in his studio, this one, which he excitedly described as, “two nude women, life size and painted in a manner that you have never seen me do.”, made it in time.

Upcoming Auction – Diamond, ruby, and gold anklet – New York

Predicted Sale Price:$460,000 – 770,000

Up For Auction On: April 2010

This diamond and ruby-set gold anklet was made for the 19th century Maharaja of Morvi and is dated 1897. It consists of 18 gold-wrapped twirling links. Worn by noblemen on their right foot, these anklets were presented at court as a symbol of honor and status. 

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The global recession wreaked havoc on retail, and stores the world over are still reeling.

Rents for retail property have fallen in most countries for the first time in over 20 years.

The drop in consumer spending and sales has had a direct influence on the rent hit taken by some of the most expensive streets, as retailers have used the tenant’s market to negotiate discounts.

Fifth Avenue has managed to hold on to its rents, while some of Europe’s most prestigious streets have been knocked down by the Asian retail boom.

Take a tour of these high-class districts >

All information and rates are based on Main Streets Across the World reports published by the Cushman&Wakefield research center.

#10 – New Bond Street, London – 2009 rate per sq.ft, per year: $768

2006 Ranking: # 6

2009 rate per sq.ft, per year: $768

2006 rate per sq.ft, per year: $673

#10 spot in 2006 held by: Covent Garden, London

Bond Street used to be home to antique shops and top-end art dealers, which vied for space near the Sotheby’s auction house and the Fine Art Society. Now those spots have been taken over by classic luxury retailers like Miu Miu, Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Harry Winston, and Chanel.

#9 – East 57th Street, New York – 2009 rate per sq.ft, per year: $800

2006 Ranking: # 5

2009 rate per sq.ft, per year: $800

2006 rate per sq.ft, per year: $800

#9 spot in 2006 held by: Grafton Street, Dublin

The place to be on 57th Street is between 5th Avenue and Park Avenue. The ridiculously high concentration of high-end stores on this two block stretch includes Christian Lacroix, Montblanc, Christian Dior, Burberry, Yves Saint Laurent, and Bvlgari.

# 8 – Via Condoti, Rome – 2009 rate per sq.ft, per year: $848

2006 Ranking: # Not in the top 10

2009 rate per sq.ft, per year: $848

2006 rate per sq.ft, per year: N/A

#8 spot in 2006 held by: Oxford Street, London

Via Condoti (Street of Conduits) begins at the Spanish steps and is named after the channels which carried water to the Baths of Agrippa. It is the central fashion shopping street in Rome, initiated by the opening of Bvlgari in 1905. Now, stores include Valentino, Armani, Hermès, Cartier, Fendi, Gucci, Prada, Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana, and Salvatore Ferragamo.

#7- Madison Avenue, New York – 2009 rate sq.ft per year: $875

2006 Ranking: # 3

2009 rate sq.ft per year rental: $875

2006 rate sq.ft per year rental: $1,100

#7 spot in 2006 held by: Ginza, Tokyo

The stretch between 57th and 85th on Madison Avenue is also knows as “the fashionable road”. In addition to fashion designers, jewelers and hair salons for Upper East Side processes vie for these prestigious spots. Some of those include: Chloé, Tom Ford, Oscar de la Renta, Christian Louboutin, Yves Saint Laurent, Missoni, Ralph Laure, Givenchy, Vera Wang, and Brooks Brothers. And of course, Barneys.

#6 – Via Montenapoleone, Milan – 2009 rate per sq.ft, per year: $768

2006 Ranking: # Not in top 10

2009 rate per sq.ft, per year: $768

2006 rate per sq.ft, per year: N/A

#6 spot in 2006 held by: New Bond Street, London

In the capital of the fashion world, this is the epicenter. Via Montenapoleone is the most important street of the Milan Fashion District (the Quadrilatero della moda) and reads like a rolodex of the world’s most famous fashion houses. These include: Gucci, Armani, Bottega Veneta, Giuseppe Zanotti, Etro, Alberta Ferretti, Versace, and Pucci.

#5 – Champs Elysee, Paris – 2009 rate per sq.ft, per year: $1,009

2006 Ranking: # 4

2009 rate per sq.ft, per year: $1,009

2006 rate per sq.ft, per year: $805

#5 spot in 2006 held by: 57th Street, New York City

Champs Elysee is  French for Elysian Fields, the place of the blessed dead in Greek mythology. Now it’s also the place of the blessed living, when it comes to the retail obsessed who often get to spend their cash in shops that stay open until 11 p.m. Though still full of upscale stores, “the most beautiful street in the world” (at least for the French) is now also home to the Disney Store, Nike, Zara, Europe’s largest Gap, Sephora, and the biggest Adidas store in the world.

#4 – Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong – 2009 rate per sq.ft, per year: $1,115

2006 Ranking: # Not in top 10

2009 rate per sq.ft, per year: $1,115

2006 rate per sq.ft, per year: N/A

#4 spot in 2006 held by: Champs Elysee, Paris

Luxury brand shopping in Tsim Sha Tsui is centered around the five-star hotels, which inclue The Peninsula, The Langham, and the Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel. Some of the shops in this area include Laura Ashley, Longchamp, Y-3, Cour Carré, Biba, Miss Sixty, and Triumph. Watch and jewelry spots are also big, with  Omega, Cartier, and Rolex.

#3 – Central District, Hong Kong – 2009 rate per sq.ft, per year: $1,211

2006 Ranking: # Not in top 10

2009 rate per sq.ft, per year: $1,211

2006 rate per sq.ft, per year: N/A

#3 spot in 2006 held by: Madison Avenue, New York City

The series of malls and boutiques on these interwoven streets are the place to see and be seen for the rich. Just some of the shops featured include Armani, Prada, Dior, Fendi, Louis Vuitton, Max & Co, Ralph Lauren, Chanel, Celine, Ermenegildo Zegna, and Escada. Shanghai Tang is a Hong Kong shopping landmark and takes up 12,000sq ft.

#2 – Causeway Bay, Hong Kong – 2009 rate per sq.ft, per year: $1,525

2006 Ranking: # 2

2009 rate per sq.ft, per year: $1,525

2006 rate per sq.ft, per year: $1,134

#2 spot in 2006 held by: Causeway Bay, Hong Kong

The rent in Causeway Bay, Hong Kong’s premier shopping area, takes the #2 place on the list. The focal place to spend money is the Times Square mall, which features both upscale (Coach, Gucci, Burberry) and mid-range shops. The steep retail prices led Times Square to be designed as the first “vertical mall” in the world (16 storeys with 230 shops, linked by a web of escalators), and the mall consists of 900,939ft ² of retail space.

#1 – Fifth Avenue, New York – 2009 rate per sq.ft, per year: $1,700

2006 Ranking: # 1

2009 rate per sq.ft, per year: $1,700

2006 rate per sq.ft, per year: $1,350

#1 spot in 2006 held by: 5th Avenue, New York City

The most iconic and expensive shopping street in the world. Fifth Avenue is synonymous with timeless luxury and the prices to match it. For decades, the stretch between 49th and 57th has been the most expensive commercial real estate area in the world. Some shops include Ferragamo, Cartier, H.Stern, Henri Bendel, Harry Winston, Bergdorf Goodman, Bvlgari, Prada, Fendi, Tiffany & Co., Saks Fifth Avenue, and Van Cleef & Arpels. And the list goes on.

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