NEW YORK CITY – John D. Block, Phillips, de Pury & Luxembourg’s Worldwide Head of Jewelry, will leave the firm on May 31.

Block joined the firm in January 2001. Among the record prices achieved under his direction was a fancy red diamond that sold for $1,652,500 in November 2001. The price was also the second highest ever achieved per carat at auction for any gem.

Block has agreed to continue to play a role in Phillips, de Pury & Luxembourg’s worldwide jewelry strategy.

“In the meantime, I will continue to work with my colleagues in the jewelry department to make certain that this transition is a smooth one.”