Jewelry by contemporary artists and historic pieces feature in an online sale hosted by the auction house Sotheby’s.
Sotheby’s Milan is holding an auction featuring a selection of jewelry that spans over a century of the art of goldsmithing, created by some of the most prominent Italian and international designers and artists. The “Fine Jewelry and Watches” sale at Sotheby’s Milan is taking place exclusively on Sothebys.com and will conclude on October 28. The auction also includes historic jewelry, such as a star-themed tiara inspired by the iconic 1865 portrait of Empress Elisabeth of Austria—better known as Sissi—painted by Franz Xaver Winterhalter, which depicts her with diamond stars adorning her hair. Other highlights include an elegant early Art Nouveau necklace-tiara and a magnificent articulated diamond necklace in the Edwardian style.
Among the most notable lots is a collection of “artist’s jewelry,” which includes two *Concetto Spaziale* (Spatial Concept) brooches created by Lucio Fontana for his wife, Teresita, as well as the sculptural *Ellisse con Fori Concetto Spaziale* (Ellipse with Holes – Spatial Concept) bracelet, conceived by the artist in collaboration with Giancarlo Montebello for the second edition of “Gem Montebello.”
The sale brings together exquisite examples by some of the most celebrated Italian artists—ranging from works by Cannilla dating back to the 1950s to creations by Gio Pomodoro, Arnaldo Pomodoro, and their contemporaries, including Pietro Consagra. These pieces bear witness to the creativity and sophistication of artists who succeeded in bringing sculpture into everyday life, influencing not only Italian design and architecture but also inspiring an artistic movement with an international reach. The collection reaches its zenith with works linked to figures such as Jean Cocteau, Max Ernst, César, Arman, and Dinh Van.
The selection also includes jewelry from the most prestigious houses—such as Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Bulgari, and Tiffany & Co.—renowned for their rich heritage and the exceptional quality and refinement of their creations. A further array of extraordinary pieces, harmoniously combining white diamonds with colored gemstones, lends the sale an eclectic and joyful character; the highlight is lot 313, a stunning vintage sapphire and diamond necklace crafted in 1965.
Leading the selection of timepieces is a magnificent 1987 Rolex Daytona (Reference 6265), accompanied by other notable watches, including a 1998 Patek Philippe Aquanaut, a 1970 Cartier Reverso, and a limited-edition Tudor Black Bay 58 created for Ed Sheeran’s tour, dated 2025.
This sale brings together an extraordinary collection of jewelry that chronicles over a century of artistic and creative expression. From rare pieces designed by artists such as Lucio Fontana and the Pomodoro brothers, to historic tiaras and iconic creations from the world’s most celebrated houses, the collection honors jewelry in its most imaginative, captivating, and timeless form.
Sara Miconi, Head of Jewellery and Watches, Sotheby’s Milan.
