An auction featuring approximately 650 pieces of jewelry and gemstones, organized by Sotheby’s in the Swiss city.
The sale organized by Sotheby’s at the Mandarin Oriental in Geneva on Wednesday, November 11, promises to be a high-caliber event. The extensive catalog includes around 650 lots, many of which are expected to fetch six-figure sums—or more. For instance, Lot 644—an 8.63-carat fancy intense pink diamond—carries an estimate of $4–6 million. Lot 643 is a Graff ring featuring a 2.88-carat pear-shaped fancy deep blue diamond, estimated at $2–3 million.
Exceptional Gemstones
Also of note is Lot 638, an 8.11-carat cushion-cut fancy pink diamond (unmounted), estimated at $2–3 million. Lot 582 is an 18.03-carat step-cut fancy vivid yellow diamond (unmounted), with an estimate of $1–2 million. The sale includes pieces from many historic jewelry houses, such as Boucheron, Bulgari, Cartier, and Van Cleef & Arpels.
The strength of this season’s High Jewelry auction lies not only in the exceptional quality of the diamonds and gemstones but also in the breadth of collecting opportunities it presents. From highly prized colored diamonds and loose stones to extraordinary creations spanning over a century of craftsmanship from the world’s greatest jewelry houses, the auction celebrates fine jewelry in all its forms. This is a selection defined by rarity, creativity, and masterful craftsmanship, offering collectors the opportunity to acquire jewels of timeless beauty and enduring value.
Jessica Wyndham, Head of High Jewellery at Sotheby’s Geneva
Beyond diamonds, the sale features an extraordinary selection of coloured gemstones. Lot 628 is a ruby and diamond ring, centred on a 5.027-carat “pigeon’s blood” ruby (estimated at 1–1.5 million). Among the sapphires, a highlight is Lot 603—a Harry Winston sapphire and diamond ring, set with an untreated 69.44-carat Ceylon sapphire (estimated at 700,000–900,000). Lot 642 is a ring featuring a 28.46-carat step-cut royal blue sapphire from Sri Lanka, which shows no signs of heat treatment and carries an estimate of 315,000–510,000. Lot 571 is another Harry Winston ring, centring on an untreated 22.28-carat step-cut Sri Lankan sapphire, flanked by triangular diamonds (estimated at 290,000–360,000).
Lot 572 is one of the most spectacular pieces: a 1970s Bulgari necklace featuring a fringe of 35 Burmese sapphire drops suspended from a diamond-encrusted bib. This piece was recently showcased at the Bulgari exhibition in Tokyo (*Bvlgari Kaleidos: Colors, Cultures and Crafts*) and is estimated at 155,000–240,000 dollars. Lot 631 is a 51.79-carat spinel from Tanzania (estimated at 425,000–610,000), featuring exceptional color saturation and clarity; it is offered unmounted.
Renowned Houses
Among the most significant pieces is Lot 622, a Boucheron brooch created around 1883, set with sapphires, emeralds, and diamonds. This transformable jewel features a detachable peacock feather centered on a heart-shaped sapphire, framed by emeralds. The brooch once belonged to two legendary collectors: Helena Rubinstein and Jayne Wrightsman (estimated at 400,000–800,000). Lot 621 is another transformable piece by Boucheron—a diamond tiara dating to circa 1900 (estimated at 42,000–60,000). Designed to be detached and worn as a necklace, it exemplifies the type of convertible jewelry that remains highly sought after by collectors. Also featured is a trio of “Tutti Frutti” pieces by Cartier—incorporating tanzanite, moonstone, aquamarine, onyx, and diamonds—which are offered either individually or as a set. Lot 630, by Bhagat, consists of a pair of pendant earrings featuring natural pearls and diamonds (estimated at 195,000–315,000). A second pair, set with emeralds and diamonds, is estimated at 180,000–240,000. Lot 641 is an Egyptian-style bracelet by Van Cleef & Arpels, created in the 1920s and set with sapphires, rubies, emeralds, onyx, and diamonds; it stands as one of the most significant pieces of historic design in the auction (265,000–335,000).
Also featured in the auction is a creation by JAR: Lot 528, a celebrated carnation-shaped brooch (60,000–120,000). Additionally, Lot 504 is a flag-motif brooch by Verdura—crafted with rubies, onyx, and diamonds—originally commissioned for Daisy Fellowes. Finally, Lot 526 is a whimsical, pug-shaped brooch made of Bakelite by Daniel Brush.
