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Christie’s first 50 years in Switzerland





The London auction house celebrates the first half-century of activity in Geneva and selects 50 exceptional pieces, including many jewels and stones ♦ ︎

Christie’s, founded in London in 1766 by James Christie, is the largest auction house in the world. But if has just exceeded the threshold of 160 years (congratulations), still has children around the world. This means detached offices that, over time, have taken on a major importance. Like the Geneva headquarters (with offices also in Zurich), which celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2018. A teen age if it is compared to the parent company. But this has not prevented in five decades to beat pieces of great value.
To celebrate the birthday, Christie’s has therefore decided to summarize the years of activity in Switzerland through 50 lots, the most amazing. They are not just jewels, of course, but stones, rings and earrings make up a good part of the best beaten lots. From 1968 to today were sold pieces as the black pearl necklace (year 1969) belonging to the socialite Nina Dyer, ex-wife of Baron Hans Heinrich Thyssen-Bornemisza and Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan, passed under the hammer of the auctioneer. The black pearl necklace, on the occasion, was sold for 580,000 Swiss francs, but almost 30 years later, in 1997, it was re-sold at another Christie’s auction for 1.3 million francs.

La collana di perle nere appartenuta a Nina Dyer
La collana di perle nere appartenuta a Nina Dyer

There are also historical pieces, such as the earrings with pearls donated by Louis XIV of France to his lover Marie Mancini. Sold in Geneva for 320,000 francs in 1969, they have long been one of the most expensive pairs of earrings in the world.
Christie’s auctions in Geneva, magnificent jewels that attract fans and collectors, have often been moments that have determined international parameters. In 1973, for example, an imperial 31-pearl jade necklace produced 1,250,000 Swiss francs in Geneva, and instantly became the most expensive piece of jade ever sold at auction for the time.
Then there are diamonds that have made history. Like, in 1974, The Star of South Africa. The 47.69 carat gem, brought to light by a young shepherd and sold for 500 sheep, ten oxen and a horse, was sold for 1.6 million francs, an incredible price for those years. Another diamond that left an indelible memory was, in 1980, the Polar Star diamond. Christie’s Geneva sold this 41.28 carat cushioned diamond mounted on a Boucheron ring for a price of 8 million francs. The stone had previously belonged to Joseph Bonaparte.
In short, the jewels and exceptional stones sold in Geneva by Christie’s are many (you can find some on this page). The last of the series reported among the top 50 is the series The Art of de Grisogono, an incredible piece, composed of emeralds and a gigantic 163.41 carat diamond. Really magnificent. Federico Graglia




Collana di giada imperiale
Collana di giada imperiale
Gli orecchini con perle appartenuti a Maria Mancini
Gli orecchini con perle appartenuti a Maria Mancini
Il pink diamond di 9,14 carati taglio a pera venduto per circa 2 milioni al carato
Il pink diamond di 9,14 carati taglio a pera venduto per circa 2 milioni al carato
Anello con rubino rosso sangue di piccione di 15.03 carati  montato in un anello con diamanti incolori,  venduto per 12,5 milioni di franchi. È il rubino più costoso mai venduto a Christie's
Anello con rubino rosso sangue di piccione di 15.03 carati montato in un anello con diamanti incolori, venduto per 12,5 milioni di franchi. È il rubino più costoso mai venduto a Christie’s
Anello di rubini e diamanti di Safra di Chaumet, venduto per 6,2 milioni di franchi nel 2012
Anello di rubini e diamanti di Safra di Chaumet, venduto per 6,2 milioni di franchi nel 2012
The Star of South Africa, diamante di 47,69 carati
The Star of South Africa, diamante di 47,69 carati
L'Oppenheimer Blue, anello venduto per 56,8 milioni di franchi a Ginevra
L’Oppenheimer Blue, anello venduto per 56,8 milioni di franchi a Ginevra
The Art of de Grisogono, collana con smeraldi e diamante di 163,41 carati
The Art of de Grisogono, collana con smeraldi e diamante di 163,41 carati
The Polar Star, diamante con taglio a cuscino di 41,28 carati
The Polar Star, diamante con taglio a cuscino di 41,28 carati

La tabacchiera di Federico il Grande fu venduta nel 1982 da Christie's a Ginevra per 1.400.000 franchi. Foto: © Victoria & Albert Museum, Londra / per gentile concessione di The Rosalinde e Arthur Gilbert Collection
La tabacchiera di Federico il Grande fu venduta nel 1982 da Christie’s a Ginevra per 1.400.000 franchi. Foto: © Victoria & Albert Museum, Londra / per gentile concessione di The Rosalinde e Arthur Gilbert Collection







A cascade of diamonds at Christie’s






Diamonds, diamonds and more diamonds at Christie’s auction in Geneva: the charm of the most beloved stone is not falling ♦ ︎
A lot of raises, overwhelming estimates, competitions between buyers to buy the best pieces: Christie’s Magnificent Jewels auction in Geneva was exciting. Overall (but adding the concomitant wine and watches auctions) Christie’s sales totaled $ 98.2 million, with over 2,500 visitors at the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues, where events were organized. The three sales have registered, Christie’s says, bidders from 57 countries and with 20% of new participants in the auctions. The Magnificent Jewels auction, in particular, saw 16 lots sold over 1 million, with total sales reaching $ 81.6 million.

Anello con diamante da 50,47 carati di Harry Winston
Anello con diamante da 50,47 carati di Harry Winston

The highlight of the day was a 50.47 carat D-Color diamond ring by Harry Winston. This maxi diamond has been sold for 6.5 million. Other pieces that have attracted a lot of interest are a spectacular 20.49 carat vivid fancy yellow ring, with an almost record price per carat for a total of 5.6 million, a ring with an intense pink 8.52 carat pink diamond sold for $ 6.27 million and an important necklace of emeralds and diamonds of the late nineteenth century, by Tiffany & Co., dated around 1880, originally sold at Christie’s New York, more than 20 years ago and which has realized 1 , 57 million. But, even under the symbolic roof of 1 million, the rises were not lacking. As in the case of the Cartier bracelet with figures of birds, which was estimated at 200-300,000 dollars but sold for 800,000. Four times the basic price. It is appropriate to say that the evaluation has taken off.
Here is the official statement of Rahul Kadakia, International Head of Jewelery: “The inaugural GemGenève jewellery fair attracted a 140 exhibitors and many new faces to Geneva, adding to the spirited activity at the sales all week long. White diamonds, in particular showed great demand, alongside blue and pink stones and top vintage jewels.”
And here is that of François Curiel, Christie’s president of Europe and Asia: “The Spring 2018 auctions marked another successful sale season in Christie’s 50 year long history selling in Geneva. For the last half a century Christie’s Switzerland has connected collectors across the world to experience owning beautiful objects from art to jewellery and watches to wine. 50 years of knowledge and passion has elevated Christie’s into a leading position of the Swiss Art market.” Federico Graglia





Bracciale di Van Cleef & Arpels stile art déco, oro bianco, diamanti e rubini, venduto per 1,3 milioni di dollari
Bracciale di Van Cleef & Arpels stile art déco, oro bianco, diamanti e rubini, venduto per 1,3 milioni di dollari

Un momento dell'asta di Christie's
Un momento dell’asta di Christie’s
Anello con diamante rosa purpureo intenso di 8,52 carati venduto per 6,27 milioni di dollari
Anello con diamante rosa purpureo intenso di 8,52 carati venduto per 6,27 milioni di dollari
Bracciale di Cartier in oro, smeraldi, madreperla, Les Oiseaux Libéres. Venduto per 800.000 dollari
Bracciale di Cartier in oro, smeraldi, madreperla, Les Oiseaux Libéres. Venduto per 800.000 dollari
Collana di Cartier con diamanti e smeraldi di fine Ottocento
Collana di Cartier con diamanti e smeraldi di fine Ottocento
Anello con diamanti gialli, bianchi e blu di Cartier. Venduta per 5,2 milioni
Anello con diamanti gialli, bianchi e blu di Cartier. Venduta per 5,2 milioni

Anello con diamante fancy intense yellow aggiudicato per 5,6 milioni
Anello con diamante fancy intense yellow aggiudicato per 5,6 milioni







Kashmir records for Faraone Casa d’Aste






A Sapphire of Kashmir get 12 buyers in competition at sale of Faraone Casa d’Aste. In the end it was sold for … ♦ ︎
Half a million euros is not cheap. Indeed, it is very much for an auction dedicated to jewelry and watches organized in Milan. And it is the sum agreed for lot 282 of the sale organized at the Four Season by Faraone Casa d’Aste. The auctioneer Patrizia di Carrobio has awarded, for 545,000 euros, a platinum ring with Kashmir sapphire, with a cushion cut of about 9 carats, surrounded by diamonds. The price is in line with the valuations of similar stones on other plazas, but it is also over five times the basic value, which was set at only 100,000 euros. In short, the race to win the ring saw a series of raises by 12 foreign bidders connected by telephone.
Good reception also for the two previous lots, 281 and 273. The first was a demi-piece by Van Cleef & Arpels, consisting of a ring and earrings in platinum with 14 carats of brilliant cut diamonds and 15 carats of round rubies, with a base auction of 15,000 euros was beaten for 60,000, after a long series of raises. The second lot, platinum ring with 4.65 carats octagonal emerald, surrounded by brilliant cut diamonds and baguette, was awarded on the phone at a value of 30,000 euros from a base of 14,000.
The Milanese auction house also signals lot 276, a platinum ring signed Bulgari with an old cut diamond of about 3 carats, surrounded by brilliant cut diamonds and baguette of about 3 carats, wrought for 16,000 euros. Sales totaled around 1,210,000 euros. Now the after sale starts. Federico Graglia





Anello in platino con zaffiro Kashmir, con un taglio a cuscino di circa 9 carati, contornato da diamanti
Anello in platino con zaffiro Kashmir, con un taglio a cuscino di circa 9 carati, contornato da diamanti

Anello con smeraldo e diamanti
Anello con smeraldo e diamanti
Parure di Van Cleef & Arpels composta da anello e orecchini in platino con 14 carati di diamanti taglio brillante e 15 carati di rubini tondi
Parure di Van Cleef & Arpels composta da anello e orecchini in platino con 14 carati di diamanti taglio brillante e 15 carati di rubini tondi

Anello in platino punzonato Bulgari con un diamante old cut centrale di circa 3 carati, contornato da diamanti taglio brillante e baguette per altri circa 3 carati,
Anello in platino punzonato Bulgari con un diamante old cut centrale di circa 3 carati, contornato da diamanti taglio brillante e baguette per altri circa 3 carati,







Not just Farnese Blu at Sotheby’s auction






The Farnese Blue, a historical diamond of 6.16 carats, is sold in Geneva. But it has been overtaken by … ♦ ︎
In May, Geneva was the capital of jewels. First GemGenève, then the big auctions. That of Magnificent Jewels by Sotheby’s of May 15 had, moreover, the charm of History, since it was for sale the Farnese Blue, an important 6.16-carat diamond that was donated to Elisabetta Farnese, Queen of Spain, in 1715, before to be handed down through four of Europe’s most important royal families. The estimate for this diamond was 3.6-5.2 million dollars. But it was sold for 6.7 million dollars: a price that probably is influenced the fascinating history of stone.

But even more, it has totaled a brilliant-cut diamond of a remarkable weight of 51.7 carats: it has been auctioned for 9.2 million, more than the estimated maximum price. A 50-carat oval diamond ring found a buyer willing to spend $ 8.1 million. Also the lot 362, with pair of clip-on dangle earrings with fancy light blue and fancy light pink diamonds impressed: the maximum estimate was 3.8 million, while it was sold for 4.4 million. In all the auction has seen jewelry and stones sold for 85.5 million: certainly an excellent result. A ring with a superb fancy vivid purplish pink diamond (lot 374) was awarded for 2.4 million. And a Kashmir sapphire ring of over 14 carats surpassed expectations at 1.8 million. Among the flop pieces of the day is instead a diamond pendant with a large emerald of Harry Winston (lot 353) estimated up to 3.2 million: he did not convince. Federico Graglia





Anello con diamante ovale  di 50 carati
Anello con diamante ovale di 50 carati

Anello con zaffiro Kashmir
Anello con zaffiro Kashmir
Anello con un fancy vivid purplish pink diamond
Anello con un fancy vivid purplish pink diamond
Il diamante Farnese Blu
Il diamante Farnese Blu
Orecchini con diamanti fancy light blue e fancy light pink
Orecchini con diamanti fancy light blue e fancy light pink
Pendente con raro zaffiro rosa e diamanti. Venduta per 2,2 milioni
Pendente con raro zaffiro rosa e diamanti. Venduta per 2,2 milioni

Anello con zaffiro taglio cuscino di 14 carati e diamanti
Anello con zaffiro taglio cuscino di 14 carati e diamanti







Sotheby’s sells the noble Blue Farnese






Blue Farnese is the most anticipated diamond at Sotheby’s Magnificent Jewels and Noble Jewels auction in Geneva ♦ ︎
Roses bloom in May. But diamonds also flourish. Those super, with dizzying prices and that become front-page titles. Like those Sotheby’s prepares to present at his Magnificent Jewels and Noble Jewels auction in Geneva. In the catalog, which resembles an irresistible menu for the sweet tooth, there are also three diamonds cut at a distance of 300 years. All three diamonds are extremely rare and of extraordinary beauty. The first is called Blu Farnese. It is an important 6.16-carat blue diamond that was donated to Elisabetta Farnese, Queen of Spain, in 1715, before being handed down through four of Europe’s most important royal families. The estimate for this diamond is 3.6-5.2 million dollars.
The history of the Blue Farnese. The diamond comes from the Indian mines of Golconda, sold out for decades. Elisabetta, a descendant of Pope Paolo Terzo Farnese, received it in Parma in 1714 for her marriage to Philip V of Spain, nephew of the Sun King. Elisabetta then gave the blue diamond to her favorite son Filippo, duke of Parma and founder of the dynasty Bourbon-Parma. The duke, in turn, gave it to his son Ferdinando. From one duchy to another, it ended up in the hands of Carlo, Duke of Lucca, who wore it mounted on a brooch. Later, it was worn by Roberto, the last duke of Parma, exiled in Austria after the unification of Italy. The last owners were Elia, son of Roberto, who died in 1959, and his wife, Maria Anna of Austria.
Not just diamonds. Together with the Blue Farnese in Geneva, two majestic white diamonds will be offered at auction, each weighing over 50 carats and with a total estimate of over 15 million dollars. The white diamonds are both perfect according to all the criteria with which the diamonds are measured and each is the second largest for its form ever had at auction. But the May 15th auction at the Mandarin Oriental in Geneva includes other diamonds, colored whites, even precious stones and emblematic pieces signed by the most famous jewelry houses in the world (on this page you can see some of the most interesting pieces).
«After 10 very successful years of Noble Jewels sales in Geneva, we are delighted to offer such an important historical diamond, The Farnese Blue, this spring. In the Magnificent Jewels section of the sale, two exceptional perfect white diamonds, each weighing over 50 carats, take their places alongside an impressive selection of coloured diamonds. With superb Kashmir sapphires leading the way for coloured gemstones, and a wonderful array of signed pieces led by Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels, this will be a fitting celebration of the season!», is the comment of David Bennett, Worldwide Chairman of the department of Sotheby’s Jewelery. Federico Graglia




The Farnese Blue
The Farnese Blue

The Farnese Blue. Historic and highly important fancy dark grey-blue diamond weighing 16.16 carats
The Farnese Blue. Historic and highly important fancy dark grey-blue diamond weighing 16.16 carats
From the collection of the Marchioness of Londonderry, Mount Stewart. Impressive emerald and diamond bracelet, 1930s
From the collection of the Marchioness of Londonderry, Mount Stewart. Impressive emerald and diamond bracelet, 1930s
Cartier, fine gem set, onyx and diamond necklace, 1930s and later
Cartier, fine gem set, onyx and diamond necklace, 1930s and later
Van Cleef & Arpels, gem set and diamond demi-parure, Zipe, 1950s
Van Cleef & Arpels, gem set and diamond demi-parure, Zipe, 1950s
Cartier, very light pink diamond, gem set and diamond ring, “Parrot”
Cartier, very light pink diamond, gem set and diamond ring, “Parrot”
Pair of fancy intense yellow diamond pendent earrings
Pair of fancy intense yellow diamond pendent earrings
Magnificent diamond ring. The oval diamond weighing 50.39 carats
Magnificent diamond ring. The oval diamond weighing 50.39 carats
Fine sapphire and diamond ring
Fine sapphire and diamond ring
Superb sapphire and diamond ring, 1930s
Superb sapphire and diamond ring, 1930s
Exceptional diamond ring. The round brilliant-cut diamond weighing 51.71 carats
Exceptional diamond ring. The round brilliant-cut diamond weighing 51.71 carats
Superb fancy vivid purplish pink diamond ring
Superb fancy vivid purplish pink diamond ring

From a princely family. Impressive diamond tiara, circa 1830
From a princely family. Impressive diamond tiara, circa 1830







Jewels at auction with Faraone





Faraone Casa d’Aste returns with a sale of 300 pieces: here are the most precious jewels ♦ ︎
In Milan the jewels of Faraone Casa d’Aste are back. The sale scheduled for May 14 includes over 300 lots of jewelry and watches of the twentieth century. The one scheduled at the Four Seasons Hotel in Milan is the first of two annual auction events (now a classic), while the second one precedes the Christmas period. The May auction catalog, among other things, marks a growth compared to the previous appointments of Faraone Casa d’Aste: in fact, it exceeds the 240 lots in November and 160 in May 2017.
The most precious pieces
The company, which is the arm specialized in the sales of the historic Faraone jewelry, signals in particular two rings. The first is made of platinum with Kashmir sapphire, one of the rarest gems in the world, with a cushion cut of about 9 carats, surrounded by diamonds. The second ring, on the other hand, has a 13-carat Colombian emerald wrapped in baguette-cut diamonds. Other pieces that may be among the most requested: a platinum pin, punched Monture Cartier, with a 3.10 carat Colombian emerald placed in the middle of a game of platinum bands covered with 8.20 carats of old cut diamonds and baguettes. On sale also a set of Van Cleef & Arpels, consisting of ring and earrings in platinum with 14 carats of brilliant cut diamonds and 15 carats of round rubies, plus a bracelet, also in platinum, with five sapphires for a total of 22 carats surrounded by as many carats of baguette and brilliant diamonds. As for the jewels, there is also a Bulgari punched platinum ring with a central cut diamond of about 3 carats, surrounded by brilliant cut diamonds and baguette with a total weight of about 3 carats, and a Cartier ring with an octagonal fancy yellow diamond weighing 3.09 carats with two lateral triangular diamonds weighing about 1 carat, accompanied by its original case.
Collectible watches
The auction, in addition to jewelry, also offers over 50 watches, including a Rolex Daytona Patrizzi ref 16520 caliber 4030, with steel case and bracelet oyster, desired by collectors for the unique color variation of the three counters placed on the dial, due to the natural oxidation of silver, which make it particularly sought after. In addition to a series of sought-after Rolexes, for sale an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph ref. 25770ST steel and a rare Santos Dumont Louis Cartier Ultra-Thin. Finally, Faraone Casa d’Aste offers a collection of 22 pairs of twins and five diamonds on a map weighing approximately 1.40 carats of type HVVS1. Federico Graglia




Anello in platino con zaffiro Kashmir
Anello in platino con zaffiro Kashmir

anello Cartier, con diamante fancy yellow ottagonale del peso di 3,09 carati con due diamanti triangolari laterali del peso di circa 1 carato
Anello Cartier, con diamante fancy yellow ottagonale del peso di 3,09 carati con due diamanti triangolari laterali del peso di circa 1 carato
Collana con smeraldo a goccia
Collana con smeraldo a goccia
Van Cleef & Arpels, anello e orecchini in platino con 14 carati di diamanti taglio brillante e 15 carati di rubini tondi
Van Cleef & Arpels, anello e orecchini in platino con 14 carati di diamanti taglio brillante e 15 carati di rubini tondi
Aanello con smeraldo colombiano di 13 carati avvolto da diamanti taglio baguette
Aanello con smeraldo colombiano di 13 carati avvolto da diamanti taglio baguette
spilla in platino punzonata Monture Cartier con uno smeraldo colombiano
Spilla in platino, punzonata Monture Cartier, con uno smeraldo colombiano da 3,10 carati posto al centro di un gioco di fasce in platino ricoperte da 8,20 carati di diamanti a taglio old cut e baguette

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph







A Sotheby’s online auction also in Italy






First online auction of jewelry organized by Sotheby’s in Italy. Exhibition in Milan of a prestigious private collection ♦ ︎
Even Italy, from Milan, has its share of jewels at auction. Sotheby’s has announced an auction, online, of jewelery from May 17th to 30th. And with an exhibition open to the public from 22 to 23 May, in the historic Palazzo Serbelloni (corso Venezia 16). In particular, a private collection is on sale which, according to Sotheby’s press release, has been “established with passion in the course of a lifetime since the early fifties”. This collection has two main subjects of inspiration: the world of nature and fashion and artist’s jewelry.
It therefore includes jewels that depict butterflies, dragonflies, bees and mosques of various periods, with pieces by Bulgari and Buccellati, by Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels, or by American brands such as Webb, Tiffany and Schlumberger.
There are also jewelry signed by artists, such as the precious brooch of Capogrossi in diamonds, a series of necklaces by Facchini, Afro for Masenza, or jewels from the world of fashion such as those signed by Valentino.
«It is the first online auction dedicated to jewelry that we organize in Italy, in the wake of those in London and New York. And I am pleased that Milan was chosen immediately after London as the European platform of the international platform», says Sara Miconi, head of sales. The estimates of the jewels in the collection range from € 400 to € 20,000.




Spilla con diamanti di Capogrossi
Spilla con diamanti di Capogrossi

Collana con medaglione di Afro in oro
Collana con medaglione di Afro in oro
Particolare del medaglione firmato Afro
Particolare del medaglione firmato Afro
Spilla Libellula
Spilla Libellula
Farfalla con perle e pietre di colore
Farfalla con perle e pietre di colore
Composizione con farfalle e libellula
Composizione con farfalle e libellula







Chaumet wins with Fred Leighton

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Fred Leighton in black and white at Sotheby’s auction: a Chaumet necklace wins the auction of collection ♦
Fred Leighton, in New York, has been an authority for over 40 years for anyone looking to buy or sell a rare piece of Georgian, Victorian, Edwardian, Art Nouveau, Art Deco, Retro or contemporary. But the founder, who disappeared in 2017, not only dealt with choosing buyers and sellers of exceptional pieces: he himself had collected pieces of all kinds. And Fred Leighton’s personal collection was auctioned at Sotheby’s in New York. The sale totaled 2.8 million on Wednesday 19 April. There were not only jewels, but also furniture and pieces of decorative art from the seventeenth to the twentieth century, with a representation of all kinds from the pieces of the Victorian era to art deco. The most appreciated, for example, was a Cartier table clock in gold, turquoise and diamonds ($ 275,000). And the jewels? The highlight of the day was a bracelet-necklace composition by Chaumet from 1930, with old cut diamonds, single and baguette, sold for $ 112,500. Good result also for a Marchak necklace of about 1950, composed of interweaving of gold threads with baguette diamonds and rubies carved with floral motifs, with ruby ​​pearls and round and baguette diamonds. It was beaten for $ 100,000.
It should be noted, however, that not all the pieces have found a buyer. Among other things, pieces such as a Cartier necklace from 1945 with a citrine and diamonds, a Raymond Templier diamond necklace from the 1950s and a Cartier bow brooch from 1910 remained in the hammer. Federico Graglia





Anello con smeraldo e diamante a pera incastonato
Anello con smeraldo e diamante a pera incastonato

Collana con fili d'oro intrecciati e rubini di Marchak
Collana con fili d’oro intrecciati e rubini di Marchak
Collana-bracciale in oro bianco e diamanti di Chaumet
Collana-bracciale in oro bianco e diamanti di Chaumet
Spilla clip di Cartier in oro bianco e diamanti
Spilla clip di Cartier in oro bianco e diamanti
Collana di diamanti di Raymond Templier
Collana di diamanti di Raymond Templier

Collana-spilla di Cartier in oro, citrino e diamanti
Collana-spilla di Cartier in oro, citrino e diamanti







Bonhams celebrates David Webb

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Rubies, sapphires, diamonds and 16 pieces by David Webb at Bonhams auction in New York ♦ ︎
Even if you do not have the money to buy the magnificent jewels of the magnificent auctions held in the wealth capitals, first of all Geneva, London, Hong Kong and New York, browsing the catalogs can be enjoyable. You can find exceptional jewels discovered, true masterpieces not only for their estimated value, but also for their artistic quality.
Also the auction scheduled by Bonhams in New York for April 17, 2018 (133 lots) does not miss interesting pieces in the catalog. A solitaire ring with premium quality, brilliant cut, 10,01 carats is the most valuable piece, with an estimated 500,000-700,000 dollars. But, if you are not a diamond enthusiast or an investor who wants to close the ring in a safe, it is not the most pleasant piece to watch. Better, for example, the Art Déco bracelet with rubies and diamonds by Cartier, dated around 1935. It has contrasting rubies with white diamonds, in seven rows, interspersed with baguette-cut diamond bars, with other old-cut diamonds. Rubies are of Burmese origin and not heated. With rubies (50) is also composed of a necklace of Bulgari, with oval-shaped graduated stones, the largest weighing about 2.15 carats, alternating with round brilliant-cut round diamonds. Rubies are of Burmese origin (Myanmar). In the catalog there is also a ring of rubies and diamonds by Mermod & Jaccard.
Rubies are the fashion stone at the moment, but sapphires never set. At the auction of Bonhams, for example, a ring with 9.85 carats of Kashmir sapphire and diamonds is estimated at 80.000-120.000 dollars, while a pendant necklace with Sri Lanka sapphire of 40.07 carats and diamonds rises to 280.000- 320.000 .
The David Webb jewelery
One of the reasons of interest of the auction are also the 16 pieces by David Webb. The American designer was famous for his large and daring jewels, in which he also used materials such as exotic shells, carved rock crystal, enamel and coral. The collection that Bonhams will offer includes a bracelet with fox-head diamonds, diamonds, emeralds, rubies and enamels: a perfect example of Webb’s love for jewelry in the shape of animals, made with enamels, diamonds, emeralds and rubies. Federico Graglia



Anello con zaffiro del Kashmir da 9,85 carati e diamanti
Anello con zaffiro del Kashmir da 9,85 carati e diamanti
Bulgari, bracciale in oro giallo e smalto
Bulgari, bracciale in oro giallo e smalto
Bulgari, collana con diamanti e 50 rubini
Bulgari, collana con diamanti e 50 rubini
David Webb, collana con ametiste e corallo
David Webb, collana con ametiste e corallo
David Webb, bracciale con smeraldi, rubini e smalto a forma di volpe
David Webb, bracciale con smeraldi, rubini e smalto a forma di volpe
Bracciale di Cartier, 1935, rubini e diamanti
Bracciale di Cartier, 1935, rubini e diamanti
Pendente con zaffiro dello Sri Lanka di oltre 40 carati
Pendente con zaffiro dello Sri Lanka di oltre 40 carati

Anello con diamante solitaire da oltre 10 carati
Anello con diamante solitaire da oltre 10 carati







Faraone Casa d’Aste, the top lot is a sapphire





From Faraone Casa d’Aste the jewels come back, with a rare sapphire of Kashmir ♦ ︎
The jewelery and watch auctions in Milan are back with a collection of over 300 lots that will be beaten on May 14 by Faraone Casa d’Aste. Also on this occasion the sale will take place at the Four Seasons. And it promises to be an interesting event for enthusiasts and collectors. The historic Milanese company also notes the growing trust of the owners of pieces for sale, given that the number of lots is more than 240 in November and 160 in May 2017.
Among the pieces in the catalog, and among the many rings, there are two in particular. The first ring, in platinum, has mounted a sapphire from Kashmir, one of the rarest gems in the world since the mine has been used up for decades. The stone has a cushion cut and weighs about 9 carats, surrounded by diamonds. On the second ring there is a 13-carat Colombian emerald, wrapped in baguette-cut diamonds. In addition to these two pieces, in particular a platinum pin, punched by Monture Cartier, with a 3.10 carat Colombian emerald placed in the center of a play of platinum bands covered with 8.20 ct. of cut diamonds in old cut and baguettes. Always among the most popular choices is a set of Van Cleef & Arpels consisting of ring and earrings in platinum with 14 carats of brilliant cut diamonds and 15 carats of round rubies, plus a bracelet always in platinum with 5 sapphires for a total of 22 carats, surrounded by as many carats of baguette and brilliant diamonds. Furthermore, in the catalog there is a ring in platinum punched Bulgari with a central cut diamond of about 3 carats, surrounded by brilliant cut diamonds and baguette for others about 3 carats, and a Cartier ring, with fancy yellow octagonal diamond weighing 3,09 carats with two lateral triangular diamonds weighing about 1 carat, accompanied by its original case.
What time is it
The second part of the auction is dedicated to the fans of the lancets. There are about fifty watches for sale, including a Rolex Daytona Patrizzi ref 16520 caliber 4030, with steel case and bracelet oyster, desired by collectors for the unique color variation of the three counters on the dial, due to the natural oxidation of silver , which make it particularly coveted. In addition to other Rolex, there is also an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph ref. 25770ST steel and a rare Santos Dumont Louis Cartier Ultra-Thin.



Spilla in platino, punzonata Monture Cartier, con uno smeraldo colombiano da 3,10 carati posto al centro di un gioco di fasce in platino ricoperte da 8,20 carati di diamanti a taglio old cut e baguette
Spilla in platino, punzonata Monture Cartier, con uno smeraldo colombiano da 3,10 carati posto al centro di un gioco di fasce in platino ricoperte da 8,20 carati di diamanti a taglio old cut e baguette
Anello in platino con zaffiro Kashmir taglio cuscino del peso di circa 9ct contornato da diamanti taglio brillante e baguette per un totale di circa 1ct. Misura 50. Peso 11,10g. Certificato SSEF
Anello in platino con zaffiro Kashmir taglio cuscino del peso di circa 9 carati contornato da diamanti taglio brillante e baguette per un totale di circa 1ct. Misura 50. Peso 11,10g. Certificato SSEF
Pendente con smeraldo a goccia
Pendente con smeraldo a goccia
Anello in platino punzonato Bulgari con un diamante old cut centrale di circa 3 carati, contornato da diamanti taglio brillante e baguette per altri  circa 3 carati,
Anello in platino punzonato Bulgari con un diamante old cut centrale di circa 3 carati, contornato da diamanti taglio brillante e baguette per altri circa 3 carati,
Anello con smeraldo e diamanti
Anello con smeraldo e diamanti
Bracciale in platino con 5 zaffiri per un totale di 22 carati
Bracciale in platino con 5 zaffiri per un totale di 22 carati
Parure di Van Cleef & Arpels composta da anello e orecchini in platino con 14 carati di diamanti taglio brillante e 15 carati di rubini tondi
Parure di Van Cleef & Arpels composta da anello e orecchini in platino con 14 carati di diamanti taglio brillante e 15 carati di rubini tondi
FARAONE 17487
Smeraldo colombiano di 13 carati, avvolto da diamanti taglio baguette

Anello Cartier, con diamante fancy yellow ottagonale del peso di 3,09 carati
Anello Cartier, con diamante fancy yellow ottagonale del peso di 3,09 carati







Jar and a pink diamond are the stars at Christie’s

A pink diamond and a ring of Jar are the stars of Christie’s Magnificent Jewels auction in New York ♦ ︎
Spring returns to pink, like peach blossoms and like the diamond that Christie’s sells at the Magnificent Jewels auction in New York on April 17th. The diamond is mounted on a platinum and rose gold ring. It is an 8.42 carat stone, intense rose fancy brilliant cut but «modified rectangular», VVS1 clarity and «potentially internally impeccable». On the sides the stone has two other baguette diamonds. The ring is valued between 4 and 6 million dollars.
But, of course, the auction has other interesting pieces of Maison such as Boucheron, Bulgari, Cartier, David Webb, Harry Winston, Tiffany & Co. in the catalog. It is not necessary to be a millionaire to participate (also online) in the purchase: prices start at 4000 dollars. Among the most popular pieces there are classic jewels, like a necklace of diamonds and emeralds by Van Cleef & Arpels (estimate up to 1.25 million dollars), or rings with big diamonds.
Two rare Jar
But there are also rare jewels and coveted by collectors, like two pieces signed Jar, designer who has fans all over the world. If you do not know him, know that Jar represents the initials of Joel Arthur Rosenthal, born in 1943 in New York in a family of modest possibilities. He graduated from Harvard in 1966, and then moved to Paris. Before joining the Olympus of jewelry, he worked as a screenwriter. She refined her skills with Bulgari in New York, and then returned to Paris where she opened a boutique in Place Vendôme with her partner, Pierre Jeannet. His rare pieces are received almost like an event. In this case, Christie’s auctioned jewels will benefit the Art for Justice Fund, which aims to reform the justice system in the United States.
Jar’s jewels at auction are, therefore, a Moghul style brooch, created in 1999, in silver and 18-karat gold. It consists of a kind of stylized dome with an amethyst pavé surrounding a 14.77 carat cushioned sapphire. The pendant has a border of diamonds and a tassel of natural pearls. Not only that: the back is a pavé of diamonds. Necklace and pendant are valued up to $ 300,000. The second piece is, apparently, more traditional: a ring. In reality, the 22.76-carat oval diamond, color D and VVS1 clarity, is suspended in a thin flush mount with a micro-pavé on platinum. In this case the maximum estimate is 3.5 million. Federico Graglia

This is the Circle of Heaven

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A rare jade bracelet, great classic jewelry and Ashley Judd’s earrings at Sotheby’s in Hong Kong ♦ ︎
The great auctions come back with great jewels for big wallets. Everything is great at Sotheby’s auction on April 3rd in Hong Kong. For enthusiasts collectors of the Orient, the “highly translucent” jadeite bracelet will certainly be exciting, considered the most precious piece of the Magnificent Jewels and Jadeite auction. Sotheby’s has the aim of selling pieces for $ 93.6 million.
The assessment of the simple circle ranges from 10.2 to 12.8 million dollars. The most expensive round in history, perhaps. The bracelet also has a name: The Circle of Heaven. It has a full color, emerald green with “fine texture”. The name, apart from the perfection of the geometric form, derives from the fact that in China the tradition considers jadeite as the Stone of Heaven.
But there is not only the much appreciated jade auction, which also includes classic vintage jewelry, including a series of pieces in Art Deco style. A few samples: a Burmese ruby ​​ring with a 24.70 carat cushion cut is valued at 11.8 million dollars. A 14.1 carat blue diamond surrounded by brilliant cut diamonds set in platinum and 18k rose gold is valued at up to 7.7 million.
Other interesting pieces are those found in a collection of designer earrings called Jewels for the Red Carpet. It is a collection inspired by actress Ashley Judd at the Golden Globe of 2018: she wore a pair of earrings with emeralds and diamonds by Martin Katz, which will be included in the auction and are valued at $ 256,000. Also in this part of the auction are earrings of keshi pearls, rock crystals and diamonds by the designer-artist Wallace Chan (valued up to $ 83,500), a pair of earrings with aquamarine and diamonds by Cartier (179,000), earrings with Bhagat spinels and diamonds (179,000) and a pair of Cindy Chao diamond earrings (109,000). Federico Graglia




Anello con un rubino birmano a forma di cuscino del peso di 24,70 carati
Anello con un rubino birmano a forma di cuscino del peso di 24,70 carati

Anello con diamante fancy blue
Anello con diamante fancy blue
Anello di Cartier con smeraldo colombiano da 14,72 carati e diamanti taglio brillante
Anello di Cartier con smeraldo colombiano da 14,72 carati e diamanti taglio brillante
Ashley Judd con gli orecchini con smeraldi
Ashley Judd con gli orecchini con smeraldi
Bracciale Art Déco
Bracciale Art Déco
Cigno di Van Cleef & Arpels
Cigno di Van Cleef & Arpels
Il bracciale di giada The Circle of Heaven
Il bracciale di giada The Circle of Heaven
Coppia di orecchini con diamanti Four Season di Cindy Chao
Coppia di orecchini con diamanti Four Season di Cindy Chao
Orecchini con perle Keshi e cristallo di rocca e diamanti, Wallace Chan
Orecchini con perle Keshi e cristallo di rocca e diamanti, Wallace Chan
Orecchini con giada e diamanti
Orecchini con giada e diamanti
Orecchini con spinello e diamanti di Bhagat
Orecchini con spinello e diamanti di Bhagat

Anello con zaffiro stella e diamanti
Anello con zaffiro stella e diamanti







Auction Bolaffi, the results





A diamond and the Rolex Daytona in the foreground at the Bolaffi auction in Milan ♦ ︎
Interesting results for the Bolaffi auction of jewelery and watches scheduled in Milan at the Grand Hotel et de Milan. The day ended with over 1.5 million total realizations, including rights, with dozens of raises in the hall and numerous phone calls from all over the world, in particular from Great Britain, United States, Israel and China. The king of the auction turned out to be the Rolex Daytona 6239 with the famous dial Paul Newman. It has been sold for 155.600 euros. Among the precious, an unassembled diamond, a 6,38 carat emerald cut, H color, VS2 purity with Gia certificate, was sold for 85 thousand euros.
Among the jewels, the dangle earrings in natural pearls and diamonds marked a price of 52,500 euros, a brooch of rubies of Burmese origin and diamonds depicting a stylized bouquet with flowers in tremblant was awarded to 50 thousand euros (starting from a base of 12 thousand), a ring with a 5.55 carat round diamond (27.500 euros), a diamond-set, emeralds and sapphires (25 thousand euros) and a rivière choker with tulip decorations adorned with 33 carat diamonds total amount (23,750 euros).
Interest has attracted the ancient jewels and those of the seventies, from the Castellani style pin in the mid-nineteenth century (15 thousand euros) to the Boucheron set in gold, tortoiseshell and chrysoprase (16,875 euros). F.G.




Diamante taglio smeraldo a gradini di 6,38 carati
Diamante taglio smeraldo a gradini di 6,38 carati

Anello con diamanti e rubini
Anello con diamanti e rubini
Rolex Daytona
Rolex Daytona
Spilla in rubini e diamanti
Spilla in rubini e diamanti
Anello con diamante Fancy Vivid Yellow di 3,66 carati
Anello con diamante Fancy Vivid Yellow di 3,66 carati
Orecchini in perle naturali e diamanti
Orecchini in perle naturali e diamanti
Demi-parure in diamanti, smeraldi e zaffiri
Demi-parure in diamanti, smeraldi e zaffiri

Girocollo rivière con decori a tulipano ornato da diamanti di 33 carati complessivi
Girocollo rivière con decori a tulipano ornato da diamanti di 33 carati complessivi







Diamonds and jewels with Bolaffi





Diamonds and jewels, plus watches, at the first Bolaffi 2018 auction in Milan ♦ ︎
Jewelry and watch auctions are back in Milan. To sale at auction is Bolaffi, that Tuesday, March 20, at the Grand Hotel et de Milan is ready to beat a selection of jewelry and watches. The auction top lots are two unmounted diamonds. One is a stepped emerald cut of 6.38 carats, color H, VS2 clarity with Gia certificate (lot 465). The other has an oval cut of 5.01 carats, color H, purity loupe-clean (lot 464), each auctioned starting from 55 thousand euros. A 3,66 carat Fancy Vivid Yellow diamond ring also comes with Gia certificate (lot 463, from 80 thousand euros).
Among the highlights of the jewelry catalog, Bolaffi signals a pair of dangle earrings in natural pearls, one white and one gray with diamonds (lot 458, base 20 thousand euros). Afterwards, a demi-parure in diamonds, emeralds and sapphires formed by a choker and earrings in two-tone gold with a jointed flowers motif (lot 459, base 20 thousand euros), a brooch of ruby ​​from Burmese origin and diamonds in the shape of stylized bouquet in platinum, with a baguette-cut diamonds stem with en tremblant corollas (lot 462, base 12 thousand euros) and a set of Boucheron in gold, turtle and chrysoprase from the seventies (lot 297, base 5 thousand euros).
Ancient jewels include a Castellani yellow gold brooch from the mid-nineteenth century in archaeological style with carnel carvings depicting deities (lot 380, base 4 thousand euros), a hard gold rosé bracelet with Old Europe cut diamond in original box ( lot 260, base 7,500 euros) and two long platinum necklaces with pendant / clock in diamonds signed Leroy (lot 285, base 1,200 euros) and Cartier (lot 381, base 3 thousand euros).
The proposal includes some objet de vertu (objects of particular interest for reasons of history or workmanship) from the 18th century from a noble Italian family, including a refined agate Easter egg with a perforated yellow gold cage, engraved with flowers and decorated with the motto Votre amitié fait ma seule felicité, ie your friendship is my only felicity (lot 258, base 2 thousand euro).
Rolex and Patek Philippe
The watch catalog, consisting of 169 lots, ranges from precious and antique pocket models to the most modern and elegant wristwatches with a rich selection of Rolex Daytona, presented in numerous materials and references among which the unmistakable 6239 with the famous dial Paul Newman (lot 168, base 90 thousand euros). There is no shortage of examples of other Swiss brands, such as the Patek Philippe Hour Glass in platinum and diamonds indexes (lot 166, base 40 thousand euros) and the Royal Oak Dual Time Audemars Piguet (lot 165, base 6 thousand euros).
Destined to fans of the military genre are a single-handed Lemoni Chronograph (lot 9, base 1,200 euros) and a Rolex MKII (lot 66, base 700 euros), both supplied to the English Navy during the Second World War.
Finally, among the fine pocket-sized specimens we find a retrograde Swiss watch with complete calendar and sundial on the back, extremely rare (lot 156, base 11 thousand euros) and an antique English clock with automaton and enamels signed Dormer (lot 155, base 7 thousand EUR).
Auction
Tuesday, March 20, 2018
Milan – Grand Hotel et de Milan, via Manzoni 29
10 am, Jewels
4.30 pm, Clocks
Exposure
Milan – Bolaffi, via Manzoni 7
from Saturday 17 to Monday 19 March 2018 (Sunday included), from 10 to 18




Diamante taglio smeraldo a gradini di 6,38 carati
Diamante taglio smeraldo a gradini di 6,38 carati

Orecchini in perle naturali e diamanti
Orecchini in perle naturali e diamanti
Parure in oro, tartaruga e crisoprasio di Boucheron
Parure in oro, tartaruga e crisoprasio di Boucheron
Demi parure in smeraldi e zaffiri
Demi parure in smeraldi e zaffiri
Anello con diamanti e rubini
Anello con diamanti e rubini
Rolex Daytona
Rolex Daytona
Spilla in rubini e diamanti
Spilla in rubini e diamanti

Anello con diamante Fancy Vivid Yellow di 3,66 carati
Anello con diamante Fancy Vivid Yellow di 3,66 carati







Jewels and stones that will have more value in 2018

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The auction house Bonhams has analyzed the trend of jewelry and stones most in demand and that will increase in value. For example, rubies and … ♦ ︎
What treasure have you hidden at home? Or in a bank safe? Perhaps you do not know that, but like for paintings or stock shares, even jewels are subject to variation in their value. Stones that twenty years ago were scarcely considered or even referred to as defective, such as brown diamonds, are now also used for high jewelery. In short, it is good to know the value of what you have.
The Bonhams auction house, for example, has revealed to the Professional Jeweler website what jewels are supposed to be more in demand in 2018 and, therefore, get a higher price. Here are the ten precious that in 2018 will increase in value according to Jean Ghika, Bonhams world jewelry director.
1) Colored diamonds. If ten years ago a vivid blue diamond was estimated at 200,000 to 300,000 dollars per carat, today the value has risen 2-3 million. A growth rate higher than the stock exchange or real estate. In short, it was an excellent investment. But now? According to Jean Ghika, “the market today is more informed and the beauty and rarity of these stones is fully appreciated. Colored diamonds of yellow, pink and blue in all sizes and hue are increasingly requested by buyers all over the world». And the value is set to rise, according to the Fancy Color Research Foundation. The average price of all blue diamonds rose by 8.1% over two years.
2) Rubies. Red stone is one of the most sought after in the last two years, surpassing the appeal of sapphires and emeralds. Bonhams, for example, brings an art deco ring from Lacloche, with a five-carat non-heated Burmese ruby, sold for £ 30,000 in 2007. An equivalent ruby ​​on a Cartier ring has been sold at over £ 362,000 recently , with an increase of 1,108% in just seven years.
3) White diamonds. They remain among the right choices to preserve the value of a jewel. According to the auction house, there is a growing interest in diamonds with an antique, handmade cut from the Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco period. They have a great charm and are distinguished compared to perfectly cut diamonds of nowadays.
4) Sapphires. Although slightly less than the ruby, the sapphire maintains a great appeal. Also because, next to the classic blue color, sapphires are available in a wide variety of shades, even rare ones like the padparadscha (pinkish-orange). The rarity of some nuances makes the sapphire much sought after by collectors and, therefore, preserves or increases its value. Also because sapphires of historical mines, like those of Kashmir, are among the rarest and most sought after.
5) Emeralds. The same discourse of the sapphires also applies to the green stones par excellence. However, the value depends largely on the color of the stone and on the clarity. High quality untreated (certified) stones from Colombia are in high demand and have seen a significant increase in value over the past decade.
6) Belle Epoque and Art Déco. Late nineteenth and early twentieth century are two golden periods for jewelry and are increasingly appreciated. In the last decade the value of antique jewelry has increased by 54%. In particular, jewels of the period 1945-1975 increased by 88.9% and those of art deco (1920s and 1930s) and Belle Epoque (1890-1915) by 71.8%.
7) Jewels of great Maisons. Over time, the value of the jewels of major brands resist better. But, even better, in recent years have seen prices rally. Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Bulgari, Verdura, Suzanne Belperron and Tiffany, for example, are increasingly requested brands at auction.
8) Natural pearls. Pearls yes, but not cultivated. They are those who have seen their value multiply in recent years. The data of Art Market Research, reports Professional Jeweler, indicate a 286.1% increase in the price of natural pearls in the last decade.
9) Great designers. There is not only the signature of the great Maison to raise the price of jewels. Even the jewels of artists or designers such as Suzanne Belperron, Coco Chanel, Hemmerle, Georges Braque, Daniel Brush or Andrew Grima are in great demand.
10) Spinels. Red is fashionable, but it is not said to be ruby. The spinels are very similar to the rubies and are just as beautiful to see on a jewel. That’s why rings, necklaces or bracelets with large spinels are sprouting higher and higher prices. According to Bonhams, there is considerable interest in spinels and many collectors want to buy them. Federico Graglia



Anello con diamanti rosa marquise e Fancy Light Blue al centro
Anello con diamanti rosa marquise e Fancy Light Blue al centro
Anello con rubino sangue di piccione non riscaldato
Anello con rubino sangue di piccione non riscaldato
Anello moi et toi: un diamante taglio a pera, un diamante assher, più 216 diamanti
Anello moi et toi: un diamante taglio a pera, un diamante assher, più 216 diamanti
Anello stile Art Deco in platino, diamanti e zaffiro
Anello stile Art Deco in platino, diamanti e zaffiro
John Rubel, anello con oro bianco, smeraldo, zaffiri e diamanti
John Rubel, anello con oro bianco, smeraldo, zaffiri e diamanti
Anello Art Deco di Boucheron con una grossa acquamarina. Venduto per 19mila euro
Anello Art Deco di Boucheron con una grossa acquamarina. Venduto per 19mila euro
Bulgari, collana della collezione Giardini Italiani
Bulgari, collana della collezione Giardini Italiani
Orecchini con perle naturali e diamanti appartenuti alla imperatrice Eugenia di Francia
Orecchini con perle naturali e diamanti appartenuti alla imperatrice Eugenia di Francia
Orecchini Coquillage di Suzanne Belperron
Orecchini Coquillage di Suzanne Belperron
Tiffany Blue Book2013 , anello con spinello rosso centrale taglio ovale, circondato da spessartiti e diamanti bianchi taglio tondo
Tiffany Blue Book 2013, anello con spinello rosso centrale taglio ovale, circondato da spessartiti e diamanti bianchi taglio tondo







A 2017 with records for Christie’s




2017 was a golden year for Christie’s jewels, with a burst of records ♦
The end of the year is when the balance sheets of the past 12 months are made. It is a delicate moment and not always (or, better, often) this analysis is made public. As far as the jewelery world is concerned, this applies even more. A veil of confidentiality always hides the affairs of the great Maison and of the players in the sector. But not in one case: when business is good. Indeed, super good. This is the time, as regards 2017, of Christie’s, the great auction house also involved in the jewelry business. Christie’s, in fact, has made public the balance of the jewelry auctions that, the numbers confirm, is really flattering: 24 years as a leader of auctions of jewels. In fact, in 2017, Christie’s sold jewels for 556.7 million dollars. Among other things, online sales are also up (8.9 million), even if the lion’s share is still traditional auctions (547.8 million).
In this complex there are also a series of records, Christie’s proudly claims. For example, the world record for an Art Nouveau and Art Deco collection of a single owner, sold 100%, for a total of 12.4 million. Or the world record for an impeccable D-color diamond, achieved with the The Art of de Grisogono necklace, sold for 33.7 million dollars. Another success was the record auction price per carat reached for a pink diamond achieved with The Pink Promise (32.2 million dollars) and, to remain always in the same shade of diamonds, the record for the most historic diamond ever sold auctioned with Le Grand Mazarin (14.4 million).
“From the historic sale of The Rockefeller Emerald to Le Grand Mazarin and from de Grisogono’s 163.41 carat D Flawless diamond to the Pink Promise, 2017 has been a stellar year for jewelry at Christie’s. Nine new world record prices were achieved at our sales worldwide driven by intense competition from collectors who bid at the highest levels for important diamonds, rare gems and jewels, and superb objects. We
also saw immense growth in our Online sales which encouraged clients to enjoy the auction experience at all price points. As we move into 2018, our global team of jewelry specialists look forward to bringing to market the very best jewels for our clients.””said Rahul Kadakia, international jewelry manager, Christie’s. Who, probably, hopes to do an encore in 2018. Federico Graglia




The Pink Promise, diamante ovale fancy vivid pink diamond di 14.93 carati. Venduto per 32,163 milioni di dollari a Hong Kong
The Pink Promise, diamante ovale fancy vivid pink diamond di 14.93 carati. Venduto per 32,163 milioni di dollari a Hong Kong

The Art of de Grisogono, collana con diamante di 163,41 carati, venduta per 33,7 milioni
The Art of de Grisogono, collana con diamante di 163,41 carati, venduta per 33,7 milioni
La Légende, diamante a cuore di 92,15 carati di Boehmer et Bassenge venduto per 14,9 milioni
La Légende, diamante a cuore di 92,15 carati di Boehmer et Bassenge venduto per 14,9 milioni
Anello conun diamante fancy intense blue pot/IF diamante da 8.67 carati per 13,2 milioni
Anello conun diamante fancy intense blue pot/IF diamante da 8.67 carati per 13,2 milioni
Le Grand Mazarin, diamante rosa light, di 14,93 carati, venduto per 14,4 milioni, 758,4 per carato
Le Grand Mazarin, diamante rosa light, di 14,93 carati, venduto per 14,4 milioni, 758,4 per carato

Anello con diamante burmese di oltre 15 carati venduto per 12,9 milioni, alla cifra record di 861.000 per carato
Anello con diamante burmese di oltre 15 carati venduto per 12,9 milioni, alla cifra record di 861.000 per carato







Shaun Leane’s jewels sold at auction

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The pieces created by Shaun Leane in the course of his collaboration with Alexander McQueen were beaten at Sotheby’s. Here are the most requested pieces ♦ ︎
Fashion and jewelry, a weave that has lasted since mankind came down from the trees. In the evolution of the species, we find cases like that of Shaun Leane, designer also famous for his partnership with Alexander McQueen.
Read also: Shaun Leane from Sotheby’s
The auction of unique pieces, entitled Couture Fashion Jewelery: The Personal Archive by Shaun Leane, with over 40 jewels created by the British designer from 1996 to 2008, after the retrospectives at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 2011 and at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London in 2015, it was particularly awaited.
In fact, the sale was a success, with pieces beaten start from a estimate over 2 million dollars. Which is a high value considering that Shaun Leane’s jewels are not made from gold and diamonds. The most famous piece, the Coiled Corset, has more than doubled its high esteem: it was sold for $ 807,000 after a battle between potential buyers over five minutes. The corset, created for The Overlook collection (autumn-winter 1999-2000 collection by Alexander McQueen), is the only piece of Shaun Leane’s almost twenty-year-long collaboration with the designer signed by both.
«The most beautiful part for me is that these pieces have been admired, appreciated and now accepted in new collections. I’m so happy to know that they will continue to inspire and provoke how they did the first day I created them», said the British designer.
Another controversial piece was The Skeleton Corset, created for the Untitled Spring-Summer 1998 collection: with an estimate of $ 350,000, it was sold for 711,000. The jewel was inspired by the idea of ​​McQueen to show the beauty of the internal structure of the human body and turn it into an external ornament. The white gold glove with diamonds Contra Mundum has grossed 312,500: it is made up of over 4,000 diamonds. Three other works that have far exceeded their pre-sales estimates include the Coiled Collar (on the cover of the 1997 Homogenic album by Björk) and the Silver Crown of Thorns (created for the Dante Fall-Winter 1996-97 collection) by Alexander McQueen). Federico Graglia




Porcupine Quill Earrings. Photo: Courtesy Shaun Leane
Another Porcupine Quill Earrings. Photo: Courtesy Shaun Leane

Porcupine Quill Earrings. Photo: Courtesy Shaun Leane
Porcupine Quill Earrings. Photo: Courtesy Shaun Leane
Coiled Corset. Courtesy Robert Fairer
Coiled Corset. Courtesy Robert Fairer
Arm Vine. Courtesy Chris Moore
Arm Vine. Courtesy Chris Moore
Coiler Corset. Courtesy Chris Moore
Coiler Corset. Courtesy Chris Moore
Tusk Anklet. Photo: Courtesy Sotheby's
Tusk Anklet. Photo: Courtesy Sotheby’s
Thistle Brooch. Photo: Courtesy Sotheby's
Thistle Brooch. Photo: Courtesy Sotheby’s
Skeleton Corset. Photo: Courtesy Sotheby's
Skeleton Corset. Photo: Courtesy Sotheby’s
Porcupine Quill Earrings. Photo: Courtesy Sotheby's
Porcupine Quill Earrings. Photo: Courtesy Sotheby’s
Large Shell Earrings. Photo: Courtesy Sotheby's
Large Shell Earrings. Photo: Courtesy Sotheby’s
Crown of Thorns. Photo: Courtesy Sotheby's
Crown of Thorns. Photo: Courtesy Sotheby’s

Coiled Corset, Photo: Courtesy Sotheby's
Coiled Corset, Photo: Courtesy Sotheby’s







Pink Promise sold for 31.9 million

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The Pink Promise diamond touches Christie’s record at Hong Kong ♦ ︎
There is pink diamond and pink diamond. While the 37-carat Raj Pink was not sold in Geneva, the smallest The Pink Promise, a 14.93 carat pink fancy vivid, was beaten by Christie’s for $ 31.9 million at Magnificent Jewels auction Hong Kong. The price is very close to the world record for a single carat of a pink diamond: $ 2.13 million (the record is almost 2.15 million per carat that a buyer has paid for a 5-carat diamond vivid diamond at a Christie’s auction in Hong Kong in December 2009).
The diamond has a curious history: it was bought by a stone merchant, Stephen Silver, in 2013 and cut again to highlight its color; it weighed 16.10 carats. The operation, very delicate, was successful. Silver (a name that marks a destiny) is already busy with particularly precious diamonds, such as The Cranberry, fancy red violet, The Million Dollar Pumpkin, a vivid orange, and a fancy blue vivid diamond. The Hong Kong auction, in addition to the highly regarded in Asia jade pieces, has also won jewelry from important Maison, such as Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels. Here are some pieces sold. Federico Graglia




The Pink Promise, un diamante fancy vivid pink da 14,93 carati
The Pink Promise, un diamante fancy vivid pink da 14,93 carati

Anello con alessandrite: nell'immagine, i due colori che assume secondo la luce che attraversa la pietra
Anello con alessandrite: nell’immagine, i due colori che assume secondo il tipo di luce che attraversa la pietra
Bracciale con diamanti, smeraldi e zaffiri Les Oiseaux Liberes, di Cartier
Bracciale con diamanti, smeraldi e zaffiri Les Oiseaux Liberes, di Cartier
Spilla in oro bianco e diamanti di Van Cleef & Arpels
Spilla in oro bianco e diamanti di Van Cleef & Arpels
Spilla in oro bianco e diamanti a forma di libellula realizzata da Tiffany & Co
Spilla in oro bianco e diamanti a forma di libellula realizzata da Tiffany & Co
Spilla con ametista e diamanti di Vhernier
Spilla con ametista e diamanti di Vhernier

Anello con spinello e diamanti colorati
Anello con spinello e diamanti colorati







Zsa Zsa Gabor with Bonhams




The Zsa Zsa Gabor diamond necklace at Bonhams auction in New York ♦ ︎
Zsa Zsa Gabor, who disappeared in 2016, was one of the most famous dives of the last century. Her career, started when she was elected with Miss Hungary in 1936, continued as a film actress. In over 50 years of career she has worked in more than 60 films, with directors such as Orson Welles, John Huston and Vincente Minnelli. In addition to leaving indelible memories to an entire generation (as well as its nine husbands), she has also left valuable jewels, one of her passions. For example, an “over-the-top gorgeous” diamond necklace will be auctioned on December 4 in New York by Bonhams. It is a rivière diamond necklace, with 45 brilliant rounds for a total of 66 carats. The necklace is the work of Harry Winston, who created it in 1964. The rivière necklaces are characterized by stones of different size (see also: What are rivièere and tripla X). In this case, the five central diamonds weigh 8.07, 6.34, 6.33, 5.35 and 4.88 carats. Their quality varies from F to I color and are VVS2 clarity. The value of the necklace is estimated at between 1.2 and 1.5 million dollars. But some enthusiast for the great actress’s could raise the price.
Zsa Zsa Gabor was a fan of jewels. She has been given a phrase that has become famous: “I never hated a man enough to give him his diamonds.” Federico Graglia



La collana rivière appartenuta a Zsa Zsa Gabor
La collana rivière appartenuta a Zsa Zsa Gabor
La collana rivière appartenuta a Zsa Zsa Gabor. Stima: 1,2-1,5 milioni di dollari
La collana rivière appartenuta a Zsa Zsa Gabor. Stima: 1,2-1,5 milioni di dollari
Zsa Zsa Gabor con la collana di diamanti
Zsa Zsa Gabor con la collana di diamanti
Un'immagine d'epoca di Zsa Zsa Gabor
Un’immagine d’epoca di Zsa Zsa Gabor
Spilla Uccello su una roccia, citrino e diamanti, firmata da Jean Schlumberger per Tiffany & co
Spilla Uccello su una roccia, citrino e diamanti, firmata da Jean Schlumberger per Tiffany & co
Spilla in oro, platino e diamanti firmata David Webb
Spilla in oro, platino e diamanti firmata David Webb
Anello con diamante
Anello con diamante

Abello con zaffiro e diamanti
Abello con zaffiro e diamanti







Pink diamond fail

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The sale of the pink diamond at Sotheby’s Auction fails: for the precious stones a black day ♦ ︎
The sale of the rose has ended in red, after a rather black day. The Raj Pink, the biggest fancy intense pink diamond, for its rare color, was the strong piece of Wednesday’s auction organized by Sotheby’s in Geneva. But it was not sold. The cushion-shaped stone, weighing 37.30 carats, had a pre-sale estimate of between $ 20 and $ 30 million. But David Bennett, world leader in Sotheby’s jewelery division, had to submit: “It was not sold.” The raises did not exceed 14 million Swiss francs and the jewel was withdrawn. And it was not the only flop. Other high-value lots were withdrawn because they did not meet the stock price set (secretly) by their vendors. Among the unassigned pieces is the blue diamond ring of Moussaieff: the last offer was 12.4 million Swiss francs. Nothing to do for another expected piece: a pair of yellow diamonds previously belonged to the princely German family of Von Donnersmarck. Rewards reached 7.8 million Swiss francs, but no new owners.
The auction, however, was not a failure: 303 lots were sold out of 349. Overall, the sale was $ 77.9 million. Eventually, the top was achieved by a light pink diamond ring made by Harry Winston in 1970, described as a “absolutely extraordinary beautiful stone” by Bennett: sold for 12.6 million Swiss francs to a telephone bidder.
The reasons for the flop
Why is not the Pink Pink sold? “The pieces have to be exceptional to be sold today at the same level as two years ago,” explained to Reuters Eric Valdieu, an experienced jewelery retailer based in Geneva. “It’s a modern, recent stone (extracted in 2015 ndr) and not a 10 to 10 in terms of color and shape. He had no history. ” Tobias Kormind, managing director of 77Diamonds.com, the world’s largest online diamond retailer in Europe, said he was worried about the highest end of the stone market. Federico Graglia



Il Raj Pink, diamante rosa di oltre 37 carati
Il Raj Pink, diamante rosa di oltre 37 carati
Il Raj Pink
Il Raj Pink
In asta da Sotheby's anche questo anello di diamanti Superb Fancy Vivid Blue, Moussaieff, con peso di 7.41 carati, Interno Flawless
In asta da Sotheby’s anche questo anello di diamanti Superb Fancy Vivid Blue, Moussaieff, con peso di 7.41 carati, Interno Flawless
The Donnersmarck Diamonds, Fancy Intense Yellow di 82,47 e 102,54 carati
The Donnersmarck Diamonds, Fancy Intense Yellow di 82,47 e 102,54 carati

Anello con diamante rosa di Harry Winston. Stima di 6,8-12 milioni di euro
Anello con diamante rosa di Harry Winston







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