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A royal blue diamond at Christie’s

Published on September 19, 2023

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It has a French name and certainly blue blood: the Bleu Royal diamond will be the highlight of the next Magnificent Jewels auction on November 7 at Christie’s in Geneva. It is a big diamond for being among the few with the color of the sea: it weighs 17.61 carats and is the largest Internally Flawless Fancy Vivid Blue gem ever to appear for sale in the history of auctions. The gem has been cut and polished into a perfectly symmetrical pear shape. The diamond, which boasts an intense, vivid blue color and impeccable clarity, is among the rarest ever found. The estimate is between 35 and 50 million dollars. Bleu Royal has been part of an important private collection for 50 years now and it is the first time that the stone, set in a ring, will be put up for sale at auction.

This is a true miracle of nature. Throughout our 257-year history, Christie’s has had the privilege of offering the world’s rarest gems at auction, and Bleu Royal continues this tradition. We are proud to offer collectors the opportunity to own a diamond fit for a king.
Rahul Kadakia, International Head of Jewelery at Christie’s

Rahul-Kadakia durante un'asta di Christie's — Rahul Kadakia during a Christie’s auction

Driven by collector demand and an increasingly limited supply, prices for high-quality colored diamonds have increased exponentially in recent years. In auction rooms, Fancy Vivid Blue diamonds over 10 carats are virtually unknown: in over 250 years of auction history at Christie’s, only three of these stones have ever appeared for sale:
• The 10.95-carat Bulgari Blue sold for $15.7 million in New York in October 2010
• The 13.22-carat Winston Blue, sold for $23.8 million in Geneva in May 2014
• The 14.62-carat Oppenheimer Blue, sold for $57.5 million in Geneva in May 2016

Habsburg jewels up for auction with Sotheby’s

Published on September 15, 2023

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For lovers of jewels belonging to royal families, November 6 and 7 presents a great opportunity: Sotheby’s is auctioning in Geneva a private collection of jewels from royal houses linked to the Austrian Habsburg dynasty. The auction is entitled Vienna 1900: an imperial and royal collection and precedes the classic Magnificent Jewels sale scheduled for November 8th. The blue-blooded collection includes more than 200 jewels which, according to what has been disclosed, were recently rediscovered hidden in a bank vault. A somewhat mysterious origin, in short. In any case, according to Sotheby’s the sale represents the most impressive set of Viennese royal jewels ever offered at auction.

Ornamento per corpetto appartenuto all'arciduchessa Maria Teresa d'Austria-Teschen (1845-1927), in perle naturali e diamanti — Bodice ornament that belonged to Archduchess Maria Theresa of Austria-Teschen (1845-1927), in natural pearls and diamonds

This collection is undoubtedly the most important auction of Noble Jewels after the historic auction of the Royal Jewels of the Bourbon-Parma Family, held by Sotheby’s in Geneva four years ago. The collection is truly exceptional and boasts a unique combination of magnificent ceremonial court jewelry worn by women of Europe’s elite and royal families, as well as a major assemblage of men’s dress accessories, watches, cigarette cases and objets de vertu.
Andres White Correal, Vice President and Senior Director of Jewelery at Sotheby’s

Tre stelle di diamanti che possono essere indossate come spille, forcine per capelli o su una cornice di tiara — Three diamond stars that can be worn as brooches, hairpins or on a tiara frame

The collection on sale also has historical importance: it also testifies to the jewelry trends and styles embodied by the Houses of Habsburg, Bourbon-Parma, Bourbon-Two Sicilies and Saxe-Coburg-Gotha. The auction catalog lists jewels from the collections of Archduchess Margherita Sofia of Austria (1870-1902), Archduchess Maria Immacolata of Austria-Tuscany (1878-1968), Archduchess Maria Teresa of Austria-Teschen (1845-1927), Tsar Ferdinand I of Bulgaria (1861-1948), and Princess Maria Luisa of Bourbon-Parma (1870-1899). The centerpiece appears to be a bodice ornament that belonged to Archduchess Maria Theresa of Austria-Teschen (1845-1927), in natural pearls and diamonds, received as a wedding gift in 1865. Also on sale are pieces such as the Pearl Tiara natural and diamond stars created by Viennese court jeweler Köchert and a suite of three diamond stars that can be worn as brooches, hairpins or on a tiara frame.

Collana con quattro fili di perle — Necklace with four strands of pearls

Tiara fino Ottocento con diamanti e perle — Tiara from the nineteenth century with diamonds and pearls

Collana rivière con diamanti — Rivière necklace with diamonds

Spilla con diamanti e rubini — Brooch with diamonds and rubies

Spilla con diamanti e perle — Brooch with diamonds and pearls

Jewelery and collectible watches in Montecarlo with Artcurial

Published on July 4, 2023

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As always, the Artcurial auction house organizes auctions in the middle of summer. And, as always, they are aimed at those who frequent the Côte d’Azur. In the Principality of Monaco, at the Hotel Hermitage in Montecarlo, auctions of watches and jewelery are scheduled from 16 to 19 July, as well as Hermès Vintage, and sculpture. Each sale will be preceded by an exhibition open to the general public.

Jaeger LeCoultre, Reverso smaltato in collaborazione con l'artista portoghese José de Guimarães — Jaeger LeCoultre, Reverso enamelled in collaboration with the Portuguese artist José de Guimarães

The Horlogerie de Collection auction will feature iconic pieces and particularly rare vintage watches. The catalog includes a Panda version of the famous Rolex Daytona, with a cream dial and black counters, a vintage piece from 1968, ref. 6239, in excellent condition, today almost impossible to find on the market. Also on sale is a Speedmaster model by Omega made especially for the Raid, the elite unit of the French police. This edition was designed in 2018 by the Parisian watchmaker Antoine de Macedo in collaboration with Omega. In 2021, again at an Artcurial auction, a similar watch was sold in favor of police orphans for the sum of 70,000 euros. Also for watches there is a brand like Jaeger LeCoultre and his Reverso, the company’s best-seller for over 90 years, which is part of a private collection, belonging to a fan of the genre. The collection includes ten original Reversos, such as a rare enamelled model, created by Jaeger LeCoultre in 2003 in collaboration with the Portuguese artist José de Guimarães.

FP JOURNE, Tourbillon Souverain - 2007, Orologio da polso in platino con secondi morti, tourbillon e riserva di carica — Fp Journe, Tourbillon Souverain – 2007, Platinum wristwatch with dead seconds, tourbillon and power reserve

A second piece, produced in 1996 in a limited edition of 25, features an enamelled miniature of a painting inspired by the Czech painter Alfons Mucha. It is estimated at 12,000-18,000 euros. A Rolex/Comex Submariner ref. 16610 supplied to Compagnie Maritime d’Expertise de Marseille will likely be one of the most sought after dive watches of the sale. It is an interesting piece for any professional watch enthusiast.

Van Cleef & Arpels, bracciale art déco a nastro in platino con zaffiri e diamanti, 1925 circa — Van Cleef & Arpels art deco ribbon bracelet in platinum with sapphires and diamonds, circa 1925

For jewels, the catalog includes pieces from important jewelery houses such as Piaget, Chopard and Van Cleef & Arpels. Under the lens, jewels such as the Mauboussin Art Déco brooch in platinum, gold, carved emeralds and diamonds from 1930 (20,000-30,000 euros), or a platinum ring with a pear-cut diamond of 8.44 carats, certified Lfg, Color I, VVS2 purity, no fluorescence, type IIa (60,000-80,000 euros). Van Cleef & Arpels, on the other hand, presents, among other things, a platinum ribbon bracelet with sapphires and diamonds, around 1925 (25,000-30,000 euros).

Anello in platino con diamante taglio a pera — Pear cut diamond ring in platinum

Orologio pendente Cartier in oro giallo e diamanti — Cartier pendant watch in yellow gold and diamonds

For sale is the historical medallion of George III

Published on June 15, 2023

Jewelled and enamel gold medallion, celebrating the King’s "recovery from illness"

For history buffs, but above all for British royals, Christie’s is on sale on 6 and 7 July in Bayreuth (Germany) a series of pieces that belonged to George III, King of Great Britain and Ireland between the late eighteenth and nineteenth centuries (1738-1820 ). Objects in silver and gold are on sale (201 lots in total), but also from a pendant containing a rare medallion commissioned by his wife, Queen Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz (1744-1818) married at 17, as a gift to friends who had remained faithful during King George III’s illness. Medallion made to celebrate the recovery of the king in 1789. Although, in reality, recovery was only a hope. The story of George William Frederick of Hanover, king from October 25, 1760 has been quite difficult.

George III by Sir Thomas Lawrence, Royal Collection

Of German origin, he was also Duke of Brunswick-Lüneburg and Elector of Hanover. He was the third ruler of Great Britain of the House of Hanover, but the first to be born in England and to use English as his mother tongue. The problem is that in 1765 he started showing signs of insanity, which got worse over time. Perhaps a consequence of porphyria, a hereditary blood disease Or, according to others, the king fell ill eating sauerkraut cooked in lead pots, a poisonous metal. More recent analyzes have found a high concentration of arsenic on samples of the king’s hair. In any case, the king’s eldest son, George Augustus Frederick, Prince of Wales, ruled as regent for seven years from 1811 until his father’s death.

Charlotte von Meclemburgo Strelitz by Thomas Gainsborough

The locket, however, follows an announcement from Queen Charlotte that the king had recovered. Announcement greeted with celebrations and Parliament congratulating the King on 10 March, the date commemorated on the medallion. The medallion was presented by Queen Charlotte on 19 March 1789. It was later surmounted by an enamelled crown, encrusted with diamonds, rubies and emeralds.

Scatola in oro e smalto appartenuta a re George III — Gold and enamel box appears held by King George III

George III enamelled two-colour gold freedom box with mark of James Morisset, London, 1797, offered alongside other presents awarded to Vice Admiral and Third in Command,the Hon. William Waldegrave on 1st June 1797 for the Battle of St. Vincent

Christie’s sells magnificent jewels for 62 million

Published on June 9, 2023

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The magnificent jewels of Christie’s in June totaled over 62 million dollars in New York. A result that the auction house considers exceptional. The sales concern The Magnificent Jewels of Anne Eisenhower, the collection of the woman who died in July 2022 and defined as a collector, philanthropist and icon of refinement, in addition to the usual appointment with the Magnificent Jewels. The two sales totaled precisely $62,252,390 and were sold at 117% by lower estimate of the range and 97% by value.

Collana di Van Cleef & Arpels con diamanti e zaffiri appartenuta a Anne Eisenhower — Van Cleef & Arpels necklace with diamonds and sapphires that belonged to Anne Eisenhower

Anne Eisenhower’s Magnificent Jewels totaled $11.5 million, at 141% from its lowest estimate and 100% by value. The sale included a series of jewels from the most important houses. The top lot was the Jarretière ruby and diamond bracelet, purchased by Marlene Dietrich in 1937 and manufactured by Van Cleef & Arpels. The bracelet realized a price tag of 4.5 million.

Bracciale rigido a forma di tigre di Cartier, com diamanti colorati e gemme appartenuto a Anne Eisenhower — Cartier tiger-shaped bangle with colored diamonds and gems that belonged to Anne Eisenhower

The Magnificent Jewels sale featured a mix of jewels from private collections, along with designer pieces from Cartier, Chaumet, Harry Winston, Jar, Tiffany & Co., Van Cleef & Arpels, and Verdura. The auction totaled 50.7 million. The jewels sold at 112% by their lowest estimate and 96% by value. The top lot of the sale was The Light of Peace, which made 13.6 million.

Anello con diamante colorato, diamanti bianchi e rubino

Collana di Chaumet art déco con diamanti e smeraldi

The Bulgari Laguna Blu sold at Sotheby’s for 25 million

Published on May 17, 2023

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Bulgari Laguna Blu and Priyanka Chopra Jonas

A $25 million blue diamond. This is what an anonymous buyer paid over the phone for the Bulgari Laguna Blu, auctioned by Sotheby’s in Geneva. The sale of Magnificent Jewels totaled $85 million, the highest value since May 2018 at the Geneva Jewelery Sales. The 11.16-carat fancy-vivid blue diamond is now the largest blue diamond in a Bulgari jewel and the most valuable Bulgari gem ever offered for sale.

Bulgari Laguna Blu, 11,16 ct — Bulgari Laguna Blu, Fancy Vivid, 11,16 ct

Created in 1970 by Bulgari as a ring, when Bulgari was emerging as the most influential and innovative Italian high jewelery house, diamond is a rarity: it is an 11.16-carat Fancy Vivid blue, among the rarest gems in the world, it is a Bulgari signed jewel, and is unmodified, meaning that its current cut, produced in 1970, could be further enhanced by modern cutting methods to unleash its full potential as a gem.

Quig Bruning, Head of Sotheby’s Jewels Americas

It has been a privilege to witness the glamorous and exciting journey of the Bulgari Blue Lagoon over the past few months, knowing it was first created in 1970, up until its most recent appearance at the Met Gala where it dazzled on the red carpet, set in a Bulgari custom made necklace worn by Priyanka Chopra Jones. So, it is a special moment to see the journey of this extraordinary gem take yet another new turn, this evening in our auction room, into the hands of its first new owner in over 50 years. The Blue Lagoon sale surpasses the outstanding performance of our Magnificent Jewels and Noble Jewels sale which saw exceptional colored gemstones, particularly emeralds and yellow diamonds, surpass their high estimates, so spectacularly. There is no doubt that the Fine jewelry of the highest quality can still fetch sky-high prices.
Olivier Wagner, Head of Jewellery, Sotheby’s Geneva

Impressive Fancy Intense Pink and Fancy Deep Grayish Blue diamond ring

Sotheby’s Geneva’s auction saw over half (53.4%) of all lots sold above the high estimate and virtually all lots sold fetched prices within or above the estimates (97%).

The Bulgari Laguna Blu was auctioned last in the second session of Magnificent Jewels and Noble Jewels, following a series of spectacular sales of designer jewelery and exceptional gemstones. After a four-minute bidding battle between three telephone bidders and one bidder in the room, he finally found a buyer over the phone.

Harry Winston, Impressive padparadscha sapphire and diamond necklace

Colored gemstones, and especially colored designer jewelry, had a stellar night with nearly a quarter of all lots selling above already high estimates, led by sales of yellow ruby, emerald, sapphire and diamond jewelry and rose. For example, a Fancy Intense Pink and Fancy Deep Grayish Diamond ring was sold for $11.7 million, purchased by Diacore. The same company was awarded another Fancy Vivid Yellow Diamond ring, for 1.3 million.

A super diamond for peace at Christie’s auction

Published on May 17, 2023

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In times when cannons sound instead of words, invoking peace is salutary. Even through a diamond. The Light of Peace Diamond, (estimate: $10-15 million) is a D-color, internally flawless, type IIa, pear-shaped brilliant cut diamond weighing 126.76 carats. The gem is the star of the Magnificent Jewels auction organized by Christie’s on June 7 in New York. The auction also includes jewels from private collections signed by Cartier, Chaumet, Harry Winston, Jar, Tiffany & Co., Van Cleef & Arpels and Verdura. The complete selection will be displayed before the sale as part of Christie’s New York Luxury Week from June 2 to June 6.

The Light of Peace Diamond, which is offered without reserve, was formerly known as the Zale Light of Peace, owned by Texan jewelers Zale Corporation of Dallas. The Zales family chose this name along with a fund for peace support missions alongside philanthropic donations. A portion of the proceeds from the sale will be donated by the current owners to the United States for UNHCR, the United Nations Refugee Agency.

Diamante blu vivido fantasia di 3,10 carati — diamond 3.10 carats, Fancy Vivid Blue, VS2 clarity, Type IIb

More diamonds

In addition to the pacifist gem, the auction includes other diamonds, including a 3.10-carat fancy vivid blue diamond ring (estimate 4,200,000-5,200,000), a 50.40-carat fancy vivid yellow diamond pendant ( 700,000-1,200,000), and an elegant ring with a deep pink diamond weighing 4.01 carats (1,500,000-2,500,000). The colored gemstones are represented by a magnificent 71.27 carat Royal Blue Burmese sapphire set in a diamond pendant (3,000,000-5,000,000), a pair of Harry Winston emerald and diamond drop earrings (500,000- 700,000) and a Burmese ruby of 10.17 carats (400,000-600,000).

Van Cleef & Arpels sapphire and diamond mystery-set bracelete

The sale features highlights from the collection of Adolphus Andrews, Jr. and Emily Taylor Andrews. The collection is rich in its variety, with an emphasis on color and original design, including an iconic mystery-set sapphire and diamond bracelet by Van Cleef & Arpels (250,000-350,000), reflecting the ingenious setting style of the Parisian house. Also featured in the sale is a selection of jewelry formerly from the collection of Betsey Cushing Whitney, the New York philanthropist and socialite known for her exceptional style and taste in her. Offered is a Van Cleef & Arpels Ruby, Emerald and Diamond Necklace and Earrings Set, circa 1970 (400,000-600,000).

Collana di smeraldi e diamanti Chaumet Art Déco appartenuta alla famiglia Rothschild — Chaumet Art Deco emerald and diamond necklace that belonged to the Rothschild family

Rothschilds and Greta Garbo

Also among the jewels for sale is an impressive Art Deco Chaumet emerald and diamond necklace (2,000,000-3,000,000) of the Rothschild family, including the late Baroness Edouard de Rothschild, the late Jacqueline de Rothschild Piatigorsky and the late Jephta Drachman (née Piatigorsky). The necklace was made especially for the family in 1930 and is well documented in the Chaumet archives.

Jar, colored diamond and diamond shell brooch

On the other hand, seven jewels by Jar that have never before appeared at auction belong to an American collector. Unpublished such as Salvador Dalí’s Étoile De Mer brooch (1,000,000-1,500,000) from an important private collection and previously from the collection of Rebekah Harkness, recently exhibited at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City in 2021 and a Van Cleef & Arpels diamond ring (50,000-70,000) and a Van Cleef & Arpels diamond flower brooch (10,000-15,000) formerly from the collection of Greta Garbo.

Spilla di Salvador Dalì a forma di stella marina con perle, rubini, diamanti e smeraldi — Salvador Dali brooch in the shape of a starfish with pearls, rubies, diamonds and emeralds

The Christie’s auction will also include The Magnificent Jewels of Anne Eisenhower. The top lot of the sale is the iconic Jarretière ruby and diamond bracelet, purchased by Marlene Dietrich in 1937 from Van Cleef & Arpels (2,500,000-4,500,000). Additional highlights include a variety of magnificent jewels, including a rare Art Deco Diamond and Multi-Gem Moonlight Rose bracelet, by Tiffany & Co (500,000-700,000), an Art Deco Diamond Bangle by Cartier (150,000–250,000) as well as an important D-color diamond ring of 20.54 carats (1,200,000–1,800,000).

Up for auction at Christie’s 25 creations by Jar

Published on April 21, 2023

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Orecchini a forma di foglie di geranio con giada nefrite e diamanti

The Jewels of a Legend, Jar: born in New York City in 1943, Joel Arthur Rosenthal graduated from Harvard with degrees in art history and philosophy before moving to Paris. And become a jewel artist. And Christie’s Magnificent Jewels auction scheduled in Geneva on May 17 will offer the largest collection of Jar jewels ever to be auctioned. After working with Bulgari in New York, Jar returned to Paris, opening her own jewelry store with his partner, Pierre Jeannet, in 1977.

Anello Bonnet con ametista, zaffiri e rubini

Jar produces at 7 Place Vendôme, Paris, only about 70 pieces a year, highly sought after by collectors, movie stars and lovers of original jewellery. Christie’s is offering 25 Jar creations, which will become the American designer’s largest collection ever to appear at auction, with pieces spanning 40 years of creativity. The collection has been built up over the last 15 years by a leading art and jewelery collector, who encountered Jar’s art twenty years ago during the major exhibition The Jewels of Jar, Paris which took place in London between 2002 and 2003 at Somerset House. Five years later the collector was able to acquire a first piece of jewelery from the master jeweler and after 15 years of collecting he decided to sell.

Orecchini a forma di foglie di edera con diamanti

Joel Arthur Rosenthal pairs unusual gemstones with nontraditional materials. The quality of his work is reminiscent of 18th and 19th century jewelry. In 2013, Jar was the first living gem artist to be honored with a retrospective at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.

Among the pieces on sale is a camellia brooch, which has become a signature design of Jar and embodies the extraordinary attention to detail, which pushes the boundaries between jewelery and sculpture, Also on sale are 15 pairs of earrings, including a third it is also inspired by nature, such as a pair of Geranium earrings in carved nephrite jade and diamonds or the iconic and delicate diamond ivy leaves earrings designed in 1991.

Orecchini Ventaglio con diamanti, zaffiri e smeraldi

Bracciale Eye con zaffiri, spinello e diamanti

Orecchini con diamanti bianchi e fancy, zaffiri gialli

At auction with Christie’s the largest collection of jewelry

Published on April 9, 2023

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Collana The Briolette of India di Harry Winston, con diamanti per 90 carati

The large collections that belonged to wealthy owners, now disappeared, are one of the sources of jewelry auctions. Like the one scheduled for 10 and 12 May in Geneva under the banner of Christie’s. For sale is jewelry that belonged to Heidi Horten (1941-2022). Austrian billionaire and art collector, Heidi Horten was the wife (32 years younger) of Helmut Horten, founding founder of the German department store company of the same name. In May 2020, Forbes estimated her net worth at $3.0 billion. No wonder art and jewelery were Mrs. Horten’s passions.

Heidi Horten con indosso una collana di smeraldi di 63 carati. Copyright The Heidi Horten Foundation

Witness the pre-sale estimate of the collection: over 150 million. It is the largest and most valuable collection ever to be auctioned. Proceeds will help finance the Heidi Horten Estate foundation, established in 2020 to support the museum of modern and contemporary art she founded in Vienna, The Heidi Horten Collection, as well as medical research and other philanthropic endeavors.

Harry Winston, The Great Mughal necklace

The World of Heidi Horten is the collection of a lifetime. From Bulgari to Van Cleef & Arpels, from a small personal keepsake to the Briolette of India, this is a collector’s dream. Building on extraordinary early pieces she acquired in the 1970s and 1980s, Ms. Horten has continued to grow and curate her sophisticated collection, eloquently combining vintage and modern designs from the world’s leading jewelery houses that today represent some of the finest examples never to come to the market.
Rahul Kadakia, International Head of Jewelery at Christie

But let’s talk about the jewels. The most valuable pieces reported by Christie’s include Harry Winston’s 90-carat diamond Briolette of India necklace, originally sold by Cartier in 1909, a three-strand natural pearl necklace, also by Harry Winston, highlighted by a pink diamond clasp in the shape of a cushion of 11 carats (estimate 7-10 million dollars). Another top piece is the 25-carat Sunrise Ruby and Diamond ring by Cartier, pigeon’s blood color and exceptionally pure (estimate 15-20 million dollars). Also by the American jeweler are an exceptional diamond bracelet (estimate 5-7 million dollars) and The Great Mughal Emerald Pendant Necklace, again by Harry Winston (estimate 500,000-700,000 dollars).
Also noteworthy is a very important selection of Bulgari creations from the 1970s to today, which retraces more than fifty years of craftsmanship of the Italian Maison.

Spilla di Bulgari con diamanti bianchi e colorati

This is a historic moment for Christie’s, for the privilege of offering one of the world’s finest and most important jewelry collections from Europe. Furthermore, witnessing a philanthropic effort of this magnitude is as rare as it is extraordinary. Today, with the establishment of the Heidi Horten Foundation, the late Ms. Horten has created an important framework to ensure the functioning of her museum for decades to come, ensuring the enjoyment of the arts for aficionados around the world.
Anthea Peers, President Christie’s EMEA

Collana e pendenti di Bulgari con zaffiri, smeraldo e diamanti

Christie’s will present 400 of the 700 jewels in two live auctions at the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues in Geneva during Luxury Week this spring, as well as an online sale in May, followed by another online sale in November 2023. Part 1 of the The auction series will begin on Wednesday, May 10, followed by a live auction of Part II on Friday, May 12, 2023. The first online sale will open on May 3, running through May 15, followed by a second online sale in November offering the remaining jewels of the collection.

Collana di perle a tre fili di Harry Winston

Bracciale di Bulgari con diamanti fancy e smeraldi

Collana girocollo di Bulgari con diamanti, zaffiri e smeraldi

Diamonds and jewels up for auction with Bolaffi

Published on March 23, 2023

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About 500 lots with jewels from the nineteenth century to the present day and very diversified auction bases. This is what is included in the catalog of the spring auction of jewelery by Aste Bolaffi on March 28, scheduled in Milan, at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel (via Andegari 9), while on March 29 it will be in live internet mode on the Aste Bolaffi. www.astebolaffi The sale is preceded by the exhibition open to the public from Friday 24 March until the day of the auction (Sunday excluded) at the Bolaffi headquarters (via Manzoni 7).

Spilla in corallo, diamanti e zaffiro blu di Cartier

The selection of diamonds includes the top lots of the sale, including an unmounted 9-carat diamond, F color, VVS2 clarity, accompanied by a Gia certificate (lot 298, starting price 260,000 euros) and a diamond necklace of 36 total carats of exceptional color and purity (lot 297, base 65,000 euros). Also in the catalog are Tiffany, Bulgari, Cartier and Pomellato jewels and an interesting collection by Orisa Torino from the 1940s to the 1960s.

Collana in oro giallo 18 carati di Pomellato

Girocollo con diamanti, zaffiri, rubini e smeraldi intagliati a forma di foglie

At Sotheby’s a collection with jewels by Andrew Grima

Published on February 4, 2023

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A new online jewelry auction is scheduled for February 9 at Sotheby’s. The auction includes 276 pieces, mostly made by famous Maisons, such as Cartier, Van cleef & Arpels, Boucheron, Tiffany. But the sale also presents an unprecedented opportunity for those who love Sixties and Seventies design. In the catalog, in fact, there are also about ten jewels by Andrew Grima. It is a single owner collection which is now being offered for sale and which features jewelery by the Italian-British designer.

Rhodonite ear clips 1971 — Orecchini in oro e rodonite, 1971

Grima, born in Rome, developed his business in London and is considered a jewelery revolutionary. Probably also because his training was far from gold and diamonds: Grima studied mechanical engineering in London and was part of the Royal Engineers during the Second World War. A strange coincidence then led him to deal with accounting in the jewelery company of his wife’s father and, from there, to the design department. The imagination and innovative solutions in the creation of jewels made him famous and appreciated by the royal family, as well as by celebrities of the time. He has been considered the progenitor of modern jewelry, no longer anchored to the traditional style. A path that is testified by the jewels on sale, pieces that remain extraordinarily avant-garde even after half a century.

Orecchini in oro con perle e diamanti, 1997

Spilla in oro con diamanti e perla, 1986

Kim Kardashian buys the cross worn by Diana

Published on January 19, 2023

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It seems like news made to warm the hearts of those who follow social media: the Atallah Cross, worn by Princess Diana, was sold for $197,453 to Kim Kardashian. The American celebrity, through a representative of hers, outbid four other buyers during Sotheby’s Royal and Noble sale. The jewel’s price represents more than double its pre-auction estimate. The cross, as we have already told here, was owned by the former CEO of the Asprey & Garrard group, Naim Attallah.

The Atallah cross features floral details and was created in the 1920s by the court jewelers Garrard. The cross was purchased in the 1980s by Naim Atallah and thanks to his friendship with Princess Diana, he was able to lend it to her several times over the course of several years. Princess Diana wore the jewel several times, as evidenced by the October 1987 photo, on the occasion of a charity gala in support of Birthright, a charity that works to protect human rights during pregnancy and childbirth. After her death the jewel was never seen in public again.

The cross pendant is a bold and colorful piece featuring square cut amethysts and accented with round cut diamonds. The cross has a total diamond weight of approximately 5.25 carats and measures approximately 136mm x 95mm. Princess Diana had a long-standing relationship with Garrard, having chosen her engagement ring from them in 1981.

La croce, oltre alle ametiste, ha circa 5,25 carati di diamanti

An octagonal emerald likes Paris

Published on December 17, 2022

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L'attrice americana Sarah Rafferty indossa la collana con smeraldo colombiano e diamanti

Time to take stock of the world of auction sales. Christie’s Paris Joaillerie’s online jewelry sale totaled 7,860,006, averaging pre-auction estimates, which included 286 lots. Bidders from 40 countries won 42% of the jewels offered above the maximum estimate. The auction featured a selection of vintage pieces by, among others, Belperron, Boivin, Boucheron, Bulgari, Cartier, Chaumet, Jar, Van Cleef & Arpels, as well as contemporary designers.

Collier con pendente che può essere indossato anche come spilla con uno smeraldo colombiano di taglio ottagonale da 12,284 carati e diamanti vecchio taglio

The sale also included jewels from collections of private collectors, with a special focus on Art Deco jewels by Cartier, retro jewels by Van Cleef and Arpels and Lacloche, pieces by Suzanne Belperron and René Boivin and a selection of jewels by René Lalique. The top lot proved to be a necklace with a pendant that can also be worn as a brooch with a 12.284-carat octagonal-cut Colombian emerald and old-cut diamonds: it was sold for 604,800 euros, against a maximum pre-sale estimate of 250,000 euros.

Collana con diamanti, oro giallo 18 carati, circa 1950 di Boucheron

Spilla di perle naturali e diamanti dell'inizio del XIX secolo — Spilla di perle naturali e diamanti dell’inizio del XIX secolo

Diamante taglio brillante a pera di 8,59 carati, oro bianco 18 carati

Anello con diamante taglio smeraldo di 8,01 carati e diamanti circolari

Diamante taglio brillante a losanga modificato di 15,84 carati su anello di Cartier

Spilla con rubini e diamanti di Van Cleef & Arpels

A diamond king of Christie’s online jewels

Published on December 10, 2022

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Among the results of the pre-Christmas jewelry auctions is added that of Christie’s Jewels Online, which followed that of the Magnificent Jewels in New York. The online jewelry auction was part of Christie’s Luxury Week, which also included other kinds of objects. Result: The sale totaled $6.8 million, with 125% of the hammer hammered above the low estimate and 98% sold per lot. The sale, Christie’s notes, received global participation with bidders from 31 countries.

Bulgari, bracciale Serpenti in oro bianco e diamanti

Excellent results were achieved for diamonds and colored stones, including the top lot of the sale, an unmounted diamond of 50.06 carats, which fetched $2.5 million. Other notable findings include a Bulgari diamond Serpenti bracelet that sold for $88,200, a 5.17-carat diamond ring that found a buyer for $81,900, and a Cartier Panthère ring with pink sapphire and diamonds. , which reached $69,300.

Anello Panthère di Cartier in oro bianco, diamanti e uno zaffiro rosa

Anello di Cartier con zaffiro e diamanti

Anello con diamante di 4,17 carati su oro 14 carati

Anello con smeraldo di 9,15 carati e diamanti taglio marquise di Paul Flato — Anello con smeraldo di 9,15 carati e diamanti taglio marquise e brillante di Paul Flato

The blue diamond illuminates Christie’s

Published on December 8, 2022

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Ciondolo con diamante blu di 31,62 carati

Nearly $60 million in jewelry. This is what Christie’s auction of Magnificent Jewels in New York totaled. To be precise, total sales are $58.8 million, with 93% sold per lot and 105% sold above the low estimate. The top lot was a 31.62-carat fancy blue diamond, the largest ever to appear at auction, which sold for $11.8 million. In short, diamonds as an investment are always interesting. Other pieces that earned a six-figure rating include an 86.64-carat diamond pendant necklace that sold for $5.7 million and a 107.46-carat large fancy yellow diamond brooch by Graff that sold for 2.6 million, while an important diamond ring of 51.60 carats was purchased for 2.5 million by the prince of dealers William Goldberg.

Diamante taglio smeraldo Fancy Vivid Yellow, Internally Flawless di 13,75 carati di de Beers

Other results highlighted by Christie’s: an Art Deco sapphire and diamond pendant sold for 1.4 million, almost ten times its lowest estimate, a pair of heart-shaped colored diamond earrings fetched 1.4 million, more than five times their lowest estimate. Also successfully sold were a Bouquet brooch by Van Cleef & Arpels, which belonged to Evita Perón, sold for $195,300, and a Flower Brooch by the same Parisian ruby and emerald Maison, which fetched 1.2 million.

Anello con diamante ovale di 51,60 carati

Collana di diamanti con un eccezionale diamante taglio pera di colore D da 86,64 carati

Spilla Bouquet con zaffiro retrò, zaffiro colorato e rubino appartenuta a Evita Peron — Spilla Bouquet di Van Cleef & Arpels con zaffiro retrò, zaffiro colorato e rubino appartenuta a Evita Peron

Faraone Casa d’Aste: diamonds and a Cartier bracelet on top

Published on December 6, 2022

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Open Bangle Chimere di Cartier in oro giallo

A single diamond not mounted on a ring was the top lot of the sale organized by Faraone Casa d’Aste in Milan. Jewellery, together with watches and luxury goods, totaled a total of 1.2 million euros, approximately 105% of the estimated value. A positive balance, therefore, which added to that of the auction held in May, marks +35% compared to the result of the two auctions in 2021. The protagonist was a 3.41-carat diamond, estimated at 30,000 euros and awarded for 50,000. A pair of brooches with sapphires and diamonds also stands out, sold for 13,000 euros, but with an estimate of 5,000. A solitaire ring in white gold, with a 3.12-carat round brilliant-cut diamond was auctioned for 26,000 against the 18,000 estimate, and a brooch in 9-carat rose gold, but with an octagonal emerald of 12.20 carats, arrived at 12,000 euros against the starting 1,500.

Diamante taglio brillante di 3,41 carati

Also sold well were a platinum ring with a minor oil Colombian emerald weighing 3.60 carats, surrounded by diamonds (24,000), and a double-strand choker with natural saltwater pearls (27,000), a rigid yellow gold bracelet and white and diamonds (20,000) and a platinum ring signed Sabbadini with a cushion diamond of 8.45 carats, is sold for a value of 78,000 against the 50,000.00 estimate. Finally, a Cartier Chimere Open Bangle in yellow gold that started at 8,000 euros reached 77,000.

Coppia di spille in platino e oro bianco 18 carati con diamanti navette, baguette e tapered per circa 6,80 carati. Al centro zaffiri carrè invisible set per circa 5,20

Spilla in oro rosa 9 carati con smeraldo ottagonale di 12,20 carati

Anello in platino con smeraldo colombiano minor oil di 3,60 carati

Bracciale rigido in oro giallo e bianco e diamanti

A diamond rivière necklace stands out at auction with Il Ponte

Published on December 6, 2022

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The jewels of the pre-Christmas auction organized by the Il Ponte auction house in Milan appeared particularly brilliant for those who concluded the purchase. Starting from the top lot, a rivière necklace in white gold and diamonds for 45.50 carats, which sold for 118,750 euros. Overall, the auction totaled 3 million euros, a figure which corresponds to 107% of the maximum estimates, for 86% of lots sold. In addition to the diamond necklace, the Villa brooch for 25.50 carats (112,500 euros) and an Art Nouveau ring with a navette diamond of 9.15 carats (106,250) achieved good success.

Collier rivière in oro bianco e diamanti per 45,50 carati, — Collier rivière in oro bianco e diamanti per 45,50 carati. Courtesy Il Ponte Casa d’Aste

Other auction results include a solitaire diamond ring weighing 8.128 carats (62,500) and a fancy intense yellow diamond weighing 8.73 carats (56,250), a platinum ring with a solitaire diamond weighing 8.091 carats (50,000) , a white gold bracelet with three rows of graduated round diamonds totaling 30 carats (35,000) and a white gold ring with an octagonal emerald weighing 3.15 carats (21,250).

Anello in platino con diamante navette di ct. 9,15, piccoli diamanti a mezza rosetta sul gambo, g 5,87 circa misura 16/56. Courtesy Il Ponte Casa d’Aste

Many jewels of established Maisons at auction, such as Pomellato, Buccellati, Vhernier, Gucci, Micheletto and Bulgari. The latter saw the yellow gold groumette link necklace sold for 27,500 euros and a tubogas choker (27,500). By Van Cleef & Arpels the earrings in white gold, with diamonds and natural pearls (30,000).

Anello in oro bianco con diamante a cuscino fancy intense yellow di ct. 8,73 e due diamanti triangolari laterali per complessivi ct. 2,80 circa, g 8,60 circa misura 9/49. Courtesy Il Ponte Casa d’Aste — Anello in oro bianco con diamante a cuscino fancy intense yellow di ct. 8,73 e due diamanti triangolari
laterali per complessivi ct. 2,80 circa, g 8,60 circa misura 9/49. Courtesy Il Ponte Casa d’Aste

Van Cleef & Arpels, orecchini in oro bianco, diamanti rotondi e a baguette per 1,80 carati con perle naturali d'acqua salata. Courtesy Il Ponte Casa d’Aste — Van Cleef & Arpels, orecchini in oro bianco, diamanti rotondi e a baguette per 1,80 carati con perle naturali d’acqua salata. Courtesy Il Ponte Casa d’Aste

Anello in oro bianco con smeraldo ottagonale di 3,15 carati circa e diamanti. Courtesy Il Ponte Casa d’Aste

Bulgari Collana in oro giallo a maglia groumette con due festoni frontali rifiniti con tormaline, quarzi, acquamarine e peridoti. Courtesy Il Ponte Casa d’Aste

Online jewels between Panthère and Serpenti

Published on November 30, 2022

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Online jewelry auctions have become a real revolution for fans of the genre. In fact, they allow you to be present virtually from all over the world, and this will also be the case for the new online auction at Christie’s. The Jewels Online are on sale until December 8, with a selection that includes jewels of various kinds, from ancient to contemporary, as well as diamonds and colored stones. The catalog includes jewels from Maisons and designers such as Belperron, Boucheron, Buccellati, Bulgari, Cartier, David Webb, Harry Winston, Hermès, Oscar Heyman & Brothers, Raymond Yard, Taffin, Tiffany & Co., Van Cleef & Arpels and Verdura.

Over half of the sale is offered without reserve and will be on display during Christie’s Luxury Week at the Rockefeller Center galleries in New York City December 2-5. The highest expectations are for an unmounted D-color diamond weighing a hefty 50.06 carats (estimate $2-4 million). Among the jewels are a Panthère ring by Cartier with colored sapphires, multiple gems and diamonds (estimate 40,000-60,000), and the Taj Mahal earrings with diamonds (20,000-30,000) by the same Maison. Another collector’s item is a Serpenti bracelet with Bulgari diamonds (40,000-60,000). The sale also features pieces from private collections, including those of Susan Lasker Brody, the David and Laura Finn Collection, owned by Virginia Kraft-Payson and Bourne Strassburger.

Orecchini Taj Mahal di Cartier in oro bianco e diamanti

Anello eternity in oro bianco e diamanti di Van Cleef & Arpels

Spilla di Van Cleef & Arpels a forma di leopardo

LOT 61 Van Cleef Arpels Onyx and Diamond Pendant and Necklace — Collana di Van Cleef & Arpels in oro, diamanti, onice

LOT 63 Van Cleef Arpels Lapis Lazuli and Gold Vintage Alhambra Necklace — Collana Alhambra di Van Cleef & Arpels in oro e lapislazzuli

Anello di Harry Winston con rubino e diamanti

Blue diamonds and Evita’s jewels at Christie’s

Published on November 20, 2022

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It’s not just the 13.15-carat pink diamond estimated at up to $35 million at Christie’s Magnificent Jewels auction at Rockefeller Center on Dec. 6. Together with the ring with the diamond, the auction house will offer jewels signed by Bulgari, Cartier, Tiffany & Co., Van Cleef & Arpels and other Maisons. In addition to the aforementioned pink diamond, the largest fancy blue diamond ever to appear at auction, weighing 31.62 carats, set in a pendant surrounded by diamonds, will also be on sale. The diamond is estimated at between 10 and 15 million dollars. Another top jewel is the diamond necklace with an exceptional 86.64 carat (estimated 5-7 million) D-color pear-cut diamond as a pendant. The 1948 Cartier-mounted diamond Palm-Tree brooch (estimate 500,000-700,000) also stands out. The brooch was part of Margaret Thompson Biddle’s collection and features a 13.30-carat circular brilliant-cut diamond.

Also among the magnificent jewels are a 2.21 carat (1,200,000-1,800,000) fancy deep blue brilliant cut oval colored diamond ring, a Diamond Torque bangle, set with an internally flawless heart-shaped diamond D color of 50.05 carats (3,700,000-4,500,000), and The De Beers Yellow, an exceptional Fancy Vivid Yellow, Internally Flawless emerald-cut diamond of 13.75 carats (1,100,000–1,800,000).

Alongside these six-figure pieces, the auction includes a selection of iconic jewels by Van Cleef and Arpels. An exceptional lot is the Bouquet brooch with retro sapphire, colored sapphire and ruby which was part of the collection of Argentine first lady Evita Perón (60,000-80,000). The use of materials and the overall scale of the brooch is an homage to the retro period. Since it was purchased at an auction from Evita’s personal collection in 1957, it has remained in private hands and has never been worn. Additional Van Cleef & Arpels highlights include the Hawaii Jewelery Suite with Rubies, Sapphires and Diamonds (100,000-150,000) and two examples of the house’s iconic setting technique, the Mystery-Set Flower Brooch with Rubies and Emeralds (400,000 -600,000) and Mystery-Set flower earrings with rubies and diamonds (120,000-180,000). Finally, noteworthy is the Panthère de Cartier bracelet with aquamarine, diamonds and multiple gems, set with a 71.45-carat (200,000-400,000 carat) cabochon aquamarine.
The sale will be on view in New York from December 2-5.

Bracciale Panthère di Cartier con con acquamarina cabochon da 71,45 carati

Spilla di diamanti Palm-Tree montata da Cartier del 1948

Bracciale rigido Diamond Torque, incastonato con un diamante a forma di cuore internamente impeccabile di colore D di 50,05 carati

Boucheron rises tenfold at Cambi’s auction

Published on November 19, 2022

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Bracciale con diamanti taglio carrè e brillante, smalto nero, smeraldi, rubini e zaffiri taglio cabochon firmato Boucheron

It is not often that a jewel is bought ten times the starting price at an auction. It happened with the bracelet with carrè and brilliant cut diamonds, black enamel, emeralds, rubies and cabochon-cut sapphires signed Boucheron Paris, put up for sale by the Milanese auction house Cambi. The jewel started with an estimate of 35,000 – 45,000 euros, but was sold for 496,000 euros, over the phone, by a buyer from the United States. A sign that at auctions you can find jewels at prices which, at least according to the buyer, are quite undervalued compared to the real value.

Diamante taglio smeraldo di 4.06 carati, colore G, VVS2

Cambi Casa d’Aste concluded three days of auctions which included jewels, coins and wines, divided into six rounds. Total sales amounted to 2,830,000 euros. The Fine Jewels auction, in particular, recorded a turnover of 2,122,000 euros, with 115% of sales by value. Among the other jewels that went to auction, it is worth mentioning the emerald-cut diamond of 4.06 carats, sold for 77,500 euros (from an estimate of 45,000-55,000) and the emerald-cut diamond of 6.21 carats sold for 112,500 euros (estimate 50,000-70,000). Success also for the Numismatics department directed by Paolo Crippa, which totaled 225% sold by value with 90% of lots awarded. The top lot is the gold medal for the 1878 coronation of Umberto I, sold for 39,000 euros.

Anello con smeraldo colombiano di 10 carati

Collana girocollo con 13 smeraldi della Colombia per 46 carati e diamanti

Medaglia d'oro per l’Incoronazione del 1878 di Umberto I — Medaglia d’oro per l’Incoronazione del 1878 di Umberto I