Christie's Archives | gioiellis.com

A royal blue diamond at Christie’s

Published on September 19, 2023

news

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

In London the largest exhibition of Wallace Chan

Published on August 17, 2023

news

The Wheel of Time: is the title of what promises to be the largest exhibition of Wallace Chan’s work in Europe. Christie’s is presenting the jewels-masterpieces of the Hong Kong master. The 150 jewels that make up The Wheel of Time will be exhibited at Christie’s King Street headquarters in London from 4 to 10 September. In addition to the jewels Wallace Chan presents six titanium sculptures, some of which have never before been seen in public. The works summarize the work of five decades. The exhibition is free and open to the public and is the fifth that Christie’s presents in collaboration with Wallace Chan, following the previous exhibitions in Hong Kong (2015, 2019) and Shanghai (2020, 2021). Most of the pieces on display, created over the past half century, have been lent by many of Chan’s major international collectors.

Forever Dancing – Wind’s Tale brooch. Yellow Diamond, Morganite, Tsavorite Garnet, Crystal, Butterfly Specimen, Mother-of-Pearl, Fancy Coloured Diamond, Diamond, Pink Sapphire, The Wallace Chan Porcelain, Titanium

We are delighted to bring the imagination of Wallace Chan to London and present this unique exhibition celebrating five decades of artistic excellence. Our fifth collaboration with Chan reaffirms Christie’s longstanding relationship with the artist and we look forward to welcoming visitors to the exhibition.
Mei Y Giam, Private Sales Director, Christie’s Jewellery

Legend of the Color Black, spilla-scultura con diamanti neri. L'impressionante pietra centrale del pezzo, uno dei più grandi diamanti neri tagliati conosciuti al mondo, pesa 312,24 carati, insieme a diamanti grigio argento, zaffiro cristallino, agata nera, titanio e la porcellana Wallace Chan — Legend of the Colour Black, a remarkable black diamond shoulder brooch sculpture. The impressive centre stone of the piece, one of the largest known cut black diamonds in the world, weighs 312.24 carats, alongside silver grey diamonds, crystal sapphire, black agate, titanium and the Wallace Chan Porcelain

It is not easy to describe Chan’s work, which ranges from the traditional canons of Chinese aesthetics with an imagination without ethnic boundaries combined with an astonishing technical ability. The highlight of the exhibition is Legend of the Color Black, an extraordinary brooch-sculpture with black diamonds. The impressive center stone of the piece, one of the largest known cut black diamonds in the world, weighs 312.24 carats, along with silver gray diamonds, crystalline sapphire, black agate, titanium and Wallace Chan porcelain, a material Chan employed years to develop and which is five times stronger than steel.
Another noteworthy piece is The Joy of Life brooch, with one of Chan’s most prominent motifs, a charming butterfly, composed of pink sapphire, sapphire, tsavorite garnet, diamond, yellow diamond, pearl and titanium.

A deeply philosophical man, Wallace infuses his jewels with oriental spiritualism. This is why he spends his entire creative life interpreting and reinterpreting, experimenting with endless combinations of gemstones, mediums, styles, aesthetics, and executed with his world-renowned techniques.
François Curiel, President, Christie’s Europe

Spilla The Joy of Life, composta da zaffiro rosa, zaffiro, granato tsavorite, diamante, diamante giallo, perla e titanio — The Joy of Life brooch. Pink Sapphire, Sapphire, Tsavorite Garnet Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Pearl, Titanium

Wallace Chan, born in 1956 started as a gemstone carver in 1973 at the age of 16. He is an artist, but also an innovator: The Wallace Cut is an illusory three-dimensional carving technique invented in 1987. He has a strong ability in titanium processing, and has patented a technology to enhance the brightness of jadeite. Chan’s works are in the permanent collections of the Long Museum, Shanghai (2023), Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (2023), British Museum (2019), Capital Museum of China (2010) and Ningbo Museum (2010). He has held solo exhibitions with his works at Fondaco Marcello (Venice, 2021 and 2022), Canary Wharf (London, 2022), Christie’s (Shanghai, 2021), Asia House (London, 2019), Christie’s Gallery (Hong Kong, 2019) , Gemological Institute of America Museum (Carlsbad, 2011), the Capital Museum of China (Beijing, 2010), the Kaohsiung Museum of History (Taiwan, 1999) and Deutsches Edelsteinmuseum (Idar-Oberstein, 1992).

Collana The Blue Mile — Necklace The Blue Mile

In the blink of an eye, half a century flew by. I am honored by the opportunity to present my largest exhibition in Europe at Christie’s in London. My heartfelt thanks go to Christie’s for supporting my creative journey over the years and around the world. I am also grateful to my longtime collectors for lending the pieces, without their friendship the exhibition would not be possible. Time is an eternal wheel that spins endlessly with no beginning or end. In the creative process, time is such an intangible yet omnificent theme.
Wallace Chan

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

A super diamond for peace at Christie’s auction

Published on May 17, 2023

news

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).

The shadow of Nazism on Christie’s largest jewelry auction

Published on April 29, 2023

news

Heidi Horten wearing a 63 cts emerald necklace. Copyright The Heidi Horten foundation

The largest jewelry auction with the largest shadow in history. The case was raised by the New York Times and concerns the Heidi Horten jewelry auction organized by Christie’s.
The sale, scheduled for May 10 and 12 in Geneva, includes 700 exceptional jewels, including India’s exceptional Briolette, a 90-carat diamond valued at nearly $8 million. The problem that has emerged in recent days is the origin of the wealth of the German Horten family. Helmut Horten, Heidi’s husband, allegedly had close ties to the Third Reich.

Heidi Horten wearing her important pearl necklace. Copyright The Heidi Horten Foundation

Not only. He would have illicitly enriched himself by purchasing companies sold off at bargain prices by Jewish owners, forced to sell under threats. Heidi Horten, who died last year, was married at 19 to Helmut Horten, 30 years her senior. In the 1980s, Heidi inherited almost 1 billion dollars, also spent on collecting magnificent jewels. The expected proceeds from the Christie’s auction are estimated at over 150 million dollars. the record of 137 million established by the sale of Liz Taylor’s jewels in 2011 would be broken. The proceeds from the auction are destined for charity, in particular to a foundation in Vaduz in Switzerland which owns a museum in the heart of old Vienna, as well as to philanthropic initiatives in the medical field. But that hasn’t stopped the controversy.

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

The secret story

The problems are in the family history. Christie’s itself has admitted that Helmut Horten built his wealth by buying companies of Jews forced to sell by Hitler’s regime. Stephanie Stephan, daughter of a Jewish businessman on the board of an Amsterdam company that was Horten’s target during the Nazis, think philanthropic efforts aren’t reason enough to push through a sale based on these disputes origins of the family fortune. Stephan, a Munich-based journalist, cites the sworn statement of a colleague of his father, according to which Horten had threatened to deport the Jewish owners to concentration camps if they resisted the takeover.

Collana di perle nere naturali appartenuta a Heidi Horten

According to David de Jong, author of a book on German billionaires, Horten also laid the foundations for his wealth during the Third Reich by buying at a discount from Jews who were forced to sell out. For example, the Alsberg department store in Duisburg, bought for not even 65% of their real value. At the time Horten described the purchase in a Nazi Party magazine stating that the shop had passed into Aryan hands.

Heidi Horten wearing the Briollete of India, Copyright The Heidi Horten Foundation

Before she died, however, Heidi Horten had hired a scholar to investigate the family fortune. Research has confirmed that her husband benefited from buying Jewish businesses, but that the level of wealth achieved in this way should not be overstated. Christie’s, to fend off criticism, has pledged to turn over part of the proceeds to Holocaust research and education.

Collana di Bulgari con smeraldi, zaffiri e diamanti

Up for auction at Christie’s 25 creations by Jar

Published on April 21, 2023

news

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

news

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

The jewels of Marlene Dietrich and Anne Eisenhower at Christie’s

Published on March 18, 2023

news

Bracciale con diamanti e rubini di Van Cleef & Arpels

The jewels that belonged to famous people have an extra charm. And the auction of Magnificent Jewels by Christie’s scheduled for June 7 can boast two famous names in its catalogue. The first is that of Anne Eisenhower, collector, philanthropist, and descendant of one of the most eminent American families: just think that her grandfather, General Dwight D. Eisenhower, was president of the United States. Anne Eisenhower died on July 30, 2022 and her jewels are now for sale. The other celebrity is Marlene Dietrich, a German naturalized American actress and singer, an icon of cinema in the first half of the twentieth century. And the most precious jewel in the collection really belonged to the legendary Merlene: a bracelet of rubies and Jarretière diamonds, purchased by the actress in 1937 from Van Cleef & Arpels. Marlene Dietrich wore it in Alfred Hitchcock’s 1950 thriller Stage Fright and it was purchased by Anne Eisenhower in 1992 (estimate $2,500,000-4,500,000).

Il retro del bracciale tempestato di diamanti di Van Cleef & Arpels

Other highlights from the sale include Tiffany & Co’s rare Art Deco Moonlight Rose diamond and gemstone bracelet (estimate $500,000-700,000), an Art Deco diamond bracelet by Cartier ($150,000-250,000), and a statement ring with 20.54 carats (1,200,000-1,800,000) D-color diamonds.
Christie’s has planned a global tour ahead of the auction, which will begin in Los Angeles and continue in Paris, Geneva and Hong Kong. The complete collection will be sold live and online during Christie’s Luxury Week in New York on June 7th.

From Marlene Dietrich to President Dwight D. Eisenhower, the Anne Eisenhower Collection traces the history of the past century through a single collector’s brilliant passion for fine jewelry. Anne Eisenhower had a keen eye for the finest examples of the jeweler’s craft and her collection tells the fascinating and intertwining stories of patrons and collectors. Christie’s looks forward to sharing the experience of these superb objects as they embark on a global tour, culminating in our Rockefeller galleries in June.
Marc Porter, president of Christie’s Americas

The live sale will take place on June 7 with additional jewels offered from Ms. Eisenhower’s collection to be featured in Christie’s Jewels Online open for bidding on May 30 and close on June 8.

Collana di Cartier Waterfall con diamanti e zaffiri

Christie’s is truly honored to have been entrusted with the magnificent jewels of Anne Eisenhower, a woman who led an extraordinary life of taste, style and philanthropy while remaining true to her values. From the exquisite designs of Cartier, Tiffany & Co. and Van Cleef & Arpels to important gemstones, this auction presents a unique opportunity for collectors to obtain a jewel that has been carefully acquired over a period of 40 years by a true artist of the taste.
Daphne Lingon, Head of Jewelry Department, Christie’s Americas

Anello con diamanti di colore D da 20,54 carati

Una spilla della serie Panthère di Cartier con diamanti gialli, onice e smeraldi

Bracciale di diamanti art déco di Cartier

Orecchini con diamanti e rubini di Van Cleef & Arpels

Collana con diamanti e smeraldo di Van Cleef & Arpels

Design, gems, Etcetera

Published on February 8, 2023

alta gioielleria

Edmond Chin’s extraordinary and rare jewelery, from as expert manager for Christie’s to jeweler for collectors ♦

For five years, Edmond Chin managed the department of jewelry at Christie’s in Hong Kong. The experience and knowledge of the market has suggested, in the 2000, to found his own brand: Etcetera. The Latin word, which means “and other things”, has become a brand in the jewelry world, thanks to the recognition during the best appointments, as years ago in Baselworld. Edmond Chin has focused on two aspects: technical innovation and the quality of the stones used. But now Chin, who was born in Singapore, has become creative director of Boghossian: Etcetera’s jewels have therefore become collector’s items.

Orecchini con smeraldi di 9,12 e 8,84 carati e perle naturali

According to experts polled by Gioiellis, Etcetera collections often use new methods of assembly to expose the gems. A skill that can surprise more than once. And even if the headquarters of the brand remained in his native Hong Kong, the jewels of Mr. Chin are becoming increasingly popular in Europe and America from private collectors. Like is demonstrates by the auction where his jewels are sold.

Anello con smeraldo di 38,51 carati e diamanti

Collana con un rubino star centrale di 19,53 carati, rubini taglio ovale, diamanti taglio brillante e pera

Anello con rubino di 6 carati con petali di diamanti taglio cuscino

Christie’s In the Mood of Love

Published on February 4, 2023

news

Collana con diamante fancy vivid yellow di 10,03 carati e diamante fancy yellow di 1,52 carati, diamanti bianchi

In the Mood for Love is the title of a film from around twenty years ago, an unresolved love story set in Hong Kong in the 1960s. A film that fascinated by its dense and romantic atmosphere. But In the Mood for Love is now also a special sale of fine jewelry, in view of Valentine’s Day but which will continue until February 289, organized by Christie’s. The sale features a selection of high-end gemstones and jewellery, including a 10.03-carat Fancy Vivid Yellow heart-shaped diamond necklace and a 5.06-carat heart-shaped diamond ring.

Buccellati, anello con smeraldo di 3,95 carati, diamanti, oro e argento

Rings with colored diamonds are also available, such as a ring with a 1.03-carat orange-yellow fancy intense oval-cut diamond and one with a 0.82-carat heart-cut pink diamond. Prices range from £15,000 to £500,000. Rings, earrings, necklaces and bracelets are displayed in Christie’s salon in King Street, London. Pieces are available for immediate purchase.

Anello con zaffiro di 2,96 carati e diamanti

Collana con diamanti fancy vivid yellow e diamanti bianchi

An octagonal emerald likes Paris

Published on December 17, 2022

news

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

The pink super diamond stolen in Qatar by a psychic

Published on December 15, 2022

news

We have written it many times: be wary of those who say that stones have special powers, magical effects, healthy influences. You may be dealing with not only a cheater, but also a thief. The incredible story of the stolen pink diamond proves it. Unveiled in November by Christie’s as a Fancy Vivid Pink Diamond set in a ring, with impressive VVS1 clarity, weighing 13.15 carats, and an estimate of up to $35 million, it was scheduled to be auctioned December 6 at New York. Instead, he disappeared from the radar. The major auction house did not consider explaining why. But there is a reconstruction that seems incredible.

According to some documents filed in court and discovered for the first time by the Court Watch organization, specialized in the analysis of judicial documents, the diamond was allegedly stolen in Doha, Qatar. The diamond would have been bought by a sheik, rich but somewhat naive. In fact, he lent the diamond to a man who introduced himself as John Lee, who billed himself as an online psychic. An employee of the sheikh then sent to mr. Lee some jewels, including the pink diamond, to “cleanse them of evil spirits.” But the real magic was making the jewels disappear. Don’t laugh, please.

Un momento dell'asta di Christie's — Asta da Christie’s

A diamond king of Christie’s online jewels

Published on December 10, 2022

news

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

news

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

Online jewels between Panthère and Serpenti

Published on November 30, 2022

news

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

How to participate in an online auction

Published on November 20, 2022

Campus

Do you know how to participate in an online jewelry auction? Here’s what you need to know to shop at an online auction ♦

There are diamonds sold at auction at stratospheric figures. But they are exceptions: in reality, at jewelry auctions there are also relatively affordable pieces, excellent jewels, even of major brands in the order of a few thousand euros or dollars. Of course, most of the big auctions take place in London, Geneva or New York, not to mention Hong Kong. But for this very reason many auction houses now also offer online auctions, as they do, for example Christie’s or Sotheby’s, with very interesting pieces. The images relate to a selection of the highest estimates. For example, you can find Art Deco jewels for sale, modern and vintage pieces, but also from large Maison as David Webb, Bulgari, Chanel, Van Cleef & Arpels … And often the prices are interesting.

L'asta Maharajas & Mughal Magnificence organizzata da Christie’s a New York — L’asta Maharajas & Mughal Magnificence organizzata da Christie’s a New York

But how do you participate in an auction? Here are the rules

First of all, you need to register on the site where the auction takes place. You will get a username and password. All simple, just fill out the form on the site. After obtaining an account, you must register for the auction.

Before making an offer from your computer or tablet, read well the conditions of sale, to avoid surprises. In fact, every offer that is made has the value of a binding contract for the purchase at the predetermined sales conditions.

Attention: it is not possible to cancel the offer once it has been presented. However, you can change the maximum bid.

Rossella Novarini, direttrice de Il Ponte Casa d'Aste, durante la battitura del top dell'asta di Gioielli del 26 e 27 maggio 2022, il diamante a goccia di 16,44 carati venduto a 12 milioni di euro. Courtesy Il Ponte Casa d'Aste — Rossella Novarini, direttrice de Il Ponte Casa d’Aste, durante la battitura del top dell’asta di Gioielli del 26 e 27 maggio 2022,
il diamante a goccia di 16,44 carati venduto a 12 milioni di euro. Courtesy Il Ponte Casa d’Aste

On the auction site you will find the images, descriptions and estimated value of the pieces for sale. There is a minimum and a maximum, but it can be exceeded if many potential buyers raise their offer. You can submit an initial offer or a maximum bid. If two equivalent maximum bids have been submitted, the first one will prevail in chronological order.

You can decide in which currency to participate: just click on a small curtain corresponding to the symbol or symbol of the coin and choose, usually euros or dollars, but if it takes place in Geneva or China, even Swiss francs or Hong Kong dollars.

Offers can be submitted at any time during the online auction: therefore, it is not necessary to follow the times of an auctioneer.
When the auction has ended, an email will be sent to inform you if your bid has been successful.

Price: in an auction, even online ones, you need to take into account many factors besides the auction price. For example, you must also add the premium to the buyer (it is an additional percentage cost on the hammer price). In addition, taxes must be added (VAT or equivalent, import tax, customs duties and any local customs clearance fees applicable for your country), shipping costs, insurance coverage for any damage or loss (1% of the purchase price ). The buyer’s premium is usually 25% of the auction price of each lot up to $ 100,000. Payment must be made online by credit card and will be in the currency of the place of sale.
Now you are ready, good auction.

Collier con ametiste e turchesi messo all'asta — Collier con ametiste e turchesi messo all’asta

L'asta di Sotheby's a Hong Kong — Asta di Sotheby’s a Hong Kong

Blue diamonds and Evita’s jewels at Christie’s

Published on November 20, 2022

news

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

A new record pink is coming from Christie’s

Published on November 16, 2022

news

Fancy Vivid Pink Diamond di 13,15 carati

Year 2022 is the year of pink. Christie’s, in fact, is offering a new pink diamond at auction which, according to estimates, could be sold for up to 35 million dollars, with a minimum estimate of 25 million. The diamond is considered one of the finest fancy vivid pink emerald-cut diamonds ever offered at auction and will be part of the Magnificent Jewels sale December 6 at Rockefeller Center in New York during Luxury Week.

The Fancy Vivid Pink Diamond is prong set in a ring and has impressive VVS1 clarity, weighing 13.15 carats. A pink diamond of this size and quality is rare. In the fancy vivid pink range, a diamond over 6 carats is rarely encountered and less than 10% of pink diamonds weigh more than a fifth of a carat. The Fancy Vivid Pink Diamond is therefore considered one of the most important colored diamonds to appear on the market. The Winston Pink Legacy (18.936 carats) surpassed 50 million in 2018 and set a world record price per carat for a pink diamond sold at auction.

Following the success of The Fortune Pink which fetched nearly $30 million in Geneva, we are proud to have been approached by a private collector to offer this incredible diamond for auction in December. This season has seen outstanding results for fancy color diamonds and this particular vivid fancy pink is top notch. With impressive saturation, stepped facets, and potentially flawless clarity internally, this 13.15-carat fancy vivid pink is beautifully rare.
Rahul Kadakia, International Head of Christie’s Jewellery

The Fancy Vivid Pink Diamond will be exhibited in New York from November 14th to November 15th, in Hong Kong from November 25th to November 28th and presented in New York from December 2nd to December 5th.

TOP VIVID PINK DIAMONDS OFFERED BY CHRISTIE’S

The Winston Pink Legacy
18.96 carat fancy vivid pink cut corner rectangular cut diamond
US$50,375,000 / Price per carat: US$2,650,000

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
Oval-shaped bright pink fancy diamond of 14.93 carats
US$ 32,163,932 / Price per carat: US$ 2,150,000

Fortune Pink, diamante rosa vivido fantasia da 18,18 carat

The Fortune Pink
Pear-shaped vivid pink fantasy of 18.18 carats
US$ 28,816,336 / Price per carat: US$ 1,585,056

Christie’s sells The Fortune Pink for 28 million

Published on November 10, 2022

news

Pink likes it, but it hasn’t hit a record. All as in the forecasts at Christie’s Magnificent Jewels auction in Geneva. The most anticipated piece, The Fortune Pink, an 18.18-carat pear-shaped vivid pink diamond, sold for 28,438,500 Swiss francs. It is the largest pink diamond ever sold at auction, but it did not reach the highest price of the estimate, which reached 35 million. However, the sale remains a success. In total, Christie’s sold lots for 56.6 million francs. Another highlight was a 101.27-carat unmounted diamond, which sold for 2.9 million francs.

Geneva Luxury sales offered 572 lots, with collectors from 50 countries active during live sales. The second half of this memorable week will continue at New York’s Rockefeller Plaza, where 150 masterpieces from the Paul G Allen Collection will be offered Wednesday and Thursday, which are expected to make $ 1 billion (£ 880 million), all estate proceeds from the sale. it will be dedicated to philanthropy, according to the wishes of Mr. Allen.
Rahul Kadakia, international manager of Christie’s Jewelery

Other results from the Geneva auction: a Graff diamond ring weighing 41.36 carats was sold for 3.6 million, a rivière diamond necklace from the collection of Lord and Lady Weinstock found a buyer for 869,400 francs. It should be noted, according to Christie’s, that 50% of the active collectors at the four live auctions were new, mostly millennials. In total the auctions amounted to 113,482,763 francs, with a combined sales rate of 98%.

Anello con diamante di 41,36 carati di Graff

A pink diamond guides Christie’s Magnificent Jewels

Published on October 28, 2022

news

The auctions of the most precious jewels and gems are organized, not surprisingly, before the winter holidays. Like the Christie’s Geneva Magnificent Jewels auction on November 8 at the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues. Among the many jewels and precious stones on sale, the Fortune Pink stands out, a vivid pink fantasy diamond of 18.18 carats (estimate 25-35 million Swiss francs). This is the largest pear-shaped bright pink diamond for sale through an auction. the number of carats, 18.18, is also considered a good omen in China, where the gems could find a buyer. Also among the gems for sale is an impressive 101.27 carat diamond (2,500,000-3,500,000), along with an exceptional 41.36-carat (3,000,000-5,000) emerald-cut Graff D color diamond ring. 000).

Il diamante The Fortune Pink, 18,18 carati

But the Magnificent Jewels auction also has a lot of other precious pieces in the catalog. Like the rivière necklace with a pear-shaped diamond of 10.33 carats (estimated at 550,000-750,000 Swiss francs), which is part of the Collection of Lord and Lady Weinstock. The necklace has a total of about 100 carats and is a typical example of the rivière style, that is, with stones with scaling size. There is no shortage of jewels with blue blood. Like those from the Bourbon families Parma and Thurn und Taxis, which include an Art Déco Chimera bracelet with natural pearls, rubies and diamonds (100,000-180,000) and an exceptional Bulgari pearl necklace (300,000-500,000).

An uncommon piece is the diamond band dated around 1920 (70,000-100,000). It is a fusion of a tiara and a headband. The simplicity of the headband was a perfect match for the modern style of the Art Deco period and also ideal for the new hairstyles of the era. However, the band can also be worn today, for example as if it were a bracelet.
Also up for auction are precious bracelet watches, such as those from Bulgari’s Serpenti line from the Sixties. Among the lots on sale there is also a pair of Art Deco earrings by Henri Picq, with diamonds of 15.39 and 14.85 carats (1,500,000-2,500,000) and a magnificent ring with a Kashmir sapphire of 14.84 carats by Cartier (1,000,000-1,450,000).

Bracciale-orologio Serpenti di Bulgari, in oro, diamanti, smeraldi

Bracciale con zaffiro ovale regalato dal duca Roberto di Parma alla moglie Maria Antonia di Braganza