Christie's - Page 3

Marie Antoinette’s diamonds at Christie’s auction




Jewels witnesses of great history: their intrinsic value adds an incalculable charm. As in the case of the diamonds that belonged to Marie Antoinette, queen of France who ended up on the guillotine during the French Revolution at the end of the eighteenth century. On 9 November Christie’s will put up for sale at auction in Geneva, as the first lot, 112 diamonds originally belonging to the queen (1755-1793). The stones are set in a historic pair of bracelets. The estimate is between $ 2 and $ 4 million.

Over the past 255 years Christie’s have offered many Historic Jewels from Royal Houses around the world. It is a privilege to be able to offer these exceptional and unique bracelets for sale at Christie’s where they will attract bidding from collectors globally. As seen in recent Geneva sales, the market for jewels of noble provenance continues to perform extremely well.
François Curiel, president of Christie’s Luxury

I bracciali con diamanti appartenuti a Maria Antonietta
I bracciali con diamanti appartenuti a Maria Antonietta

It is worthwhile to retrace the history of the jewel: in 1776 Marie Antoinette was queen of France for two years and already recognized for elegance and style. She couldn’t resist jewelry, especially diamonds. Her unhappy phrase (“if the peasants don’t have bread, they should eat brioche” seems not to have been uttered by her, but it conveys the idea of ​​the time).

In any case, in the spring of 1776 the queen bought these two diamond bracelets for 250,000 lire, which was a huge sum for the time. According to Count Mercy-Argenteau, ambassador of Austria to France, they were paid partly in precious stones from the queen’s collection and partly with the funds the queen received from her husband, King Louis XVI. Recent discoveries by the jewelery historian Vincent Meylan show that in February 1777, in the personal papers of King Louis XVI, we read: “to the queen: down payment of 29,000 lire for the diamond bracelets she bought from Boehmer”.

Maria Antonietta, ritratta da Antoine Jean-Gros, indossa i due bracciali di diamanti
Maria Antonietta, ritratta da Antoine Jean-Gros, indossa i due bracciali di diamanti

On the run with the jewels
Count Mercy-Argenteau left his post as ambassador of the Austrian Empire to France in 1790 and settled in Brussels. On 11 January 1791 he received a letter from Queen Marie Antoinette, then a prisoner at the Tuileries in Paris. She announced that she would be sending a wooden crate for safekeeping. Mercy-Argenteau kept it closed for a couple of years. On October 16, 1793, Marie Antoinette was guillotined and in February 1794 the emperor Franz II of Austria (1768-1835) ordered the opening of the box in Brussels. The inventory included “Article no. 6 – A pair of bracelets where three diamonds, with the largest set in the center, form two clips; the two clips act as clasps, each made up of four diamonds and 96 diamonds set in a collar ».
Ritratto di Maria Antonietta con bracciale
Ritratto di Maria Antonietta con bracciale

Madame Royale (1778-1851), surviving daughter of Marie Antoinette, received these jewels in January 1796 upon her arrival in Austria. Among the pieces with a traceable provenance from the Queen of France, these extraordinary bracelets are the only example to include diamonds owned by her and to maintain the exact design described in the Brussels inventory. Although it is possible that the bracelets were reassembled at a later stage, no changes were made to the overall composition and the number of diamonds, with the exception of those on the clasp, was kept identical as per inventory. Over time, the jewels have become “the property of a European royal family”, which is now selling them.
Kirsten Dunst interpreta Maria Antonietta nel film di Sofia Coppola
Kirsten Dunst interpreta Maria Antonietta nel film di Sofia Coppola







Christie’s presents five new talents

Five jewelry talents for Christie’s. The auction house (21 June – 5 July) has selected some of the most interesting designers: Kayo Saito (United Kingdom), Ulla and Martin Kaufmann (Germany), Tomasz Donocik (United Kingdom), Chiara Passoni (Italy), Sarah Ho (UK). The goal is to promote contemporary jewelry, with emerging designers alongside the established names of the great Maison. The exhibition, in fact, is entitled Jewelery Talent of Today. The sale takes place online over two weeks.

Sarah Ho, orecchini Daisy con smeraldi, opali, rubini e zaffiri
Sarah Ho, orecchini Daisy con smeraldi, opali, rubini e zaffiri

Sarah Ho, born in Hong Kong, trained as a fashion designer, presents jewels dense with embroidery and beads. An example are the Daisy earrings with two cabochon emeralds, opal pearls with rubies, sapphires. Each gem is set in recycled 18K rose gold.

Ulla + Martin Jaufmann, bracciali in oro
Ulla + Martin Jaufmann, bracciali in oro

Ulla and Martin Kaufmann are recognized for their goldsmith skills and prefer geometric lines, simple, original, with large volumes. They feature unisex bracelets in 18K gold, large and enveloping.

Tomasz Donocik, orecchini Cosmic con diamanti e smeraldi
Tomasz Donocik, orecchini Cosmic con diamanti e smeraldi

Tomasz Donocik, of Polish origin, but now a Londoner, graduated with Central Saint Martins in London and, in addition to jewelry, has developed a passion for art, cinema and literature. He designed for some renowned Maison such as LVMH, Garrard and Stephen Webster before launching his own brand in 2009. He is inspired by Art Deco, the Eighties, and retrofuturism, with marked geometries. The designer presents earrings with emeralds and diamonds with studied asymmetries that evoke the Chrysler skyscraper in New York.

Chiara Passoni, bracciale Africa
Chiara Passoni, bracciale Africa

Chiara Passoni, with a past as a manager and sailor, a lover of the sea and marine fauna, has converted to jewelry. But without forgetting her previous passions. Her jewels also recall the themes of travel and the mysterious life of the past: she uses materials such as rare woods, precious and original stones, mammoth tusks, prehistoric shark teeth, fossils and ancient games of Chinese mother of pearl, jade. She presents wide bracelets made with African water buffalo horn, with gold and diamond inserts. “Each of my jewelry is a living part of my soul”, says Chiara.

Kayo Saito, collier in oro
Kayo Saito, collier in oro

Kayo Saito considers jewels as an art form, which he creates thanks also to his goldsmith skills. The jewels are sculptural, made of 18-karat gold and silver, with a Japanese and European aesthetic mix. She was trained in Japan and the UK, and received a Masters degree from the Royal College of Art in 2001. She features a Primavera necklace in 18K gold foil.

Chiara Passoni, bracciale in corno di bufalo d’acqua africano, con inserti in oro e diamanti
Chiara Passoni, bracciale in corno di bufalo d’acqua africano, con inserti in oro e diamanti

Collectible jewelry sold online by Christie’s




The hunters of vintage jewels, of great Maison, of prestigious pieces, point their binoculars on 21 June, the starting date of an online sale of Christie’s, which will last until 5 July. By now high jewelery auctions online have become a habit and it is not surprising that with one click you can buy pieces of great value. In this case, the top lot of the sale is a Jean Fouquet necklace from 1925, which had been lost since its creation. It is a museum piece that will appeal to collectors and jewelry lovers: it represents the best example of the creation of modernist jewelry influenced by the art movement of the UAM (association of French artists of the time) of which the Fouquet family was part. Furthermore, in 1925, Jean Fouquet received the award at the Exhibition of Decorative and Industrial Arts, an important event for the Art Deco period. The necklace symbolizes the transition from fine jewelry to sculptural jewelry, juxtaposing geometric shapes. It is made of white gold and silver, with the striated disc of the necklace that evokes the work of the painter Fernand Léger, entitled Les disques de la ville (1918). The stone is an aquamarine.

Il collier art déco di Jean Fouquet con acquamarina e lacca
Il collier art déco di Jean Fouquet con acquamarina e lacca

For Art Deco enthusiasts, the auction also offers a Cartier Jabot brooch with Colombian emeralds and diamonds, estimated at 30,000-40,000 euros. Two pretty brooches from the famous Tutti Frutti collection are by Cartier, some of the most sought-after jewels: the estimate is 30,000-40,000 euros. Also by Cartier is a bracelet made with sapphires, turquoise, lapis lazuli and diamonds (40,000-80,000 euros).
Cartier, bracciale con diamanti, turchesi, lapislazzuli, zaffiri
Cartier, bracciale con diamanti, turchesi, lapislazzuli, zaffiri

There is no shortage of diamonds in the online sale: a 17.47-carat antique-cut stone, mounted on a Boucheron ring is estimated at 420,000-550,000 euros. Another diamond is a 4.29 carat fancy vivid yellow (60,000-80,000 euros). A large 7.83-carat diamond pendant is estimated at 140,000-160,000 euros. Also in the online sale there are sapphires, rubies and emeralds. In particular, a Kashmiri sapphire on a Cartier ring is estimated at 60,000-80,000 euros), while a large 53-carat Ceylon sapphire has a valuation of 40,000-60,000 euros and a 29-carat sapphire mounted on a Van diamond crown. Cleef & Arpels is estimated at 100,000-200,000 euros. Finally, the sale also includes an important collection of Bulgari jewels, with several pieces from the Monete collection, such as a gold necklace in antique silver, an iconic jewel of the Italian brand.
Anello con diamante di 17,47 carati
Anello con diamante di 17,47 carati

René Lalique, spilla Art Nouveau Libellules, con aquamarina, smalto e diamanti
René Lalique, spilla Art Nouveau Libellules, con aquamarina, smalto e diamanti
Dettaglio della collana di Jean Fouquet
Dettaglio della collana di Jean Fouquet

anello zaffiro 1
Anello di Van Cleef & Arpels con diamanti e zaffiro







The Chrysler Diamond sold for 5 million by Christie’s

/




Diamonds are the protagonists of Christie’s Magnificent Jewels auction in New York. The top-lot was, as expected, The Chrysler Diamond. It is a large pear cut diamond of 54.03 carats, color D, Internally Flawless. The stone sold for over $ 5 million. The history of this stone has contributed to its charm: in 1958 it was bought by Harry Winston. At that time the diamond was known as Louis XIV and from the estate of Thelma Chrysler Foy, daughter of Walter Chrysler, founder of the automotive group and of the iconic Art Deco skyscraper in New York City.

The Chrysler Diamond, diamante a forma di pera di 54,03 carati, colore D, Internally Flawless
The Chrysler Diamond, diamante a forma di pera di 54,03 carati, colore D, Internally Flawless

Another protagonist of the auction was The Dancing Sun, a maxi intense yellow diamond of 204.36 carats, VVS2 clarity. It is the largest diamond of this type mined in North America. The stone was sold for 4.950 million. This stone, weighing 552.74 carats, was discovered in 2018 by the Diavik Diamond Mine in Canada.
The Dancing Sun, 204,36 carati, e altri diamanti gialli originari della stessa pietra grezza
The Dancing Sun, 204,36 carati, e altri diamanti gialli originari della stessa pietra grezza

The final balance of Christie’s auction reached a total of 26.5 million, which is 118% above the low estimate. 94% of the pieces were sold by value and 87% sold by lot. Among the attractions of the sale was a selection of 19 Jar jewels, owned by an important collection. The collection totaled 5.9 million, with many lots that far exceeded initial estimates. The selection was led by the Branch under Snow diamond bangle, exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 2013-14 and sold for 1.89 million against its low estimate of 400,000.

Bracciale Branch under Snow di Jar, con diamanti
Bracciale Branch under Snow di Jar, con diamanti

Additional highlights include The Flawless Match, a superb colored diamond and diamond ring comprised of a 2.52-carat fancy vivid blue pear-shaped diamond and a 2.43-carat pear-shaped diamond, color D, Internally Flawless , type IIa which reached 2.91 million. A 2.58-carat fancy deep purplish pink diamond sold for $ 675,000, against the lowest estimate of $ 200,000. A rare 4.10-carat blue-gray diamond ring achieved more than three times its sales estimate, at 846,000 and finally an 11.93-carat emerald-cut diamond, G color, VS2 clarity, by Harry Winston is was sold for $ 425,000.
The Flawless Match, anello composto da un diamante blu brillante a forma di pera di 2,52 carati e un diamante a forma di pera di 2,43 carati, colore D, Internally Flawless, Tipo IIa
The Flawless Match, anello composto da un diamante blu brillante a forma di pera di 2,52 carati e un diamante a forma di pera di 2,43 carati, colore D, Internally Flawless, Tipo IIa

anello di diamanti grigio-blu di 4,10 carati
Anello di diamanti grigio-blu di 4,10 carati

Bracciale di Jar in oro con diamanti bianchi e fancy
Bracciale di Jar in oro con diamanti bianchi e fancy







A 29.3 million pink diamond




When is a 15.81 carat purple-pink diamond worth, which equates to a weight of 3.16 grams? The answer is: $ 29.3 million. It is the price at which Sakura was sold, as the pink diamond put up for auction by Christie’s in Hong Kong was called. The figure is considerable, but it does not represent the maximum estimate of the gem. The diamond, in fact, was estimated in a range between 25 and 38 million. The selling price, in short, is in the middle, even if it is equivalent to about 1.9 million per carat, a figure that still represents a world record for a purple-pink diamond at auction. The name of the stone, Sakura, is the Japanese word for cherry blossom.

Il diamante viola-rosa Sakura di 15,81 carati
Il diamante viola-rosa Sakura di 15,81 carati

The second best-selling lot was another 4.19-carat heart-cut pink diamond set in a platinum ring with pear-shaped diamonds on the side: it was valued at around 6.5 million dollars. A necklace with a large 50.05-carat briolette-cut diamond was sold for 2.7 million, while a 31.17-carat square emerald-cut vivid yellow diamond ring raised 2.2 million and a diamond and emerald necklace Cartier was sold at 2.1 million.

Anello con diamante rosa a forma di cuore da 4,19 carati
Anello con diamante rosa a forma di cuore da 4,19 carati
Anello con diamante giallo squadrato di 31,17 carati
Anello con diamante giallo squadrato di 31,17 carati
Collana di smeraldi e diamanti venduta per 2,1 milioni
Collana di smeraldi e diamanti venduta per 2,1 milioni
Collana con diamante briolette di 50,05 carati
Collana con diamante briolette di 50,05 carati

Anello con rubino di 6,04 carati circondato da diamanti a pera venduto per 1,8 milioni
Anello con rubino di 6,04 carati circondato da diamanti a pera venduto per 1,8 milioni







Chrysler and The Dancing Sun, two super diamonds with Christie’s




Spring is one of the two periods of the year when large jewelery auctions are concentrated. After the one in Geneva, Christie’s offers another Magnificent Jewels auction in New York for June 8, preceded by the online sale of jewelery from 20 May to 4 June. The auction includes a significant selection of colored diamonds, colorless diamonds and precious stones, along with pieces signed by Bulgari, Cartier, Graff, Harry Winston, Jar, Tiffany & Co and Van Cleef & Arpels. Estimates range from $ 10,000 to $ 3,500,000.

The Dancing Sun, 204,36 carati, e altri diamanti gialli originari della stessa pietra grezza
The Dancing Sun, 204,36 carati, e altri diamanti gialli originari della stessa pietra grezza

The auction on June 8 is led by The Dancing Sun, a huge intense yellow diamond of 204.36 carats, VVS2 purity (estimate 3.5-5.5 million dollars). The Dancing Sun is the largest honed diamond mined in North America. This exceptional stone, along with six additional diamonds (lots 62-67) ranging from 14.52 to 1.06 carats, were cut and polished from the largest quality rough diamond found in North America: weighing 552, 74 carat, the stone was discovered in 2018 by the Diavik Diamond Mine in Canada.

The Chrysler Diamond, diamante a forma di pera di 54,03 carati, colore D, Internally Flawless
The Chrysler Diamond, diamante a forma di pera di 54,03 carati, colore D, Internally Flawless

Also featured is the Chrysler Diamond, a magnificent pear-shaped diamond of 54.03 carats, color D, Internally Flawless (estimate 3.5-4.5 million). The story of this exceptional stone began in 1958, when Harry Winston bought what was then known as the Louis XIV diamond owned by Thelma Chrysler Foy, daughter of Walter Chrysler, an automotive entrepreneur who also gave his name to the famous Art Deco skyscraper in New York. Set for the first time in a tiara and exhibited at the Musée du Louvre (1962), the diamond was sold by Winston in 1963, along with a 61.80-carat diamond, to Eleanor Loder. The current owner acquired the pair of gems in 1983: now the diamonds are referred to as the Gemini and included in Notable Diamonds of the World. The Chrysler diamond is now mounted in a necklace and will rightfully go to auction in New York.

Orecchini con perle e diamanti di Jar
Orecchini con perle e diamanti di Jar

The Christies auction includes an important selection of jewels from the mythical Jar, which includes almost 20 creations. The most important piece is a pair of natural pearl and diamond earrings (estimate 700,000-1,000,000 dollars). Joel Arthur Rosenthal’s passion for unparalleled perfection and innovation earned him a retrospective at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York in 2013: he is the first living jeweler to be granted this honor. Three jewels for sale from this collection, Lots 150, 152 and 154, were presented in this prestigious exhibition.

The Flawless Match, anello composto da un diamante blu brillante a forma di pera di 2,52 carati e un diamante a forma di pera di 2,43 carati, colore D, Internally Flawless, Tipo IIa
The Flawless Match, anello composto da un diamante blu brillante a forma di pera di 2,52 carati e un diamante a forma di pera di 2,43 carati, colore D, Internally Flawless, Tipo IIa

Additional highlights of the auction include The Flawless Match, a ring composed of a brilliant blue pear-shaped diamond of 2.52 carats and a pear-shaped diamond of 2.43 carats, color D, Internally Flawless, Type IIa. Also on sale are another 2.58 carat deep purplish pink collectible diamond, a rare 4.10 carat fancy blue-gray diamond ring and an 11.93 carat emerald-cut diamond, color G, purity VS2, by Harry Winston.
Diamante di colore rosa violaceo intenso di 2,58 carati
Diamante di colore rosa violaceo intenso di 2,58 carati

The online jewelry sale (May 20-June 4) features a wide selection of fine jewelry and iconic designs by Bvlgari, Cartier, David Webb, Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co., JAR and Van Cleef & Arpels.
The Dancing Sun prima di essere tagliato
The Dancing Sun prima di essere tagliato

The Dancing Sun, analisi della pietra. Photo: Arctic Canadian Diamond Company
The Dancing Sun, analisi della pietra. Photo: Arctic Canadian Diamond Company







The Spectacle sold by Christie’s for $ 14.2 million




There was anticipation for the sale of the monster-diamond put up for auction by Christie’s in Geneva. The 100.94-carat diamond called The Spectacle, cataloged as D-color, was sold for $ 14.2 million (€ 11.73 million), or $ 141,000 per carat. The diamond was cut from an even larger 207.29-carat rare rough diamond. The cutting process took one year and eight months. The emerald cut was chosen because it allows to maintain the perfect geometry of the crystal.

The Spectacle, diamante D-color, Internally Flawless, da 100,94 carati
The Spectacle, diamante D-color, Internally Flawless, da 100,94 carati

The jewels of Napoleon’s daughter

The super diamond was not the only star of the auction. The other jewelry that attracted media attention were the nine pieces that included a tiara, a necklace, a pair of earrings, two pendants and brooches, a ring and a bracelet. Jewels that have a significant history and sold to coincide with May 5, the 200-year anniversary of Napoleon’s death. An extraordinary coincidence, because the spectacular set of sapphires and diamonds was part of the collection of Napoleon’s adopted daughter, Stephanie de Beauharnais, Grand Duchess of Baden (1789-1860). Result: the collection was sold 100%, reaching a combined total of $ 3.6 million (approximately € 3 million). Together with these jewels, the important sapphire crown that belonged to Mary II Queen of Portugal earned 1.9 million dollars (1.6 million euros).

Crown, octagonal step-cut and oval-shaped sapphires, varied old-cut diamonds, gold, 1850s. Photo: courtesy Christie's
Crown, octagonal step-cut and oval-shaped sapphires, varied old-cut diamonds, gold, 1850s. Photo: courtesy Christie’s

Additional highlights of the sale included a 15.23-carat deep pink fancy diamond, which fetched $ 9.5 million (€ 7.8 million), a Boucheron purplish pink fancy diamond ring ($ 3.5 million). dollars) and a 53.53-carat heart-shaped diamond pendant, which sold for $ 3.1 million.
Anello con diamante ovale rosa intenso da 15,23 carati e diamanti incolori
Anello con diamante ovale rosa intenso da 15,23 carati e diamanti incolori

The general balance sheet of Christie’s Geneva Spring Luxury Season includes three live and two online auctions, including jewelry, wines and watches, with a subsequent following of online sales. The three-day auction total was over $ 95 million, with participants from 50 countries. All five auctions on the agenda welcomed new customers and significant participation was seen through Christie’s Live, the online bidding tool, which saw customers from San Francisco to Moscow and Oslo to Johannesburg bidding actively. In particular, the Magnificent Jewels auction reached $ 64 million (almost 53 million euros) with sales rates of 91% per lot and 98% in value. Bidders from 29 countries participated in the auction.

Anello di diamanti fancy rosa violaceo di Boucheron
Anello di diamanti fancy rosa violaceo di Boucheron

Diamante taglio a cuore da 53,53 carati
Diamante taglio a cuore da 53,53 carati







Diamonds and rare jewels at Christie’s auction in Geneva




Collectible diamonds, with the follow-up of six-zero valuations in the Magnificent Jewels auction scheduled for May 12 in Geneva organized by Christie’s. There will be 144 lots on sale, including a magnificent 15.23 carat fancy deep pink diamond ring (valuation: 7-11 million Swiss francs), the Alrosa Spectacle diamond, D Internally Flawless emerald cut 100.94 carat (valuation 12-18 million Swiss francs), but also a pendant with a 53.53-carat heart-shaped D-color diamond (Estimate 2-3 million), an emerald-cut Internally Flawless D diamond ring of 10.48 carat of Graff (600-800,000) and a 141.22-carat pear-shaped fancy brown-yellow diamond set in an exceptional diamond necklace (estimate 2.2-2.8 million).

The Spectacle, diamante D-color, Internally Flawless, da 100,94 carati
The Spectacle, diamante D-color, Internally Flawless, da 100,94 carati

among other notable pieces, an emerald and diamond bracelet made in the 1950s and a pair of earrings with two brilliant cut diamonds of approximately 10 carats each (and an Art Deco bracelet with sapphires and diamonds all by Cartier. epoch is a pendant by Charlton & Co. Maison founded in New York in 1909 by John W. Charlton, who had employed the French jewelry designer Maurice Duvalet. By Van Cleef & Arpels, on the other hand, are the earrings with two fancy yellow diamonds brilliant cut of 7.02 and 7.01 carats surrounded by a garland of colorless diamonds. The auction held on May 12 at the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues also includes the Beauharnais sapphire set and the crown of Mary II of Portugal we have already talked about here.
Diamante rosa di 15,23 carati con diamanti ovali bianchi
Diamante rosa di 15,23 carati con diamanti ovali bianchi

Collana con diamante marrone-giallo di 141,22 carati e diamanti fancy
Collana con diamante marrone-giallo di 141,22 carati e diamanti fancy
Diamante taglio cuore di 53,53 carati
Diamante taglio cuore di 53,53 carati
Diamante taglio smeraldo di 10,48 carati di Graff
Diamante taglio smeraldo di 10,48 carati di Graff
Pendente con diamanti Belle Epoque di Charlton
Pendente con diamanti Belle Epoque di Charlton

Bracciale con diamanti e smeraldi di Cartier
Bracciale con diamanti e smeraldi di Cartier







Christie’s is selling a 100-carat Spectacle




There are diamonds that can make life exciting. Just look at them and it’s a show. Like the one that Christie’s will present on May 12th and which has been called The Spectacle. In fact it is an exceptional diamond: 100.94 carat D-color Internally Flawless, with an estimate between 12 and 18 million dollars. The diamond will be the highlight of the Geneva Magnificent Jewewls auction.

The Spectacle, diamante D-color, Internally Flawless, da 100,94 carati
The Spectacle, diamante D-color, Internally Flawless, da 100,94 carati

The diamond was cut from a rare 207.29 carat rough stone. The incredible size and flawless quality made the rough diamond extremely unusual and precious. It was unearthed in 2016 in Zarnitsa in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) in northeastern Russia. This is the first diamond deposit discovered in Soviet Russia in 1954.
Il diamante The Spectacle è stato tagliato da una rara pietra grezza da 207,29 carati
Il diamante The Spectacle è stato tagliato da una rara pietra grezza da 207,29 carati

This exceptional diamond is classified D-color, the best classification available for a diamond. The first purity scale to classify diamonds was introduced in 1953, but it was during the 1970s that the Internally Flawless grade was added. This classification gave diamond producers the ability to leave traces of nature on the stone’s surface and achieve a higher grade than VVS1.
Un momento dell'asta di Christie's
Asta da Christie’s

The preparation and cutting process lasted one year and eight months and was performed at the Alrosa cutting workshop in Moscow. The emerald cut was chosen as it featured the perfect geometry of the diamond. The cut of the emerald, in fact, is incompatible with any imperfection, since it allows you to look inside the stone. The 100.94-carat Spectacle diamond is the largest stone ever cut in Russia.
This diamond joins the other two that Christie’s has put on sale in the last ten years: two spectacular D-colored stones, both in Geneva. The first was the 101.73 carat Winston Legacy diamond, the other Creation 1 was even 163.41 carats. They were sold for $ 26.7 million and $ 33.7 million respectively.
Il diamante Winston's Legacy di 101,73 carati
Il diamante Winston’s Legacy di 101,73 carati







A trio of colored diamonds sold by Christie’s




The desire to leave the gloomy mood of the pandemic behind is also reflected in the desire for luxury shopping. Like Christie’s Magnificent Jewels auction which was held in New York on April 13 and which reached a total of 34.96 million dollars, with 97% of the lots sold and with 94% having achieved on average 132% more than the lowest estimate. Buyers attended from 40 countries across five continents. The biggest wait was for The Perfect Palette, a trio of colored diamonds offered as separate lots, which totaled $ 8.37 million. Each stone surpassed initial estimates, with the 2.17-carat fancy vivid purplish pink diamond ring selling for 3.51 million, the 2.13-carat vivid blue diamond ring for 2.67 million and the 2.34 carat vivid orange diamond ring for 2.190 million.

Diamanti blu, giallo e rosa violaceo
Diamanti blu, giallo e rosa violaceo, The Perfect Palette

“Impressive” prices for white diamonds, led by a 38.04 carat pear cut brilliant diamond ring, D color, flawless clarity, Type IIa sold for over 3 million, while a 14.50 carat emerald cut diamond , D color, IF clarity, Type IIa reached double its lowest estimate at 1.41 million. A diamond bracelet made 1.17 million and a pair of diamond earrings offered without reserve reached $ 894,000. Among the colored gemstones, exceptional results for a Burmese ruby ​​ring by F.J. Cooper, an important jeweler from Philadelphia, sold for 1.65 million and for a ring with Colombian emeralds from Cartier, for 225,000 dollars.
Anello con diamante taglio a pera di 38 carati
Anello con diamante taglio a pera di 38 carati

Among the lots on sale there was also a Serpenti wristwatch with diamonds and Bvlgari onyx, sold for 50,000 dollars: it is a jewel donated by Bulgari, and the proceeds are destined for the Elizabeth Taylor Aids Foundation. Christie’s online jewelry sale continues until April 20 with jewelry from Bulgari, Cartier, David Webb, Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co., JAR and Van Cleef & Arpels.

Bracciale-orologio Serpenti di Bulgari
Bracciale-orologio Serpenti di Bulgari

Anello con rubino di F.J.Cooper
Anello con rubino di F.J.Cooper

Anello con diamante taglio smeraldo di 14,50 carati
Anello con diamante taglio smeraldo di 14,50 carati

Bracciale di diamanti
Bracciale di diamanti

Orecchini di Jar con zaffiri blu e rosa venduti per 312.500 dollari
Orecchini di Jar con zaffiri blu e rosa venduti per 312.500 dollari







Napoleonic jewels at auction with Christie’s


x



Christie’s is a British auction house founded in 1766. It was born, therefore, three years before Napoleon, who came into the world in 1769 and died in Sant’Elena on May 5, 1821, 200 years ago. The anniversary also finds a sort of celebration in the world of jewelry, with the sale of the spectacular sapphire and diamond set that belonged to the adopted daughter of the French emperor and general, Stephanie de Beauharnais, Grand Duchess of Baden (1789-1860). The set will be among the attractions of the Christie’s Magnificent Jewels auction, scheduled in Geneva on 12 May.

Octagonal step-cut sapphires, rose and old-cut diamond, gold, circa 1800. Photo: courtesy Christie's
Octagonal step-cut sapphires, rose and old-cut diamond, gold, circa 1800. Photo: courtesy Christie’s

It consists of nine pieces, including a tiara, a necklace, a pair of earrings, two pendants and brooches, as well as a ring and a bracelet, offered as individual lots. A total of 38 sapphires from Ceylon were used to create this set in the early 1800s. The collection also includes the important sapphire crown of Mary II, Queen of Portugal, set with an extraordinary Burmese sapphire in the center.
Octagonal step-cut sapphire, single and old-cut diamonds, gold, circa 1800, ring size 6½. Photo: courtesy Christie's
Octagonal step-cut sapphire, single and old-cut diamonds, gold, circa 1800, ring size 6½. Photo: courtesy Christie’s

The reconstruction history recalls that Napoleon I in 1796 married Josephine de Beauharnais, Stephanie’s aunt, born on August 28, 1789. Her mother died two years later and Stephanie spent her first years with the nuns in the French countryside. Soon after her aunt’s marriage to Napoleon I, she joined them and grew up in Versailles and Paris. A month before her marriage she was adopted by Napoleon and she became the imperial highness of her princess Stephanie Napoléon and she was then able to marry on 6 April 1806 with Prince Charles of Baden. Together they had five children: two boys, who died at an early age, and three daughters.
Bracelet, octagonal step-cut sapphires, old-cut diamonds, gold, circa 1800. Photo: courtesy Christie's
Bracelet, octagonal step-cut sapphires, old-cut diamonds, gold, circa 1800. Photo: courtesy Christie’s

A record in writing, found between the boxes of jewels, stated that these sapphire jewels were given to Stephanie by her cousin Hortense de Beauharnais. Such an origin is very likely. In many paintings Hortense, and her mother Empress Josephine, can be seen wearing precious belts. Furthermore, Hortense’s financial papers, which are kept in the Napoléon archive in Paris, give evidence of her fortune between 1817 and 1837, the year she passed away. They show that she left Paris in 1816 with little money, but a lot of jewellery.
Crown, octagonal step-cut and oval-shaped sapphires, varied old-cut diamonds, gold, 1850s. Photo: courtesy Christie's
Crown, octagonal step-cut and oval-shaped sapphires, varied old-cut diamonds, gold, 1850s. Photo: courtesy Christie’s

After Stephanie’s death in 1860 the sapphire parure described as ‘necklace, pendant, earrings, 7 pins and a belt’ was inherited by Stephanie’s second daughter, Josephine, Princess of Hohenzollern Sigmaringen. Under Napoléon’s court, belts decorated with precious stones were part of any jewellery parure, as fashion dictated that the waist was very high on dresses and court ladies needed a belt which was placed just under the décolleté.
Earrings, pear and cushion-shaped sapphires, old-cut diamonds, gold, circa 1800. Photo: courtesy Christie's
Earrings, pear and cushion-shaped sapphires, old-cut diamonds, gold, circa 1800. Photo: courtesy Christie’s

It seems the belt was remodelled into a bandeau-tiara and a bracelet by Princess Josephine, who died in 1900, aged 83. In her will, she left the sapphires (necklace, bandeau-tiara, earrings, pendants and bracelet) to her eldest son, Léopold (1835-1905). At this point, Stephanie’s sapphire parure was joined by another spectacular sapphire jewel: a crown with detachable brooches from Queen Maria da Gloria of Portugal (1819-1853).
Pendant, octagonal step-cut sapphire, old-cut diamonds, gold, circa 1800. Photo: courtesy Christie's
Pendant, octagonal step-cut sapphire, old-cut diamonds, gold, circa 1800. Photo: courtesy Christie’s

Maria was born in 1819 in Rio, where her family, the Braganza dynasty, took refuge when Napoléon I invaded their kingdom of Portugal. Her father Pedro, King of Portugal and 1st Emperor of Brazil, abdicated the crown of Portugal in her favour in 1826. Therewith, Maria da Gloria became Queen of Portugal at the age of seven. She died in 1853 after having given birth to 11 children. Her seventh child Infanta Antonia (1845-1913) married Léopold, Prince of Hohenzollern Sigmaringen in 1861, and it is believed that their union united the two sapphire parures.
Brooch, octagonal step-cut sapphire, rose and old-cut diamonds, gold, circa 1800. Photo: courtesy Christie's
Brooch, octagonal step-cut sapphire, rose and old-cut diamonds, gold, circa 1800. Photo: courtesy Christie’s

Necklace, octagonal step-cut sapphires, rose and old-cut diamond, gold, circa 1800, 40.5 cm, black fitted case. Photo: courtesy Christie's
Necklace, octagonal step-cut sapphires, rose and old-cut diamond, gold, circa 1800, 40.5 cm, black fitted case. Photo: courtesy Christie’s
Brooch, oval-shaped sapphire, old-cut diamonds, gold, circa 1800. Photo: courtesy Christie's
Brooch, oval-shaped sapphire, old-cut diamonds, gold, circa 1800. Photo: courtesy Christie’s
Pendant, oval-shaped sapphire, old-cut diamonds, gold, circa 1800. Photo: courtesy Christie's
Pendant, oval-shaped sapphire, old-cut diamonds, gold, circa 1800. Photo: courtesy Christie’s






Diamonds and beautiful jewels at auction with Christie’s


x



Christie’s Magnificent Jewels auction in New York on April 13th and simultaneous online jewelry sale from April 8th to 20th. For fans of great jewels, the season of the most important auctions officially opens. Christie’s sale includes a significant selection of colorless diamonds, colored diamonds and precious stones, along with jewelery by Belperron, Bulgari, Cartier, Graff, Harry Winston, Hemmerle, Jar, Lacloche, Tiffany & Co. and Van Cleef & Arpels. The sale will offer 217 lots, with estimates ranging from $ 10,000 to $ 2.5 million.

Diamanti blu, giallo e rosa violaceo
Diamanti blu, giallo e rosa violaceo

The April 13 auction is led by The Perfect Palette, a trio of colored diamonds offered as separate lots, which include a 2.13-carat fancy vivid blue diamond ring (estimate 2,000,000-3,000,000); a 2.34-carat fancy vivid orange diamond ring (estimate 1,500,000-2,500,000); and an elegant ring with bright purple-pink diamonds of 2.17 carats (estimate 1,500,000-2,500,000). Additional significant colored diamonds include a 6.56 carat fancy deep orange pink diamond; a 25.55 carat fancy vivid yellow diamond ring and an elegant 3.02 carat vivid purplish pink diamond ring offered without reserve.
Anello con diamante taglio a pera di 38 carati
Anello con diamante taglio a pera di 38 carati

There is no shortage of colorless diamonds, guided by a ring with a 38.04 carat stone, color D, impeccable clarity, Type IIa (estimate 2,500,000-3,500,000); an emerald-cut diamond of 14.50 carats, color D, clarity IF, type IIa and the Buhl-Mann diamond ring of 19.47 carats. The colored gemstones are also strongly represented by an exquisite Burmese ruby ​​ring by F.J. Cooper, an important jeweler from Philadelphia (estimate 1,200,000-2,200,000) and a ring with Colombian emeralds from Cartier. Additionally, there are 12 separate lots with unmounted stone clusters that include diamonds, rubies, sapphires and emeralds with estimates ranging from $ 2,000 to $ 30,000, all offered without reserve.
Collana in oro, diamanti e rubini di Van Cleef & Arpels
Collana in oro, diamanti e rubini di Van Cleef & Arpels

The private collections within the sale offer designer pieces from Belperron, Bvlgari, Cartier, David Webb, Harry Winston, Van Cleef & Arpels and Verdura that incorporate the highest quality gemstones with a refined design. The Estate of Jacqueline Leeds contains over 38 jewels in live and online sales and features a pear-cut brilliant diamond of 16.48 carats, J color, VS2 clarity and a suite of Van Cleef & Arpels ruby ​​and diamond jewelry. A Midwestern collector’s property contains eight jewels and three of which are from Jar, including a pair of sapphires, pink sapphires, and diamond earrings.
Bracciale-orologio Serpenti di Bulgari
Bracciale-orologio Serpenti di Bulgari

The sale also includes a Serpenti wristwatch with diamonds and Bvlgari onyx that pays homage to Elizabeth Taylor, famous actress and renowned jewelry collector. The elegant timepiece was donated by Bulgari with proceeds destined for the Elizabeth Taylor Aids Foundation. Working tirelessly on the AIDS crisis in the 1980s, the actress (who passed away in 2011) founded the Elizabeth Taylor Aids Foundation in 1991 to achieve her vision of a virus-free world. Proceeds from the lot will then go to the Elizabeth Taylor Aids Foundation.
Elizabeth Taylor con collier Bulgari
Elizabeth Taylor con collier Bulgari

Anello con diamanti di Jar a forma di cristallo di neve
Anello con diamanti di Jar a forma di cristallo di neve
Orecchini di Jar con zaffiri blu e rosa
Orecchini di Jar con zaffiri blu e rosa
Collana Spire, art déco di René Bonvin
Collana Spire, art déco di René Bonvin
Bracciale con ametiste di Suzanne Belperron
Bracciale con ametiste di Suzanne Belperron







All jewels by Michele della Valle was sold by Christie’s


x



It is not often that a jewelry auction sale is 100% successful. It happened with the online sale of jewels by a single author: Michele della Valle. The auction organized by Christie’s entitled Colorful Whimsy: Jewels by Michele della Valle, in fact, reached a total of 799,125 dollars for the 65 pieces on sale, with 100% sold by lot, 100% sold by value, and 193% awarded above the lowest starting estimate.

Orecchini a forma di limone con zaffiri gialli, tsavorite, diamanti
Orecchini a forma di limone con zaffiri gialli, tsavorite, diamanti

The top lot of the sale was a pair of lemon-shaped earrings with yellow sapphires, tsavorites and diamonds, which sold for $ 75,000, versus the low starting estimate of $ 7,000.

We are delighted with the results received for this special online auction dedicated to one of the most vibrant names in jewelry—Michele della Valle. With a background in opera and the arts, della Valle’s aptitude for creative output knows no bounds. For decades, della Valle has delighted jewelry collectors and fans alike with his bold and colorful creations. His unexpected and whimsical creations offered in our sale were met with enthusiasm from Christie’s clients around the world.
Caroline Ervin, Christie’s Jewels specialist

Pendente con diamanti e zaffiri gialli
Pendente con diamanti e zaffiri gialli
Orecchini con ametista, diamanti, rubini, smeraldi
Orecchini con ametista, diamanti, rubini, smeraldi
Anello in oro bianco con diamanti, smalto bianco
Anello in oro bianco con diamanti, smalto bianco

Tre dei gioielli di Michele della Valle messi all'asta
Tre dei gioielli di Michele della Valle messi all’asta







The art of spring with Michele della Valle


x



Michele della Valle is one of the rare artists who use gems and gold to paint or sculpt the most varied subjects. He resides in Geneva and his jewelery-works appear regularly only through auctions expected by connoisseurs. Now, until March 17, his jewels are on sale online thanks to Christie’s New York. The sale has a title: Colorful Whimsy: Jewels by Michele della Valle. The auction consists of 65 exceptional jewels by Michele della Valle, all offered without reserve, which emphasize the use of dazzling colored gemstones to create surprising designs.

Orecchini con agata rossa, diamanti, tsavorite
Orecchini con agata rossa, diamanti, tsavorite

I am delighted to collaborate with Christie’s to present this specially curated 65 lot online-only sale of my creations. My roots at Christie’s run deep—back in 1976, I brought the very first gemstone I ever purchased in Burma to Christie’s for sale, and soon after, seeking out fine gems, designing and creating jewelry became my life’s passion. Constantly inspired by my surroundings, whether that be in the country or in the middle of a metropolitan city, this selection celebrates earthly creations and love. For this very special sale offered from Christie’s New York, I created a brooch inspired by the iconic city skyline – complete with shimmering diamond and sapphire pavé, and a patinated copper Statue of Liberty. A brooch to represent the vibrancy of the city that never sleeps.
Michele della Valle

Bracciale in oro 18 carati con smeraldi taglio rotondo, peridoti e diamanti
Bracciale in oro 18 carati con smeraldi taglio rotondo, peridoti e diamanti

Throughout his imaginative career, della Valle has remained true to his love of colored gemstones used in unexpected ways and drawing inspiration from nature: carving pastel pink opals into floating flower petals, using richly saturated red agate as cherries suspended from stems of diamond, pavé of yellow sapphires to revive lemons as fresh from morning dew.
Orecchini con opale intagliato, tormaline e diamanti su oro rosa
Orecchini con opale intagliato, tormaline e diamanti su oro rosa

Christie’s is excited to present an online-only auction from one of the most vibrant names in jewelry—Michele della Valle. With a background in opera and the arts, della Valle’s aptitude for creative output knows no bounds. For decades, della Valle has delighted jewelry collectors and fans alike with his bold and colorful creations. Renown for sourcing interesting colored gemstones and using them in unexpected ways, the result is dazzling and whimsical creations, which we are pleased to present to usher in the spring season.
Caroline Ervin, Christie’s Jewels specialist

Spilla con smeraldi e tormaline
Spilla con smeraldi e tormaline

Orecchini a forma di limone con zaffiri gialli, tsavorite, diamanti
Orecchini a forma di limone con zaffiri gialli, tsavorite, diamanti

Anello con tanzanite, diamanti e rubini
Anello con tanzanite, diamanti e rubini

Spilla che raffigura la Statua della libertà e New York con diamanti, zaffiri, oro giallo e bianco, rame
Spilla che raffigura la Statua della libertà e New York con diamanti, zaffiri, oro giallo e bianco, rame

Orecchini con ametiste e smeraldi
Orecchini con ametiste e smeraldi

Pendente con smeraldi, zaffiri, rubini
Pendente con smeraldi, zaffiri, rubini
Collana con ametista, rubini, smalto
Collana con ametista, rubini, smalto
Collana in oro bianco con topazio, ametista, prasiolite, citrino, quarzo lemon, diamanti
Collana in oro bianco con topazio, ametista, prasiolite, citrino, quarzo lemon, diamanti







Karl Lagerfeld’s jewels for Chanel at auction




After the Christmas break, jewelry auctions are back. And Christie’s from January 14th to 29th offers an online sale dedicated to Chanel jewelery that was part of Susan Gutfreund’s property. They are jewels collected in the eighties and nineties, during the “reign” of creative director Karl Lagerfeld in the French fashion house. Almost all the jewels are one-of-a-kind pieces specially created by King Karl for the Chanel fashion shows.

Grande spilla Chanel in vetro e pietre
Grande spilla Chanel in vetro e pietre

Susan (former Pan Am flight attendant) was the wife of John Gutfreund, a prominent business banker. Passionate about fashion, the couple were friends with Lagerfeld, who died in 2019. The designer has personally donated some of these jewels created for the shows to the couple over the years. With the Christie’s auction, collectors and enthusiasts of the designer’s work thus have an opportunity to secure the best pieces: the pieces range from 200 to 6,000 dollars. The jewels are also a testimony of the fashion trend at the time.

Spilla con perle finte e strass
Spilla con perle finte e strass
Bracciali in velluto
Bracciali in velluto
Set di gioielli in vetro di Gripoix e perle finte
Set di gioielli in vetro di Gripoix e perle finte
Orecchini in perle sintetiche e resina
Orecchini in perle sintetiche e resina
Polsini in tessuto e pelle
Polsini in tessuto e pelle
Collana di perle finte
Collana di perle finte
Collier di Karl Lagerfeld per Chanel
Collier di Karl Lagerfeld per Chanel






Jar, a successful mystery




Jar’s jewels, a mystery that has lasted for over 40 years: a myth protected from the lights that shines for its exceptional artistic genius ♦

It is easier to buy a Hermes kelly without reservation that a jewel of Jar on a waiting list. Not only because Joel Arthur Rosenthal from 1977 produces a maximum of 120 pieces per year: the real obstacle is pleasing as possible purchaser. In fact, the jeweler follows just one rule in his work: create what he wants, when he wants, for who he wants. So it happens that the jewel a customer want to buy, among his clientele there is Lily Safra, Gwyneth Paltrow and Madonna, is not exactly what he believes look really good on them and he tries to convince of that. Needless to negotiate, take it or give.

Spilla con fiore di tormalina e diamanti
Spilla con fiore di tormalina e diamanti by Jar

But it seems worthwhile to stand his character, because a jewel of Jar is a safe investment, according to the auction prices of the last 20 years: in fact, the man has been called the Faberge of our time, has one of the highest proportions of sale of jewels auctioned (approximately 82%), with a double value than the estimates and above a revaluation over time, constant and growing. Knows something about this who purchased in 2002 for $ 41,000 (about 33 000 euro), Etoiles de Mer earrings, with natural pearls and diamonds, resold at an auction at Christie’s in 2014 for about $ 217,000, approximately 174 000 EUR: a revaluation of over 500%.

Spilla con diamanti, cacholong e titanio
Spilla con diamanti, cacholong e titanio

And what about the earrings with natural pearls, rubies and diamonds sold for the first time in 2012 for 30,000 dollars (24,000 euros) and were then resold by Sotheby’s for 425,000 dollars (about 350,000 euros). The fact that Jar is the first living jeweler to have had a retrospective dedicated to him at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York will certainly have an influence. But it is certain that Rosenthal is considered at the top of high jewelery, a true innovator like Fulco Verdura. And to think that his professional history began in a surprising way: born in New York City in 1943, Rosenthal graduated in art history and philosophy from Harvard before moving to Paris, where he opened an embroidery shop. His experiments with unusual yarn colors attracted the attention of the designers of Hermès and Valentino. Then he moved on to jewelry: in New York he worked for Bulgari, before returning to Paris and opening his legendary atelier in Place Vendôme with his partner Pierre Jeannet.

Orecchini Pansy in alluminio e dettagli in oro giallo
Orecchini Pansy in alluminio e dettagli in oro giallo

In 2002 he caused a sensation at an exhibition at Somerset House in London, which consecrated the myth of Jar. To thank the 145 customers who lent the jewels for the 400-piece show, he sent everyone a pair of colored aluminum Pansy earrings. A symbolic gift: it alludes to the French word for pansy. And the thousands of aluminum earrings that went on sale at the exhibition were sold out in a couple of days. Another milestone is the Mogol bracelet, which was auctioned by Christie’s in April 2002: it is one of the earliest examples of JAR’s use of oxidized titanium. The metallic purple of the titanium is accompanied by flowers on the edges and continues inside the jewel: a tribute to traditional Indian jewelry. Another recurring motif of Jar is that of nature, with the animal and floral world transformed into jewels.
Anello con smeraldi e diamanti
Anello con smeraldi e diamanti

Anello Fleur de Lys con diamanti di diverso taglio
Anello Fleur de Lys con diamanti di diverso taglio
Orecchini Geranium in alluminio e oro
Orecchini Geranium in alluminio e oro
Camelia in pavé di rubini per 173,09 carati, argento e oro
Camelia in pavé di rubini per 173,09 carati, argento e oro

Anello con zaffiro e diamanti
Anello con zaffiro e diamanti







Jewelery to help Beirut at auction with Christie’s




We Are All Beirut: help comes from the world of jewelry for the Lebanese city, devastated in recent months by a tremendous explosion. Promoting the charity action is Christie’s, which until November 24 is presenting a charity auction to promote and help the restoration and cultural activities of Beirut. The proceeds of the auction, in fact, will be entrusted to The Arab Funds for Arts and Culture (AFAC).

Bracciali di Piaget
Bracciali di Piaget

We Are All Beirut is auctioning works by artists in three areas: the arts, the world of design and jewelry. In particular, the 11 jewels for sale also contain symbols related to the Middle Eastern country, such as the colors of the Lebanese flag. As in the case of the green dial of the limited edition Bulgari watch of which only 11 were made.
Anello Scaphandre con onice di Elie Top
Anello Scaphandre con onice di Elie Top

Piaget donated three bracelets, each representing a color of the Lebanese flag. The specially made bracelet by Nadine Kanso was inspired by the sale title Kelna Beirut (the words mean We Are All Beirut). Additionally, two creations are unveiled for the first time through this sale: Hemmerle’s hand-sculpted anodized aluminum earrings and reverse-set purple sapphire earrings and Glenn Spiro’s brand new carved ceramic and tourmaline earrings, which glow in the dark.
Gli orecchini che brillano nel buio di Glenn Spiro
Gli orecchini che brillano nel buio di Glenn Spiro

Supporting the work behind AFAC’s cultural and philanthropic initiative, advocating and directing the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Beirut’s artistic and cultural landscape is so important to us here at Christie’s. Witnessing such an incredible level of interest and generous contributions to We Are All Beirut, regionally and internationally, depicts a humanity and benevolence that is so very much needed today. We like to take this opportunity to send our deepest thank you to all jewellery designers and maisons as well as watchmakers and retailer for their substantial contributions.
Caroline Louca-Kirkland, CEO of Christie’s Middle East

Orecchini con diamanti di Boghossain
Orecchini con diamanti di Boghossain

Karma el Khalil, a talented Lebanese jewelry designer based in New York whose creations are dubbed by Hollywood stars, is represented with her flagship piece, the Sunshine Ear Cuff. The charity sale offers the latest available piece of this collection, calling out the rays of dawn and radiating hope.

Bracciale in oro con smeraldi di Nadine Kanso
Bracciale in oro con smeraldi di Nadine Kanso

Orecchini Diamond Sunrise di Karma el Khalil
Orecchini Diamond Sunrise di Karma el Khalil







Successful yellow in Geneva with Christie’s




A large 28.88 carat yellow diamond, rectangular cut, VVS2, was the precious object that obtained the highest price at Christie’s Magnificent Jewels auction in Geneva. The diamond was sold for 3.1 million dollars. But in second place were placed two jewels by Graff: it is a bow-shaped brooch, also with a huge yellow diamond of over 107 carats in the center, sold for about 3 million dollars and a ring with a central purplish red diamond of just over 1 carat. But the red diamonds are very rare and for this reason the jewel was sold for about 2.8 million dollars.

Diamante giallo brillante VVS2 da 28,88 carati, venduto per 3,1 milioni
Diamante giallo brillante VVS2 da 28,88 carati, venduto per 3,1 milioni

The auction recorded a high sales rate, around 87%, for over 36 million in total. Another jewel that received great reception was a platinum and gold bracelet with eight natural Kashmiri sapphires not heated with a weight of 3.8 to 8.29 carats interspersed with diamonds: the lot was sold for almost 2.4 millions of dollars.
Spilla con diamante fancy yellow di 107,46 carati di graff
Spilla con diamante fancy yellow di 107,46 carati di graff

At auction there were also, among others, 15 Bulgari pieces, all sold. The most popular piece of jewelry was a gold necklace with 16 Colombian emeralds, each surrounded by marquise and circular cut diamonds, which sold for over $ 1.9 million. Federico Graglia
Anello di Graff con diamante rosso-viola e diamanti bianchi
Anello di Graff con diamante rosso-viola e diamanti bianchi

Collana di Bulgari con smeraldi e diamanti
Collana di Bulgari con smeraldi e diamanti

Bracciale con zaffiri del Kashmir non scaldati e diamanti
Bracciale con zaffiri del Kashmir non scaldati e diamanti







Diamonds and super jewels at Christie’s in Geneva




Exorcise fear with luxury. Or, better, with the Magnificent Jewels auction with Christie’s at the Four Season Hotel des Bergues in Geneva on 10 November. Live auctions are back, with the physical presence of participants and auctioneers. This auction, for example, includes a selection of historical and modern jewels from all periods, as well as pieces signed by the most famous jewelry houses such as Boivin, Boucheron, Cartier, JAR, Van Cleef & Arpels and many others.

Orecchini con diamanti blu, rosa e bianchi
Orecchini con diamanti blu, rosa e bianchi

The top lot consists of a pair of colored and colorless diamond earrings. The jewel combines two deep pink marquise-cut diamonds and two pear-cut fancy blue-greyish diamonds of approximately 2 carats and, finally, two other colorless diamonds classified as D-flawless type IIa pear-cut of 10.06 and 10.03 carats. The earrings, set in platinum and white gold, are estimated at between $ 2.7 million and $ 3.8 million.

Anello con rubino ottagonale di 13,01 carati e diamanti di Jar
Anello con rubino ottagonale di 13,01 carati e diamanti di Jar

In the catalog there is also an Art Déco watch by Van Cleef & Arpels, a brooch with a gigantic 107.46 carat Fancy Yellow diamond by Graff, a sapphire and diamond bracelet that includes eight Kashmir stones (the rarest) for a weight total of 43.95 carats. In addition to collectible gems, including a rare 3.96-carat Fancy Deep blue diamond, a superb 28.88-carat Fancy Vivid Yellow diamond, there are special pieces such as a 13.01-carat Burmese ruby ​​ring of JAR.

Ciondolo con zaffiro da 35,42 carati di Harry Winston
Ciondolo con zaffiro da 35,42 carati di Harry Winston

A part of the jewelry on sale also concerns the collection of over 60 pieces of the Mireille Levy estate, which disappeared in 2019, which includes set jewels by Van Cleef & Arpels, a 35.42-carat sapphire pendant by Harry Winston and a exclusive selection of 1970s jewelry by Boucheron and David Webb. Federico Graglia

Spilla con diamante fancy yellow di 107,46 carati di graff
Spilla con diamante fancy yellow di 107,46 carati di Graff
Anello con diamante ovale di 22,11 carati in platino e oro di Graff
Anello con diamante ovale di 22,11 carati in platino e oro di Graff
Collana di Bulgari con smeraldi colombiani e diamanti
Collana di Bulgari con smeraldi colombiani e diamanti
Anello con diamante blu di 3,96 carati
Anello con diamante blu di 3,96 carati







Great jewels at the online auction with Christie’s




Great jewels at auction, but online. It is the obligatory trend of this period. The sale, Christie’s Important Jewels, takes place from November 4th to 18th and includes a wide range of jewels from different eras, from the late 18th century to the present day. A group of Victorian insect brooches, opulent Belle Epoque and Art Deco jewelery, bold yellow gold and enamel gems from the 1960s to 1980s, and a wide selection of contemporary pieces signed by the most renowned jewelery houses are on sale of the world including Bulgari, Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Graff and Tiffany & Co.

Antica collana con diamanti a forma di cuscino chiusa sul retro, nastro di velluto nero, 1790 circa
Antica collana con diamanti a forma di cuscino chiusa sul retro, nastro di velluto nero, 1790 circa

The main lots of the sale include an elegant Edwardian wreath-shaped tiara (estimate 45,000-65,000 pounds), an Art Deco bracelet with diamonds and cabochon rubies by Drayson (40,000-60,000 pounds), a rare antique necklace with a diamond collar and a detachable cluster pendant (100,000-150,000) and a limited edition Crash diamond bracelet watch from Cartier (40,000-60,000).
Collana con rubini ovali e circolari, diamanti baguette
Collana con rubini ovali e circolari, diamanti baguette

A cultured pearl, diamond and enamel bracelet, formerly owned by Dame Vera Lynn (aka Vera Margaret Welch, was a British singer who died aged 103), will be sold for the benefit of The Dame Vera Lynn Children’s Charity Established by Dame Vera in 2001, the association has helped more than 600 families who have children with cerebral palsy. The bracelet features an enamel plaque depicting the iconic image of blue birds flying over the white cliffs of Dover in reference to Dame Vera’s great record of wartime victories. This special and very personal bracelet was made in 2007 by Queen Harry Collins jeweler on the occasion of Dame Vera’s 90th birthday.
Bracciale di perle coltivate e smalto appartenuto a Dame Vera Lynn
Bracciale di perle coltivate e smalto appartenuto a Dame Vera Lynn

Bracciale Serpente di Bulgari con turchesi e diamanti
Bracciale Serpente di Bulgari con turchesi e diamanti
Anello con diamante taglio brillante di 5,07 carati e diamanti baguette
Anello con diamante taglio brillante di 5,07 carati e diamanti baguette

Tiara con design a ghirlanda, gocce di diamanti a forma di pera, vecchi diamanti circolari e taglio singolo, platino, circa 1910
Tiara con design a ghirlanda, gocce di diamanti a forma di pera, vecchi diamanti circolari e taglio singolo, platino, circa 1910







1 2 3 4 5 10