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Line Vautrine, poetry of metal




For the most refined: the jewels of Line Vautrine, a Parisian designer nicknamed metal poetess ♦

If you want to make a refined gift, look for a jewel by Line Vautrin (1913-1997). Some works of the “poetesse du Metal” are also nowaday for sale online. Daughter of a Parisian metal smelter father from the 1920s, Line Vautrin has developed a creative talent with metals. She experimented and made gilded bronze jewelry. From the creation of buttons, at the end of 1930, to the study of Elsa Schiaparelli, to imagine the radiating mirrors in 1950: Line Vautrin has combined the imagination of the Parisian culture with the suggestions of the Mycenaean civilization, in a fantastic world of mythical birds, beasts and human figures. Her jewelery, boxes and mirrors, have prices ranging from 250 to 27 thousand euros and are sought after by collectors, including designer Tom Ford.

Sautoir Les trois Grâces
Sautoir Les trois Grâces

Her success is also testified by his wandering in Paris: she started in a tiny boutique in rue de Berri, in the Latin quarter, then moved to a boutique in rue du Fauborg Saint Honoré, the jewelers’ area, before moving back to rue Vielle du Temple in the Marais district.
Bracciale in bronzo e smalto, 1955
Bracciale in bronzo e smalto, 1955

Orecchini Deux Pigeons
Orecchini Deux Pigeons
Collier Les renards (le volpi), 1980, bronzo dorato
Collier Les renards (le volpi), 1980, bronzo dorato
Collier Petit poisson deviendra grand, 1945
Collier Petit poisson deviendra grand, 1945
Collier Vertèbres
Collier Vertèbres
Orecchini L'Oiseau de l'Île de Pâques
Orecchini L’Oiseau de l’Île de Pâques

Line Vautrin, 1930
Line Vautrin, 1930







Challenge between diamonds at Christie’s auction




What is the price of a 115.8 carat diamond? If you are interested, you can refer to the evaluation obtained at the first post covid auction of Christie’s which took place in New York. The VVS1 quality diamond, color F, 115.8 carat pear-shaped, suspended as a pendant on a diamond necklace, was sold for $ 6.29 million, reaching the experts’ estimate. The maxi diamond was the most prized piece of the Magnificent Jewels auction held at Rockefeller Center, which totaled $ 28.1 million for 87% of lots sold by value.

Diamante di qualità VVS1, colore F, di 115,8 carati a forma di pera
Diamante classificato VVS1, colore F, di 115,8 carati a forma di pera

It is always interesting to note the changes in interest (and price) on diamonds. If the 115.8 carat stone was bought for 6.29 million, an intense blue diamond of only 7.16 carats mounted on platinum was sold for $ 3.85 million: about 50% of the colorless one despite its size is only 7.5% compared to the larger one. In contrast, a 7.65-carat VS2-classed fancy purplish pink, pear cut, diamond mounted on a platinum and 18-carat rose gold ring was sold for $ 819,000, less then others, however above estimate.
Diamante blu intenso di 7,16 carati
Diamante blu intenso di 7,16 carati

Great success for four rectangular Colombian emeralds from 90 to 154 carats. The gems were sold for $ 519,000, tripling his estimate of $ 150,000. To note the appreciation obtained from vintage pieces, as for a pair of gold earrings by Man Ray, which has almost multiplied for ten the value of the estimate, a coral, onyx and diamond bracelet from Bulgari, a bracelet of rubies, emeralds, sapphires and diamonds, by Van Cleef & Arpels and the six jewels of the artist-jeweler, Jar, all assigned with values ​​higher than estimated. Federico Graglia
Diamante rosa violaceo chiaro fantasia classificato VS2 da 7,65 carati
Diamante rosa violaceo chiaro fantasia classificato VS2 da 7,65 carati

Bracciale con corallo cabochon ovale e triangolare, onice, diamanti, oro 18 carati di Bulgari
Bracciale con corallo cabochon ovale e triangolare, onice, diamanti, oro 18 carati di Bulgari

Orecchini con diamanti bianchi e grigi su oro e platino di Jar
Orecchini con diamanti bianchi e grigi su oro e platino di Jar
Orecchini Pendantif-Pendant di Man Ray
Orecchini Pendantif-Pendant di Man Ray
Spilla con rubino scolpito, ebano, oro di Jar
Spilla con rubino scolpito, ebano, oro di Jar
Bracciale di Van Cleef & Arpels con smeraldo, zaffiri e diamanti su oro e platino
Bracciale di Van Cleef & Arpels con smeraldo, zaffiri e diamanti su oro e platino







A ring by Reza towering at Christie’s auction




Question: did the evil covid-19, which blocked the world, also block the demand for luxury items? Looking at the result of Christie’s auctions in Geneva, postponed in July because of the pandemic, it would seem not. Starting from the success reserved for the sale of jewelry. In short, buying (and selling) very precious jewels still seems like a good investment. Here, however, is the result of the auctions.

L'asta di Christie's a Ginevra
L’asta di Christie’s a Ginevra

Christie’s sales in Geneva achieved a combined total of $ 57.9 million for 195 jewels, 226 watches and 819 fine wines, with a combined sale of 81%. Bidders, reports the British auction house, have registered from 42 countries, on six continents. And the highest price lot was an elegant blue and colorless Reza diamond ring, sold for $ 9.3 million in the sale of Magnificent Jewels.
Anello di Reza con diamante a taglio brillante modificato a pera blu brillante da 5,34 carati, e diamante a taglio brillante a pera da 5,37 carati, su platino
Anello di Reza con diamante a taglio brillante modificato a pera blu brillante da 5,34 carati, e diamante a taglio brillante a pera da 5,37 carati, su platino

Our 102nd week of sales in Geneva took place under extraordinary circumstances with social distancing, not just at the pre-sale exhibition but also at all three live auctions. Nevertheless, collectors showed great resilience and confidence as they bid and bought all week long, starting with the Cartier clocks to fine wrist watches, rare wines to superb gems. The star of the week was a twin stone blue and white diamond ring by Parisian jeweler, Reza, which achieved $ 9.2m after spirited bidding between several telephones. A 100ct perfect D color diamond was purchased by Moussaieff jewelers who continue to acquire the rare and unusual gems of the world.
Francois Curiel, president of Christie’s Europe

Diamante di 100 carati acquistato da Moussaieff
Diamante di 100 carati acquistato da Moussaieff

As for jewelry, the auction totaled $ 42.5 million, 88% in value and 80% per lot. Colored and colorless diamonds have remained the main attraction. And they were not only sold by telephone, but also in the hall, limited to one hundred visitors. In addition to the Reza diamond ring, a large 100.85 carat D-colored diamond, IF diamond, sold for $ 6 million to Moussaieff.
Additionally, part of the sale were a pair of magical aquamarine cabochons and single-cut diamond earrings by Margaret Jewels, a Geneva-based private jeweler, which were sold for the benefit of the Swiss Children’s Foundation. The sum of the earrings will be donated in its entirety for the benefit of the foundation’s mission to help children and young people around the world.
Anello con smeraldo ottagonale taglio a gradino di 29,54 carati
Anello con smeraldo ottagonale taglio a gradino di 29,54 carati

Christie’s has been the Jewels market leader for 26 years. Our commitment to excellence combined with our strong personal relationships has built our reputation, which in turn has created trust; the most important factor for clients when buying at auction, might it be live or online. The Geneva sale season, which operated under strict sanitary guidelines, including reduced attendance in the auction room, saw strong participation of buyers from 42 countries over the phone and online. With a combined sale result of CHF 54.6 million and a sell-through rate of 81%, we are now looking forward to London and New York to conclude the July Luxury Sales month, which started in Hong Kong.
Aline Sylla-Walbaum, International Business Manager of the Luxury Cluster

Bracciale Tutti i frutti di Cartier, venduto per 665.000 dollari quasi tre volte la stima
Bracciale Tutti i frutti di Cartier, venduto per 665.000 dollari quasi tre volte la stima
Collana di diamanti firmata Graff
Collana di diamanti firmata Graff

Collana con diamante taglio a pera di 49,81 carati
Collana con diamante taglio a pera di 49,81 carati







The blue diamond that enchanted Hong Kong




Eternal charm of the blue color: diamonds with this ethereal shade are very rare and, obviously, highly sought after. In Hong Kong, the auction organized by Christie’s saw a 12.11 carat blue diamond, marquise cut, was sold for $ 15.9 million, compared to the pre-sale estimate between 8 million and 12 million. And all after 15 minutes of raising. A sign that investing in diamonds, if it is exceptional stones, is still a goal for those who have a great deal of money. But, be careful: not all diamonds have the same charm.

Diamante blu da 12,11 carati, taglio marquise, montato su anello
Diamante blu da 12,11 carati, taglio marquise, montato su anello

At the same auction, for example, a colorless, flawless, rectangular step-shaped diamond of 17.95 carats was sold only for 1.6 million. In short, despite this diamond being perfect and weighing over 5 carats more than the blue one, it was valued at over 14 million less. While another much smaller blue diamond, only 2 carats, was sold for almost the same price: 1.5 million. A sign that the price of diamonds is really conditioned by criteria that are not always rational.
Diamante incolore, impeccabile, con taglio rettangolare a gradino da 17,95 carati
Diamante incolore, impeccabile, con taglio rettangolare a gradino da 17,95 carati

Among the other jewels sold, a necklace with a 19.53-carat Burmese star ruby ​​pendant, as well as other rubies and diamonds, a jewel signed by Edmond Chin for Etcetera: the ruby ​​is detachable and can be worn as a ring. The jewel was purchased for 2.7 million. Also from Etcetera, a bracelet with a very original design was sold, featuring two large stones: an amethyst and an oval cut sapphire. A pair of jadeite, ruby ​​and diamond earrings were sold for just under 1.3 million.

Bracciale in oro di Etcetera con ametista e zaffiro blu
Bracciale in oro di Etcetera con ametista e zaffiro blu
Collana di rubini e diamanti di Etcetera
Collana di rubini e diamanti di Etcetera

Orecchini di giadeite con rubini e diamanti
Orecchini di giadeite con rubini e diamanti







Jacky Kennedy’s jewel watch sold by Christie’s




A desk clock with sapphires, diamonds and rubies by Van Cleef & Arpels, which was part of the personal collection of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis: it is the most valuable piece sold at the Christie’s auction in Paris. The jewel-watch was sold for 310,000 euros, almost eight times the estimate before the sale, and was the subject of a flurry of offers between five bidders. A Cartier diamond ring was sold for € 175,000 and a rare Chaumet Art Deco emerald and diamond bracelet was sold for € 92,500. In the Paris auction there was also a ring with sapphire and Verdura diamonds, sold for € 274,000 and a necklace of emeralds and diamonds by Van Cleef & Arpels, sold on Christie’s Live (online) for € 81,250, doubling his estimate presale.

Jackie Kennedy
Jackie Kennedy

We are excited about the great results achieved today. They show that collectors are still eager to buy beautiful jewelry, such as the Van Cleef & Arpels desk clock sold for 310,000 against a presale estimate of 40,000-80,000. This price once again demonstrates collectors’ appetite for large provenance since this watch came from Jackie Kennedy’s personal collection! We are also pleased to see international buyers from 30 countries. Of all the lots sold, 39% were purchased on the Internet and 43% on the phone. These statistics demonstrate Christie’s international reach and the importance of our digital progress.
Violaine d’Astorg and Mafalda Chenu, sales specialists

Orologio da tavolo appartenuto a Jackie Kennedy Onassis in oro, diamanti e rubini, Van Cleef & Arpels
Orologio da tavolo appartenuto a Jackie Kennedy Onassis in oro, diamanti e rubini, Van Cleef & Arpels

The auction totaled 4.6 million euros (5.2 million dollars), with 79% of the lots awarded for 85% of the value. Federico Graglia

Bracciale art déco di Chaumet con diamanti e smeraldi
Bracciale art déco di Chaumet con diamanti e smeraldi

Anello di Cartier con diamanti di 14,37 carati
Anello di Cartier con diamanti di 14,37 carati
Anello di Verdura con zaffiro e diamante
Anello di Verdura con zaffiro e diamante
Anello art déco con zaffiro e diamanti di Cartier
Anello art déco con zaffiro e diamanti di Cartier

Spilla di David Webb a forma di uccello con zaffiri, smeraldi, rubini e diamanti
Spilla di David Webb a forma di uccello con zaffiri, smeraldi, rubini e diamanti







2.1 million diamond sold online by Christie’s




Eternal charm of diamonds: the auction of Christie’s Jewels Online (held from 16 to 30 June) totaled 4.1 million dollars, with 100% sold by value, 93% sold by lot. And over 140% of sales were above the lowest starting estimate, while 64% above or above the highest estimate.

Diamante taglio smeraldo di 28,86 carati, montato su platino
Diamante taglio smeraldo di 28,86 carati, montato su platino

The king of the auction was, as expected, the 28.86 carat diamond, color D, estimated at 1-2 million dollars. This diamond marks a stage in the history of auctions, because it was the most valued lot ever offered in an online sale of Christie’s. After strong competition from 31 offers, from four countries ranging from Asia to America, the stone was sold for over 2.1 million, a new record for a jewel sold online.
Orologio di diamanti firmato Graff
Orologio di diamanti firmato Graff

The spectacular 28.86 carat D color diamond received immediate attention upon its announcement. The stone possesses a transparency and purity which can only be found in the world’s finest diamonds. The sale of this exceptional stone established the record for a jewel sold in an online-only auction, demonstrating greater client confidence in Christie’s digital ability and online sale platform. We now look forward to the beginning of our live auction season for jewelry spanning all major Christie’s global sale sites led by a US$8m Fancy Intense Blue IF Diamond of 12.11 carats offered in Hong Kong on July 9.
Rahul Kadakia, international chief of jewelry at Christie’s

Rahul Kadakia con una selezione di gioielli appartenuti a Elizabeth Taylor venduti in una speciale asta organizzata da Christie’s nel 2011, che ha messo a segno un record di 116 milioni di dollari
Rahul Kadakia con una selezione di gioielli appartenuti a Elizabeth Taylor venduti in una speciale asta organizzata da Christie’s nel 2011, che ha messo a segno un record di 116 milioni di dollari

For the coronavirus, online sales received a significant global participation with offerers represented by 27 countries and five continents. In addition, there has been an unprecedented amount of online involvement in a global spread of 134 countries with a 70% increase in daily visitors to the sales web page compared to that hosted in June 2019.
Collana con diamanti e zaffiri
Collana con diamanti e zaffiri

Collana con diamanti taglio brillante
Collana con diamanti taglio brillante

Bracciale di Kutchinsky con smeraldi e diamanti bianchi e fancy
Bracciale di Kutchinsky con smeraldi e diamanti bianchi e fancy







Christie’s and Anna Hu’s anti-coronavirus diamonds




Diamonds that are good for health. And not just the psychological one of the wearer. Christie’s organized an online auction of three beautiful jewels created by Anna Hu. And the proceeds will go towards supporting health workers who fight against coronavirus. The auction will take place from 3 to 13 July: the pieces will be sold by Diamonds That Care, the recent social responsibility initiative of Alrosa, the largest diamond mining company in the world.

Il diamante brown di Alrosa da 27,02 carati utilizzato per la collana di Anna Hu
Il diamante brown di Alrosa da 27,02 carati utilizzato per la collana di Anna Hu

The main idea of ​​the initiative is that every diamond should help those in need. The designer, Anna Hu, created these unique pieces exclusively for this charity project using brown diamonds extracted from Alrosa in Yakutia, a region of the Siberian Far East. The proceeds from the sale will help health workers who continue to work at the center of efforts to combat the pandemic. The project is organized in collaboration with the non-profit organization Diamonds Do Good.
La lavorazione della collana
La lavorazione della collana

Anna Hu, born in Taiwan from a family active in the jewelry sector, lives in New York. But surprisingly, before becoming one of the most imaginative high jewelery designers, she studied cello, winning national awards. In the United States, she continued her studies at the New England Conservatory of Music. But her musical career was interrupted due to a shoulder injury. From musical notes to color notes: Anna Hu decided to take care of jewelry: she attended the Gemological Institute of America and FIT in New York. And in 2001 he earned a Masters in Art History from the Parsons School of Design, followed by a Masters in Arts Administration from Columbia University. In short, a genius capable of doing charity.
Bozzetto della collana
Bozzetto della collana

Disegni preparatori degli orecchini
Disegni preparatori degli orecchini
La lavorazione del collier
La lavorazione del collier

Disegno preparatorio per l'anello
Disegno preparatorio per l’anello

Anna Hu
Anna Hu







A blue diamond to conquer Hong Kong




The great jewels are back: Christie’s organizes the first auction in Hong Kong with the physical presence of buyers for Magnificent Jewels in the post-covid 19 era. Although, in truth, the city has long been grappling with another equally hot problem, but linked to protests against the Beijing government. In any case, on 9 July the auctioneer of the British auction house will raise the hammer to allocate a large blue diamond ring, valued up to 12 million US dollars to a buyer.

Anello con diamante blu di 12,11 carati, taglio marquise
Anello con diamante blu di 12,11 carati, taglio marquise

Blue diamonds are particularly rare. The one put up for auction by Christie’s is described as deep blue, 12.11 carats, marquise cut, flawless internally. A second blue diamond, also marquise cut, but of 2.08 carat is also at auction: it is estimated at between 900,000 and 1.2 million dollars. A 7.02 carat fancy vivid yellow VS1 diamond ring could get up to $ 650,000.
Orecchini di giadeite e rubini
Orecchini di giadeite e rubini

The sale of Magnificent Jewels in Hong Kong will also include, as always, jadeite jewels, particularly appreciated on the Chinese market, as well as pieces from famous Maison. Another particularly awaited gem is a 19.53-carat Burmese star ruby ​​pendant by Edmond Chin for Etcetera, estimated at between $ 2.3 million and $ 3.5 million. Among the most anticipated jewels there are also a 6.06 carat Burmese ruby ​​ring and diamond ring, which is expected to be purchased between 800,000 and 1.2 million and a jadeite bracelet valued between $ 1.1 and 1.6 millions.
Anello con diamante giallo da 7,02 carati
Anello con diamante giallo da 7,02 carati

Orecchini con smeraldi e diamanti di Bulgari
Orecchini con smeraldi e diamanti di Bulgari
Anello con zaffiro del Kashmir e diamanti
Anello con zaffiro del Kashmir e diamanti
Bracciale con zaffiro e ametista di Etcetera
Bracciale con zaffiro e ametista di Etcetera

Collana con zaffiri e diamanti
Collana con zaffiri e diamanti







Christie’s sells online a diamond estimated $2 million




From books to diamonds that cost millions of dollars: online commerce has come a long way in a few years. Now, also because of the covid-19 epidemic, which has prevented auctions from taking place in the traditional way, even super jewels and gems of great value are offered via the web by auction houses. Christie’s, for example, has decided to break the record for diamonds: on June 16th and until the 30th of the same month, it will sell a large D-colored diamond online. It is the largest diamond ever auctioned online: it has a 28.86 carat emerald cut, VVS1 clarity, type IIa category, the classification for the chemically purest diamonds, which includes less than 2% of all diamonds. The estimate is between 1 million and 2 million dollars.

Diamante taglio smeraldo di 28,86 carati
Diamante taglio smeraldo di 28,86 carati

This year presented unprecedented circumstances, enabling Christie’s new opportunities through our enhanced digital platform. From year to year, we have seen an increase in online participation and the value threshold for online transactions.
Rahul Kadakia, Christie’s international jewelry chief

In any case, Christie’s prepares to return to sales of jewelry in the traditional way. The next appointment with the Magnificent Jewels is set for July 1st in Geneva.

Asta di Christie's a Ginevra
Asta di Christie’s a Ginevra







A thousand jewels with Christie’s in New York

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Super jewels for Christie’s super auctions in New York: a thousand pieces, from diamonds to precious audio headphones ♦ ︎

The big auctions in Geneva are closed, and Christie’s starts again from New York. The Jewels Online sales are scheduled in the US city from 2 to 12 December but, above all, the Magnificent Jewels on 11 December. In all, a thousand pieces are on sale, including colored diamonds, colorless diamonds and precious stones, as well as designer jewels, among others, Suzanne Belperron, René Boivin, Bulgari, Cartier, Harry Winston, Tiffany & Co. and Van Cleef & Arpels.

The duPont Ruby, spilla con rubino birmano di 11,20 carati circondato da una forma a cuore con smeraldi, diamanti e perle naturali
The duPont Ruby, spilla con rubino birmano di 11,20 carati circondato da una forma a cuore con smeraldi, diamanti e perle naturali

The headlights are aimed at two lots offered for sale by the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, with the aim of making cash for new acquisitions. One of these jewels is The duPont Ruby, a brooch with Burmese ruby ​​of 11.20 carats surrounded by a heart shape with emeralds, diamonds and natural pearls, estimated between 3.5 and 5.5 million dollars. The other piece is The Emerald duPont, a ring with Colombian emerald of 9.11 carats Belle Époque and diamonds, signed Tiffany & Co. The jewels were part of the collection of Mrs. Alfred I. duPont.
The duPont Emerald, anello con smeraldo colombiano di 9,11 carati
The duPont Emerald, anello con smeraldo colombiano di 9,11 carati

Certainly a superb ring with a vivid fantasy blue diamond of 3.07 carat will also attract attention, VVS1 clarity, estimated between 3 and 4 million dollars, a ring with a 24.13 carat diamond, color D, impeccable clarity (2 -3 million), a ring with a 23.55 carat diamond, color D, potentially impeccable internally by Harry Winston (2-3 million) and a ring with a Belle Époque sapphire from Kashmir of 30.14 carats and diamonds (1.4 -2.4 million).
Anello con zaffiro ovale da 16,72 carati, diamanti a taglio circolare su platino
Anello con zaffiro ovale da 16,72 carati, diamanti a taglio brillante su platino

Apart from duPont, the auction includes jewels also from other prominent properties. In particular those of the Rothschild family, including Baroness Edouard de Rothschild and Jacqueline de Rothschild Piatigorsky. These collections include a selection of 48 lots with exceptional Cartier Art Deco examples, including a diamond bracelet alongside precious objects and accessories. Another collection on sale is that of Judith-Ann Corrente, president and director of the Metropolitan Opera Association, with 28 jewels signed by leading designers, such as Belperron, Boivin, Fouquet, René Lalique and an Art Deco diamond sautoir by Van Cleef & Arpels .
Sautoir art déco di Van Cleef & Arpels
Sautoir art déco di Van Cleef & Arpels

Finally, the super pre Christmas auction includes contemporary jewelery by Maison such as Jar and Taffin, Beats Pro audio headset runs with Graffiti diamonds and rubies, created for Super Bowl XLVI artists, worn by Lmfao, Madonna and Lil ‘Wayne. With over 1,500 diamonds weighing over 120 carats and 28 rubies with 3.35 carats, this unique piece of collaboration is offered for the first time at auction.

Collana di Harry Winston con diamanti e smeraldi
Collana di Harry Winston con diamanti e smeraldi
Anello con diamante blu da 3,07 carati
Anello con diamante blu da 3,07 carati
Spilla di Jar con smeraldi, diamanti e zirconi
Spilla di Jar con smeraldi, diamanti e zirconi
Cuffie Beats Pro di Graff, con diamanti e rubini
Cuffie Beats Pro di Graff, con diamanti e rubini

Anello con zaffiro cabochon da 30,14 carati, diamanti, platino, circa 1915.jpg
Anello con zaffiro cabochon da 30,14 carati, diamanti, platino, circa 1915.jpg

Collana ispirata a Pinocchio di Cartier, oro e smalto
Collana ispirata a Pinocchio di Cartier, oro e smalto







Christie’s top jewelery in Geneva





Big deals (71.3 million) and big jewels at Christie’s auctions in Geneva. And Graff buys one sapphire for 2.5 million ♦ ︎

Winter is a very hot season for precious gems and beautiful jewels. This is evidenced by Christie’s November auctions in Geneva, which reached a total of 71.3 million dollars (about 64.7 million euros), with an additional 38.6 million Swiss francs for Only Watch, the sale of 50 watches for unique luxury made by the best watch manufacturers for research on Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Christie’s four sales had registered bidders from over 40 countries and 30% were new to Christie. The Magnificent Jewels auction concluded the sales series with a selection of exceptional jewels. The sale reached 55.2 million (50.3 million euros), with a total of 12 lots that sold over 1 million, and 92% of the lots assigned. The magnificent jewels, among other things, are also a cultural event: they attracted over 3 thousand visitors to the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues where they were exhibited.

Asta di Christie's a Ginevra
Asta di Christie’s a Ginevra

Once again, the November week of sales in Geneva attracted buyers from all over the world and this month with a particularly strong contingent from Asia. With a triumphant Only Watch charity auction, including a CHF 31 million Patek Philippe, which established a new world auction record for any timepiece, auctions of jewellery, watches and wine were solid with a strong sell-through rate of above 90%, underlining the successful strategy for Luxury of the leading auction house.
François Curiel, President Christie’s Europe

Anello con diamante fancy deep blue di 7,03 carati montato da Moussaieff
Anello con diamante fancy deep blue di 7,03 carati montato da Moussaieff

In particular, a 7.03-carat blue rectangular ring with a deep blue patterned VVS2 diamond, mounted by Moussaieff, was sold for 11.6 million dollars, with a price per carat of 1.6 million. It was purchased by a private collector. A cushion-cut diamond, color D, internally impeccable, weighing 46.93 carats was beaten to 3.1 million, while a ring of Harry Winston with rectangular cut diamond, color D, purity VVS2, weight 25.20 carat was awarded 2.5 million dollars. Among the gems, an octagonal cut Burmese sapphire weighing 42.97 carats was purchased by Graff for 2.5 million. Federico Graglia

A Burmese octagonal-cut sapphire, weighing 42.97 carats, Graff
A Burmese octagonal-cut sapphire, weighing 42.97 carats, Graff
Graff: a Ceylon rectangular-cut sapphire brooch, weighing 39.19 carats, by Cartier
Graff: a Ceylon rectangular-cut sapphire brooch, weighing 39.19 carats, by Cartier
A Colombian rectangular-cut emerald ring, weighing 13.53 carats
A Colombian rectangular-cut emerald ring, weighing 13.53 carats
A cushion-cut, D colour, Internally Flawless diamond, weighing 46.93 carats
A cushion-cut, D colour, Internally Flawless diamond, weighing 46.93 carats

A pair of Colombian rectangular cut emerald earrings weighing 7.69 and 7.50 carats

A pair of pear-shaped, D colour, flawless diamond earrings, weighing 12.71 and 2.07 carats
A pair of pear-shaped, D colour, flawless diamond earrings, weighing 12.71 and 2.07 carats
A pear-shaped, D colour, VS1 clarity diamond, weighing 40.18 carats
A pear-shaped, D colour, VS1 clarity diamond, weighing 40.18 carats
A rectangular-cut, D colour, VVS2 clarity diamond ring, weighing 25.20 carats by Harry Winston
A rectangular-cut, D colour, VVS2 clarity diamond ring, weighing 25.20 carats by Harry Winston
A rectangular-cut, fancy light purplish pink, VS2 clarity diamond ring, weighing 32.49 carats
A rectangular-cut, fancy light purplish pink, VS2 clarity diamond ring, weighing 32.49 carats






The charm of diamonds with Christie’s and De Beers





The secrets of diamonds in an exhibition organized in London by Christie’s and De Beers ♦ ︎

What is natural is unique. And if what is natural has also been created millions of years ago, the fascination increases. As in the case of precious stones and, more generally, of the world of minerals. It is a fascination that translates into collecting, high jewelry and, now, also into a public exhibition organized by Christie’s in collaboration with the De Beers group. The exhibition is called Rare Treasures of the Earth (8-12 November) and aims to unravel the mystery of nature’s most beautiful gems. Spoiler: he won’t succeed. The mystery of how a mixture of elements such as carbon or cadmium turn into something beautiful for human’s eyes is, in fact, unfathomable.

Diamante Fancy Vivid Pinkish Purple VS1, taglio rettangolare, 2 carati
Diamante Fancy Vivid Pinkish Purple VS1, taglio rettangolare, 2 carati

The coloured diamond is the world’s most valuable gemstone, an exclusive beauty revered for its rarity and individual colour expression. With a shared dedication to scholarship and expertise, we are delighted to collaborate with De Beers Group on our Private Sales Jewellery event, Rare Treasures of the Earth, exploring the origin, rarity and value of these extraordinary gemstones. The exhibition represents our annual public facing celebration of jewels, sharing insight into the stones at the heart of the jewellery we wear, admire and aspire to own.
Mei Giam, director of private sales of Christie’s Jewelery

This is a spectacle of fancy colored diamonds combined with rocks and rare minerals remains. De Beers, the largest group in the diamond sector, have studied an educational path to explain the qualities that are summarized in the famous four C. We open a parenthesis: curiously, De Beers started to produce and sell synthetic diamonds, with a curious marketing dissociation.

The Cullinan Dream, 24.18ct Fancy Intense Blue VS2 Rectangular Shaped Diamond
The Cullinan Dream, 24.18ct Fancy Intense Blue VS2 Rectangular Shaped Diamond

In any case, the exhibition can be useful to understand, for example, also the intricate process involved in polishing a colored diamond and to provide specialized evaluation demonstrations by the Institute’s specially trained selection team.

Christie’s and De Beers Group share a passion for the miracles of nature that are diamonds and how they play a central role in the luxury world. With De Beers Group’s diamond knowledge based on a legacy of more than 100 years at the vanguard of the industry, our leading Institute of Diamonds’ grading reports provide Christie’s collectors with the assurance and insight they are seeking about these exquisite gemstones. The Rare Treasures of the Earth exhibition represents a perfect partnership where both De Beers Group and Christie’s can bring their expertise to bear, and we look forward to developing our close relationship even further.
Jonathan Kendall, president of the De Beers Group Institute of Diamonds

Quattro purple diamonds
Quattro purple diamonds

On display there are rare pieces, such as The Cullinan Dream, a 24.18-carat deep-blue patterned VS2 rectangular diamond, extracted from the Cullinan mine in South Africa, formerly known as the Premier mine. The combination of dimensions, color and extreme rarity make the Cullinan Dream a truly exceptional diamond, extraordinary for its pure blue color and constantly strong in every aspect. Other exceptional gems include a 2.01 ct patterned intense pinkish-purple diamond, a 1.09 ct patterned purplish red diamond and a 1.42 ct vivid fantasy blue bluish green diamond.
Fancy Purplish Red SI2 Square-Shaped Diamond
Fancy Purplish Red SI2 Square-Shaped Diamond

Rounding out the colored diamonds in the exhibition is a vast selection of minerals and unusual crystals from the remotest corners of the globe by Dale Rogers Ammonite, London’s leading crystal gallery. Stunning and magnificent examples include jade, labradorite, quartz and agate. Together, these geological marvels offer an experience of the alchemy of nature in an exhibition that pays tribute to the treasure and heritage of the earth for humanity.
Rare Treasures of the Earth
8-12 November
Christie’s, 8 King St, St. James’s, London

Fancy Vivid Bluish Green SI1 Rectangular-Shaped Diamond
Fancy Vivid Bluish Green SI1 Rectangular-Shaped Diamond







A blue diamond for Christie’s

Blue diamonds, transformable jewels and rare gems at Christie’s auction in Geneva ♦ ︎

Autumn is one of the two moments of the year (the other is late spring) in which the major auctions of great jewelery are held. The Christie’s auction in Geneva, with its Magnificent Jewels, on November 12th presents a series of pieces of great value, but also of simple (and expensive) gems.

Anello con diamante  fancy deep blue di 7,03 carati montato da Moussaieff
Anello con diamante fancy deep blue di 7,03 carati montato da Moussaieff

The eyes are on a ring with a fancy deep blue diamond of 7.03 carats assembled by Moussaieff, estimated at 7.8 – 10.9 million pounds, and on a diamond ring of 46.93 carats of the highest quality, color D, internally flawless clarity (estimate 2.9 – 3.5 million).
Bandeau di diamanti Art Déco di Cartier
Bandeau di diamanti Art Déco di Cartier

Among the jewels of the catalog shine the transformable jewels, with innovative Art Deco designs by Cartier, including three brooches that were part of the collection of Jane Beatrice Mills, Countess of Granard (1883-1972). Additional items for sale include a superb Cartier Art Deco diamond bandeau, which can also be worn as a crew neck, two bracelets and as a brooch and the iconic diamond necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels.
Anello con rubino sangue di piccione
Anello con rubino sangue di piccione

The auction will also present an unusual Belle Époque brooch in turquoise and diamonds, around 1910, acquired by the Australian soprano Nellie Melba at the height of her career. Among the other prized pieces there are also a pendant with a large 42,97 carat Burmese sapphire, estimated at 1.5 – 2.3 million, an important pair of untreated Colombian emerald earrings of over 7.5 carats each and a ring Burmese ruby ​​red pigeon blood of 3.88 carats.
Orecchini e spilla con turchesi di Pierre Sterlé
Orecchini e spilla con turchesi di Pierre Sterlé

Finally, on the sales counter there is also an important series of 119 natural salt water and diamond pearls (estimate 389,000 – 545,000 pounds) and jewelry of the famous designer Pierre Sterlé, considered emblematic of the Fifties and Sixties.
Visits to the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues, Geneva from 7 to 12 November.




Collana Zip di Van Cleef & Arpels
Collana Zip di Van Cleef & Arpels
Anello con smeraldi e diamanti di Jar
Anello con smeraldi e diamanti di Jar
Spilla con zaffiro e diamanti di Cartier
Spilla con zaffiro e diamanti di Cartier

Orecchini con diamanti fancy yellow
Orecchini con diamanti fancy yellow

Anello con diamante fancy intense blue di 5,23 carati
Anello con diamante fancy intense blue di 5,23 carati

Bracciale art déco con smalto, smeraldo cabochon e topazi di Georges Fouquet
Bracciale art déco con smalto, smeraldo cabochon e topazi di Georges Fouquet







The extraordinary jewels of Tito Pedrini

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Jewelery out of the ordinary with stones out of the ordinary: the art of Tito Pedrini ♦ ︎
As a child he attended Cinecittà, the Hollywood of Rome, where his father worked (while his mom was an Egyptologue). Becomed an adult, Tito Pedrini frequents Hollywood or, better, Hollywood attends him. His jewels, unique pieces, from equally exclusive prices, are loved by an infinite number of stars and super-rich ones. From his Maison, in downtown Manhattan, Tito Pedrini has built an almost esoteric fame. With an Italian name, a look as British actor, and an international culture, Pedrini has climbed jewelery rankings. But he first defines himself as a gemologist. Though he is a different gemologist, different from the others. His jewelry, for example, often uses little known stones such as brazillianite, alongside other very precious ones.

Anello Artigli, con tormalina bicolore brasiliana
Anello Artigli, con tormalina bicolore brasiliana

Since 1999, however, it is a reference point for those who love jewelry that cost five or six digit numbers and of course they are worth the price. The rise of Tito Pedrini, however, began in 1990, from Christie’s in London and New York. In 1996 he gained the GG degree of gemmologist at Gia, perhaps the highest international authority. As a gemologist he worked from Sotheby’s, New York, as Vice President of the Magnificent Jewels area. But this does not say anything about Pedrini’s work, which can be categorized among unclassified designers. He’s different. Likes. Point. Alessia Mongrando





Orecchini Artigli, con topazi di tagli differenti
Orecchini Artigli, con topazi di tagli differenti

Anello con tormalina rosa e ametista
Anello con tormalina rosa e ametista
Anello Freccia in onice
Anello Freccia in onice
Anello Amanda in oro giallo, calcedonio, cromo, citrino
Tito Pedrini, anello Amanda in oro giallo, calcedonio, cromo, citrino
Collana con punte in oro e acquamarina
Collana con punte in oro e acquamarina
Anello con zircone blu e ametiste
Anello con zircone blu e ametiste
Tito Pedrini, anello con zaffiro giallo, pezzo unico
Tito Pedrini, anello con zaffiro giallo, pezzo unico
Anello The Punta, rubino in zoisite
Anello The Punta, rubino in zoisite
Anello Trancio, pezzo unico
Anello Trancio, pezzo unico
Anello The Futuristico, in oro bianco, diamanti e malachite
Anello The Futuristico, in oro bianco, diamanti e malachite
Anello eva, con rubini, rubellite, tormalina, ametista, corniola
Anello eva, con rubini, rubellite, tormalina, ametista, corniola

Orecchini stud
Orecchini stud







The Vanity Affaires by Christie’s





Cases for make-up created by the great jewelery houses in an exhibition organized by Christie’s ♦ ︎

Memorabilia related to the world of luxury. Or, more precisely, of what surround it. In September, from Wednesday 11 to Thursday 16 Christie’s organized an exhibition in Paris curated by the jewelery department of the largest auction house. The exhibition is called A Vanity Affair and will bring together 75 luxurious make-up cases created by the largest jewelry houses of Place Vendôme. The cases, which are real jewels, were bought and preserved by a couple of enthusiasts (who prefer to remain anonymous), who assembled them with love, taste and patience over the years, reaching 160 pieces.

Jean Schlumberger per Ttiffany, 1956, portacipria in oro, peridoto, turchesi
Jean Schlumberger per Ttiffany, 1956, portacipria in oro, peridoto, turchesi

In my fifty years in the auction business, I have seen and handled many collections by couples, from intimate mementos of private individuals to the joint property of such legends as Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, and Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé. These usually started off as gifts to each other on special occasions, and as the collection grew, advanced to a more proactive and serious endeavor, often with treasures covering expansive periods, styles, and regions. The magic potion in these collections is the emotion. This is a lifelong love affair between two people, and their love affair with beauty and refinement.
François Curiel, president of Christie’s Europe

Box art déco con corallo, lapislazzuli, smalto e diamanti
Box art déco con corallo, lapislazzuli, smalto e diamanti

The same passion pushed the couple to assemble one of the most important private collections of Vanity and Minaudiere cases, retracing the evolution of the art of necessity from the 18th century to the middle of the 20th century. The collection records the evolution of taste between the two world wars and the alternating fortunes of politics and finance. It is also a hymn to the craftsmanship of the greatest jewelry houses, which have created these accessories for “modern women”. In fact, Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels and Lacloche Frères hold a very special place in this collection along with Boucheron, Tiffany & Co, Fabergé and Black Starr & Frist, among others.
Vanity case art déco in madreperla, turchese, lapislazzuli, lacca. Cartier 1929
Vanity case art déco in madreperla, turchese, lapislazzuli, lacca. Cartier 1929

Opening one of these boxes, is like unveiling their intimate secrets, diving into their universe and going back in time. Traveling to Paris, London or New York, crossing paths with the different personalities from elites and café society: aristocrats, designers, heiresses, pashas.
Lyne Kaddoura, writer of the book A Vanity Affair

The collection includes pieces that were previously owned by personalities such as Suzanne Belperron, Anna Gould duchess of Talleyrand Perogord, her niece Diane de Castellane, Rachel Bunny Mellon, Pasha el Glaoui, Doris Duke.

Minaudière art déco in lacca, platino e diamanti. Van Cleef et Arpels 1935
Minaudière art déco in lacca, platino e diamanti. Van Cleef et Arpels 1935

Between the Twenties and Fifties almost all the main jewelery maisons supplied an elite clientele with these small boxes in gold and silver, decorated with diamonds, colored gems, jade and coral, and determined by the aesthetics of the day, reflecting many distinctive styles, Belle Époque, Art Deco, Oriental or Retro. But the mechanical aspect is also to be admired, with hidden hinges and layered compartments.
During the exhibition the book Vanity Affair will be available, 336 richly illustrated pages, published by Rizzoli. Federico Graglia

Exhibition: from 11 to 16 September, from 10 to 18
Christie’s: 9 avenue Matignon, 75008 Paris

Vanity case art déco, in smalto, madreperla e diamanti. Cartier 1925
Vanity case art déco, in smalto, madreperla e diamanti. Cartier 1925

Vanity case di Boucheron in smalto, madreperla e diamanti
Vanity case di Boucheron in smalto, madreperla e diamanti

Porta sigarette in argento , smalto e guscio d'uovo di Jean Trotain 1930
Porta sigarette in argento , smalto e guscio d’uovo di Jean Trotain 1930

Porta sigarette art déco  in smalto, diamanti. Lacloche Frères 1925
Porta sigarette art déco in smalto, diamanti. Lacloche Frères 1925







Christie’s success for the maharaja’s auction





The jewels of the Maharajas of the Al Thani collection sold by Christie’s at an auction of 109 million dollars ♦ ︎

It seems that the era of the maharajas retains a great charm. And, in particular, they have fascinated the opulent jewels that were part of the celebrated Al Thani collection, emir of Qatar. Indeed, judging by the outcome of the Maharajas & Mughal Magnificence auction organized by Christie’s in New York, these jewels beat everyone. Thanks also to the tour organized by Christie’s in London, Shanghai, Geneva and Hong Kong, in addition to the New York exhibition, which welcomed 50,000 visitors.

Devant-de-corsage epoca Belle Époque, Cartier, 1912. Venduto per 10,6 milioni
Devant-de-corsage epoca Belle Époque, Cartier, 1912. Venduto per 10,6 milioni

The auction that included the jewels of Indian nobles ended after a 12-hour marathon. Result: sales of 109.3 million dollars (equal to 97.5 million euros), with 93% of the pieces sold. No wonder the auction has established the highest total for any sale of Indian and Mughal art objects, and the second highest auction total for a private jewelry collection.
The sale was presented in partnership between Christie’s jewelry department and the World Art department, together with the independent art consultancy The Fine Art Group.

Collana antica di spinello imperiale, perle e smeraldi
Collana antica di spinello imperiale, perle e smeraldi

It’s worth going into detail: during the sale, three worldwide auction records for Indian works of art were touched and 29 lots were sold for over 1 million dollars. The top lot has been touched by a devant-de-corsage jewel (that is, worn on the chest), the Belle Époque era by Cartier, Paris, 1912, sold for 10.6 million to a private collector. Among the other lots that have reached top prices, there is also the Diamond of Paradise diamond, 52.58 carats, D Color, IF, which reached 6.5 million, while a dagger with carved jade handle, Lo Shah Jahan Dagger, was sold for 3.4 million, a record for an object of Indian jade and record for a piece Shah Jahan.

 Shah Jahan Dagger
Shah Jahan Dagger

We are very honored to have been entrusted with this magnificent and diverse selection of jewels, art and objects from the larger Al Thani Collection. The strong results today, after twelve hours of non-stop bidding, in front of a packed room and with phone and online bidders from all over the world, reflect the exceptional quality of this special collection and position it among the most storied private collections ever featured at auction.
Guillaume Cerutti, CEO of Christie’s

Collana Nizam of -Hyderabad, dettaglio
Collana Nizam of -Hyderabad, dettaglio

Let’s go back to jewels: an ancient necklace of imperial spinel, pearls and emeralds was sold for 3 million, the Golconda Diamond Rivière necklace, from the collection of the Nizams of Hyderabad, which was sold for 2.4 million. And a necklace of emeralds Imperial Moghul Necklace and earrings, were sold for 1.9 million.

Collana Golconda Diamond Rivière
Collana Golconda Diamond Rivière

But the auction was not only occupied by the jewels of the maharajas. For example, all the contemporary pieces by Jar and Bhagat have been sold, far exceeding the estimates. Federico Graglia

L'asta Maharajas & Mughal Magnificence organizzata da Christie’s a New York
L’asta Maharajas & Mughal Magnificence organizzata da Christie’s a New York
Il diamante The Mirror of Paradise, 52,58 carati, D Color, IF, venduto per 6,5 milioni
Il diamante The Mirror of Paradise, 52,58 carati, D Color, IF, venduto per 6,5 milioni
Smeraldo scolpito con due montanti intercambiabili e diamanti di Cartier
Smeraldo scolpito con due montanti intercambiabili e diamanti di Cartier
Aigrette di diamanti e smalti di Mellerio dit Mellerio, venduto per 650.000 dollari
Aigrette di diamanti e smalti di Mellerio dit Mellerio, venduto per 650.000 dollari
Fibbia per cintura di di Cartier con smeraldo, zaffiri e diamanti, Venduta per 1,5 milioni
Fibbia per cintura di di Cartier con smeraldo, zaffiri e diamanti, Venduta per 1,5 milioni
Ornamento per turbante venduto per 1,8 milioni
Ornamento per turbante venduto per 1,8 milioni







The Moghul jewels at auction with Christie’s




Nearly 400 rare jewels of the Moghul dynasty at auction with Christie’s in New York ♦ ︎

The Mughals, we remember for those unfamiliar with the history of India, were members of an imperial dynasty that reigned during the Islamic domination of the great Asian country. The Mughal Empire lasted from 1526 to 1857. Its founder was Babur the Conqueror: he was a descendant of the great Turkish-Mongolian general Tamerlane and before arriving in India he ruled a city of today’s Uzbekistan.
Of the Mughals the ancient palaces have remained, buildings like the famous Taj Mahal, but also many jewels, much sought after by collectors. On June 19, in New York, a selection of these jewels will be put on sale at an exceptional auction of Christie’s: Maharajas and Mughal Magnificence. Jewels that have made history, unique pieces that date back almost 500 years ago, at the time of the first part of the Mughal dynasty. The collection includes almost 400 objects made of gold, diamonds, sapphires, emeralds, rubies. In addition to the classic jewels, such as necklaces and rings, there are also daggers in the catalog, many of which have been worn or used by the royal and noble families of India.

Indian royal treasures

Aigrette (gioiello per turbante) di diamanti e smalti di Mellerio
Aigrette (gioiello per turbante) di diamanti e smalti di Mellerio

Among the many Indian royal treasures in the collection is a jigha (turban ornament) encrusted with diamonds on white gold, created between the mid and late nineteenth century. The collection also includes exceptional diamonds, including the Mirror of Paradise Diamond and the Arcot II Diamond, both originated from the Golconda mine, the oldest diamond mine known to man. The Arcot Diamond is a pear-shaped, brilliant-cut stone weighing 17.21 carats. It is one of two similar diamond drops sent to Queen Charlotte (1744-1818), the wife of King George III, from the Nawab of Arcot. The diamonds were later purchased at auction by the Marquis of Westminster and then mounted in the Tiara of Westminster, which was worn at the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.
Another remarkable piece: the Nizam of Hyderabad necklace (from the middle to the end of the nineteenth century), is made of gold with seven large triangular diamonds, each framed by a perforated panel of diamond leaves with a Kindan workmanship, a traditional type of jewel made with Indian precious stones, which includes various gems and a gold leaf positioned between the stones and its support.

La collana Nizam of Hyderabad
La collana Nizam of Hyderabad

Cartier jewelry

Of all the great jewelery houses, Cartier has had the longest and most productive collaboration with India, which derives from Jacques Cartier’s passion for the country. The jeweler made frequent visits to India, meeting regularly with the royal families with whom he established close relationships. Many of Cartier’s most beautiful jewels of this period have been inspired by Indian architecture, gems and jewels. One such example is a splendid platinum belt brooch from 1922 with diamonds, emeralds and sapphires. This piece was part of the collection of Sybil Sassoon, Marquess of Cholmondeley and daughter of Sir Edward Sassoon and Baroness Aline de Rothschild. It was worn both for the coronation of King George VI in 1937 and for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953. Federico Graglia




Ornamento per turbante per maharaja con diamanti
Ornamento per turbante per maharaja con diamanti
Collana di Cartier con perle naturali
Collana di Cartier con perle naturali
Spilla Devant de Corsage di Cartier, 1912. Comprende un diamante a taglio pera da 34,08 carati, e un diamante ovale da 23,55 carati
Spilla Devant de Corsage di Cartier, 1912. Comprende un diamante a taglio pera da 34,08 carati, e un diamante ovale da 23,55 carati
The Arcot II Diamond
The Arcot II Diamond
Spilla con diamanti
Spilla by Jar in titanio, con diamante taglio pera, zaffiri ovali, cacholong bianco a forma di zanna, oro annerito e platino
Fibbia per cintura di Cartier con smeraldo, diamanti, zaffiri
Fibbia per cintura di Cartier con smeraldo, diamanti, zaffiri







A pink Moussaieff at top





A pink diamond ring by Moussaieff has reached the highest price at Christie’s auction in Hong Kong ♦

Hong Kong in pink. Although it weighs only 3.43 carats, a fancy vivid pink diamond mounted on a Moussaieff ring and surrounded by pear-shaped and marquise-shaped white diamonds, jokingly called Bubble Gum Pink, was the most requested jewelry for the sale of Magnificent Jewels in Hong Kong organized by Christie’s, which totaled 44.4 million. The price of the ring was within the estimate: 7.5 million dollars (it was between 6 and 8 million).

Diamante rosa di 3,01 carati montato su un anello firmato Moussaieff
Diamante rosa di 3,43 carati montato su un anello firmato Moussaieff

The auction included more than 260 lots of rare jewels, including jade ones, as is traditional for sales in the Chinese city. But it was another type of green gem to soar: the Grand Muzos earrings, with untreated Colombian emeralds of 23.34 carats and 23.18 carats with pearls and brilliant-cut diamonds (3.01 carats each) in platinum. Also, in this case, we remained in the valuation fork, with 4.4 million (the estimate was between 3.8 and 6.5 million).
Orecchini con smeraldi a goccia
Orecchini con smeraldi colombiani a goccia

Jade, however, did not disappoint: a jadeite necklace with 47 pearls of green stone of about 13.3-9.8 mm, with an oval cut ruby ​​clasp and circular-cut diamonds and baguette, was awarded for 1.9 million. The Bulgari necklace was also well received with a diamond F, 11.69 carats pear-shaped IF and a brilliant blue-green diamond of 1.02 carat, sold for 1.6 million. No buyer, instead, for a highly anticipated jewel: a brooch with a Kashmir sapphire of 26.41 carats, not heated. It was estimated between 4 and 6.5 million, but found no buyer. Federico Graglia




Collana di giadeite
Collana di giadeite
Collana con diamante a taglio pera di 11,69 carati, diamante a taglio brillante verde da 1,02 carati, a taglio circolare e baguette di Bulgari
Collana con diamante a taglio pera di 11,69 carati, diamante a taglio brillante verde da 1,02 carati, a taglio circolare e baguette di Bulgari
Diamante fnacy vivid yellow a taglio rettangolare da 8,13 carati. Venduto per circa 1 milione di dollari
Diamante fnacy vivid yellow a taglio rettangolare da 8,13 carati. Venduto per circa 1 milione di dollari

Bracciale di Cartier con diamanti e rubini, venduto per  390.000 dollari
Bracciale di Cartier con diamanti e rubini, venduto per 390.000 dollari







Here are Christie’s auction stars

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Rubini, a Fabergé tiara and a 118 carat fancy diamond: here are the stars of Christie’s Magnificent Jewels auction ♦ ︎

More and more: the Magnificent Jewels auction organized by Christie’s in Geneva totaled sales of 77.2 million dollars (68 million euros). Also because the super auction also included watches and collector wines, as well as thrilling jewels. The number of visitors to the Four Season, where the auction was scheduled, also gives an idea of ​​the event: 3,000 went on a pilgrimage to see the 271 jewels, 249 watches, and wine bottles. Other statistical data: bidders from 51 countries on six continents, 87% of the lots found a buyer.

Anello con rubino birmano a forma di cuscino, di Harry Winston.
Anello con rubino birmano a forma di cuscino, di Harry Winston.

The king of the day was a ring with a Burmese ruby ​​in the shape of a pillow, by Harry Winston. A jewel that has tripled its pre-sale estimate and has been sold for 7.2 million dollars (6.3 million euros), “maximum price achieved in all homes in Geneva this spring”. Does anyone think it is an allusion at Sotheby’s?

Siamante giallo fancy 118 carati che è stato acquistato da Siba in onore di Sam Abram
Siamante giallo fancy 118 carati che è stato acquistato da Siba in onore di Sam Abram

The Magnificent Jewels auction took place in a very dynamic room for six hours with strong bidding across the globe. Natural pearls and jewels with noble provenance such as the 75.61 carat emerald from Grand Duchess Vladimir of Russia found much acclaim and sold for far above their pre-sale estimates. Also, of note was the 118 cts fancy yellow diamond that was purchased by SIBA Corp. in honour of Sam Abram, a prominent figure in the Jewellery world, who very sadly passed away last week.
Rahul Kadakia, Christie’s Head of Jewelery International

Collana con 110 perle naturali
Collana con 110 perle naturali

Natural pearls continue to deliver strong prices. A necklace with 110 natural pearls was sold for 5.7 million dollars, doubling the pre-sale estimate. The period jewels are also well received. The Fabergé tiara made in 1904 as a wedding gift by Frederick Francis IV, Grand Duke of Mecklenburg-Schwerin (1882-1945) to his wife Princess Alexandra of Hanover and Cumberland (1882-1963), composed of nine graduated pear-shaped aquamarines it was sold for 1 million dollars against a pre-sale estimate of 340,000. And the necklace owned by the Duchess Vladimir of Russia with a pear-shaped Colombian emerald was allocated to 4.3 million dollars. Also noteworthy is the price of the ring with the Jonker V diamond at 3 million dollars, which however remained within the range of the estimate. Federico Graglia





Smeraldo taglio a pera appartenuto alla duchessa Vladimir di Russia
Smeraldo taglio a pera appartenuto alla duchessa Vladimir di Russia

Diadema con acquamarine appartenuto alla gran duchessa Alexandra di Macklenburg-Schwerin
Diadema con acquamarine appartenuto alla gran duchessa Alexandra di Macklenburg-Schwerin

Collana di diamanti e rubini birmani di Van Cleef & Arpels, venduta per 2,4 milioni
Collana di diamanti e rubini birmani di Van Cleef & Arpels, venduta per 2,4 milioni

Il diamante Jonker V di 25,27 carati
Il diamante Jonker V di 25,27 carati





The jewels of the Tsarina at auction

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There is also a necklace with a large emerald that belonged to the Tsarina Catherine the Great among the Magnificent Jewels at Christie’s auction ♦ ︎

Tsar jewels have always been a myth. And in Geneva, on May 15th, among the jewels on sale at Christie’s auction, the necklace that belonged to Catherine the Great of Russia stands out, with a pear-shaped emerald. It has belonged to the Russian imperial collection for over a century. The emerald originally weighed over 107 carats and had a rectangular cut.

Collana di diamanti e smeraldo appartenuto a Caterina la Grande di Russia
Collana di diamanti e smeraldo appartenuto a Caterina la Grande di Russia

When Catherine of Russia died in 1796, her jewels were passed on to her children. And Tsar Alexander II gave the stone to the Duchess Mary of Mecklenburg-Schwerin when she married her son, Grand Duke Vladimir, in 1874. Cartier bought the stone from the Russian royal family in 1927 and in 1954 cut the pear-shaped emerald to increase its brightness. The emerald was then added to a diamond necklace purchased by the Payne Whitney family and, later, by John D. Rockefeller. The estimate is between 2.5 and 3.5 million dollars.

Lo smeraldo taglio a pera
Lo smeraldo taglio a pera

For fans of blue-blooded jewels, the auction also includes the wedding gift tiara of Federico Francesco IV, Grand Duke of Mecklenburg-Schwerin to his wife Princess Alexandra of Hanover and Cumberland. The tiara, made in 1904, consists of nine graduated pear-shaped aquamarines and rose-cut diamonds. The jewel is not signed, but is attributed to Fabergé.

Diadema con acquamarine appartenuto alla gran duchessa Alexandra di Macklenburg-Schwerin
Diadema con acquamarine appartenuto alla gran duchessa Alexandra di Macklenburg-Schwerin

That of the zarina is not the only great jewel that stands out in the catalog. There is, for example, a rare series of 110 natural pearls: this one is also 2.5-3.5 million. Furthermore, under the lens there is also an unmounted colored diamond of 118.05 carats which was exhibited in the auction rooms of Christie’s in London, on 9 April 2019. The diamond is estimated between 2.5 and 3, 5 million dollars. Another necklace, of emeralds and diamonds, with a less adventurous history is estimated at 1.5-2.5 million dollars.

Curious is the story of the Jonker Diamonds emerald-cut stone signed by Harry Winston. It is one of the diamonds made from a diamond, called Jonker, found on 17 January 1934, of an extraordinary weight of 726 carats. She was portrayed in a photo with the actress Shirley Temple as a child. The Jonker was the fourth largest quality diamond ever brought to light. The stone was cut into 13 pieces. The Jonker V, the diamond for sale, weighs 25.27 carats. Federico Graglia



Il diamante Jonker V di 25,27 carati
Il diamante Jonker V di 25,27 carati
L'originale Jonker tenuto in mano da Shirley Temple bambina
L’originale Jonker tenuto in mano da Shirley Temple bambina
Collana a frange con diamanti dell'Ottocento
Collana a frange con diamanti dell’Ottocento
Rara collana con 110 perle naturali
Rara collana con 110 perle naturali

Diamante fancy yellow di 71,80 carati
Diamante fancy yellow di 71,80 carati







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