Magnificent Jewels

Diamonds and colors in Christie’s Magnificent Jewels

Christie’s pre-Christmas Magnificent Jewels are back. During the same period as the live sale, which will take place at Rockefeller Center in New York City on December 6, is the Jewels Online sale, which will be open for bidding from November 28 to December 8. The period for selling and purchasing jewelery is the most favorable of the year. Furthermore, Magnificent Jewels is the last live auction of the year.

California Sunset Diamonds
California Sunset Diamonds

At the center of the catalogue, the offer of white and colored diamonds stands out. In particular, the California Sunset Diamonds, with a rare pair of vivid yellow-orange fancy diamonds of 12.20 and 11.96 carats (estimate $7,000,000–12,000,000). Other notable lots include an 8.91-carat Kashmir sapphire ring by Tiffany & Co. (700,000 – 1,000,000), a 7.31-carat Burmese Ruby and Diamond ring (1,000,000 – 2,000,000) and a Colombian emerald ring of 9.13 carats (200,000 – 300,000).
Ruby and diamond ring
Ruby and diamond ring

In addition to precious stones, which are a coveted investment asset, the sale features designer jewelry from manufacturers such as Buccellati, Bulgari, Cartier, David Webb, Graff, Harry Winston, Jean Schlumberger, Oscar Heyman & Brothers, René Boivin, Tiffany & Co. , Van Cleef & Arpels and Verdura.
Bracciale di Davi webb con acquamarina, diamanti, smalto
Davi Webb bracelet with aquamarine, diamonds, enamel

Additionally, the Magnificent Jewels auction will feature pieces from the Adolphus Andrews, Jr. and Emily Taylor Andrews Collection, the Margaret Thompson Biddle Collection, the Ivan and Genevieve Reitman Collection, the Julian and Josephine Robertson Collection and property of a Palm Beach’s illustrious collection, including a 42.97-carat Graff diamond ring (est. $500,000 – $700,000).
Anello con diamante Graff da 42,97 carati
42.97 carat Graff diamond ring

The sale includes a Reclining Lion brooch by René Boivin (est. 300,000 – 500,000) from the collection of Julian and Josephine Robertson. The lion is one of the House’s most recognizable motifs: the brooch is set with diamonds of various shapes in multicolored hues and an emerald mane and, according to Christie’s, represents an opportunity for collectors to acquire an extremely rare and important example of this iconic design.
Leone sdraiato di René Bonvin
Reclining Lion by René Bonvin

Additionally, the sale will showcase signed jewels from the Margaret Thompson Biddle collection, which includes a Cartier emerald, diamond and ruby brooch with cut emeralds, cabochon rubies and diamonds circa 1945 (200,000-300,000) and an Art Deco Chaumet tiara (50,000 – 70,000). Another highlight comes from the Ivan & Genevieve Reitman: A Life in Pictures collection, a 12.03-carat deep yellow diamond ring (100,000-150,000) and a 9.37-carat diamond ring (250,000-$350,000).
The highlights of the collection will be in Hong Kong from November 23rd to 27th. The sales will be on display in New York from December 1st to December 5th.
Bracciale con diamanti, zaffiri, smeraldi e rubini di Van Cleef & Arpels
Bracelet with diamonds, sapphires, emeralds and rubies by Van Cleef & Arpels

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

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

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

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

Anne Eisenhower
Anne Eisenhower

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

Marlene Dietrich nel 1936
Marlene Dietrich nel 1936

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

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

Anello con diamanti di colore D da 20,54 carati
Anello con diamanti di colore D da 20,54 carati
Una spilla della serie Panthère di Cartier con diamanti gialli, onice e smeraldi
Una spilla della serie Panthère di Cartier con diamanti gialli, onice e smeraldi
Bracciale di diamanti art déco di Cartier
Bracciale di diamanti art déco di Cartier
Orecchini con diamanti e rubini di Van Cleef & Arpels
Orecchini con diamanti e rubini di Van Cleef & Arpels
Collana con diamanti e smeraldo di Van Cleef & Arpels
Collana con diamanti e smeraldo di Van Cleef & Arpels

Sotheby’s sells a record sapphire to Moussaief




The sale of Magnificent Jewels was included in Sotheby’s Luxury Week, a series of auction sales that began in November 2020, between Geneva, Hong-Kong and New York. Result: 98.4% of all lots sold above the minimum estimates, and over 56% above the maximum estimates. The overall number of bidders increased by more than 80% from the same sale last year and by more than 126% from the same sale last year, but phone and room deals were also stronger than in the previous year. last year. Additionally, the number of new entrants more than doubled from last year for the equivalent sale. Another interesting fact: strong increase in participants under the age of 40, more than double the number of those who took part in the equivalent sale in 2021.

Zaffiro rosa con taglio cuscino di 20,58 carati
Zaffiro rosa con taglio cuscino di 20,58 carati

That said, the jewelry auction in Geneva also marks the record price per carat for a cushion-cut Burmese pink sapphire (90,622 per carat) weighing 20.58 carats. It was sold to Alisa Moussaieff, the mind and driving force of the jewelry house of the same name, for 1.8 million dollars, tripling the maximum estimate. Record price per carat also for a blue sapphire of Burmese origin ($ 137,525 per carat) set on a diamond ring weighing 20.16 carats, among the shoulders of Cartier diamonds sold for 2.8 million to Assil, a trading company gems of New York.
Zaffiro di 20,16 carati e diamanti su anello firmato Cartier
Zaffiro di 20,16 carati e diamanti su anello firmato Cartier

Another highly appreciated jewel, a record for Jean Schlumberger’s pieces, was a pink sapphire of Ceylon origin on a diamond brooch from the collection of Fiona Thyssen Bornemisza. The cushion gem weighing 92.01 carats has a frame of intertwined branches surrounded by small pear-shaped blue sapphires and diamonds. Made by Schlumberger in the 1950s, the brooch sold for $ 1.7 million.
Spilla di Jean Schlumberger con uno zaffiro rosa di  92 carati, diamanti e zaffiri blu
Spilla di Jean Schlumberger con uno zaffiro rosa di 92 carati, diamanti e zaffiri blu

Overall, Sotheby’s fifth series of Geneva Luxury Week auctions reached $ 69.3 million, including a $ 14.2 million watch auction. A curiosity: sales also included the chassis of Michael Schumacher’s Ferrari F2003-GA, one of the most important sports cars of all time, sold for 14.8 million dollars, making it the Formula 1 car of ‘ it was the most valuable modern ever sold.
Anello con diamante vivid yellow di 37,50 carati, The Mouwad Empress
Anello con diamante vivid yellow di 37,50 carati, The Mouwad Empress

Anello con zaffiro di 12,73 carati e diamanti
Anello con zaffiro di 12,73 carati e diamanti
Coppia di diamanti ovali di 20.03 e 20.19 carati venduti per 4,2 milioni di dollari
Coppia di diamanti ovali di 20.03 e 20.19 carati venduti per 4,2 milioni di dollari

Anello di Cartier con diamante di 33,13 carati D Colour, VVS1 Clarity, potential Type IIA, venduto per 2,8 milioni di dollari
Anello di Cartier con diamante di 33,13 carati D Colour, VVS1 Clarity, potential Type IIA, venduto per 2,8 milioni di dollari







A pink diamond guides Christie’s Magnificent Jewels




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

Il diamante The Fortune Pink, 18,18 carati
Il diamante The Fortune Pink, 18,18 carati

But the Magnificent Jewels auction also has a lot of other precious pieces in the catalog. Like the rivière necklace with a pear-shaped diamond of 10.33 carats (estimated at 550,000-750,000 Swiss francs), which is part of the Collection of Lord and Lady Weinstock. The necklace has a total of about 100 carats and is a typical example of the rivière style, that is, with stones with scaling size. There is no shortage of jewels with blue blood. Like those from the Bourbon families Parma and Thurn und Taxis, which include an Art Déco Chimera bracelet with natural pearls, rubies and diamonds (100,000-180,000) and an exceptional Bulgari pearl necklace (300,000-500,000).
Anello con diamante di 41,36 carati  di Graff
Anello con diamante di 41,36 carati di Graff

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

Collana rivière di diamanti
Collana rivière di diamanti
Bracciali art déco a fascia di diamanti
Bracciali art déco a fascia di diamanti

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







Juno Diamond becomes Claire G for $ 13 million

Juno Diamond, a 101.41 carat D-color pear-shaped stone, internally flawless, was sold in New York at Sotheby’s for 13 million dollars. The result places the stone among the highest prices ever achieved for a D, Flawless or Internally Flawless color diamond of over 100 carats at auction. The diamond was bought by telephone from a private collector in Asia. As often happens, the buyer changed the name of the gem, which is now called Claire G Diamond, as he dedicates to his wife, probably arousing no small amount of envy.

Il Juno Diamond
Il Juno Diamond, ora ribattezzato Claire G Diamond. Courtesy Sotheby’s

The Claire G Diamond was the star lot in the Magnificent Jewels sale, which totaled $ 52 million. Along with this week’s Fine Jewels sale, Sotheby’s World Jewelery auctions exceeded $ 230 million, a 14% increase over the same period in 2021.

We are thrilled to see this exceptional diamond achieve such a strong result, confirming that there is continued demand from collectors at the highest levels of the market. This diamond has captivated customers around the world on our long travels this spring, but it has been a special privilege to offer it at our global headquarters, where it now ranks among the top five jewels sold in Sotheby’s New York sales room. . Including today’s result, only five pear-shaped perfect diamonds weighing over 100 carats were sold at auction, including four at Sotheby’s.
Quig Bruning, Head of Jewels, Sotheby’s Americas

Il diamante forma di pera di colore D da 101,41 carati internamente impeccabile.
Il diamante forma di pera di colore D da 101,41 carati internamente impeccabile. Courtesy Sotheby’s

The Claire G Diamond has obtained superlative gradations both in color (D Color – the highest grade for a white diamond) and in purity (Internally Flawless). As with the famous Cullinan I and Koh-i-noor diamonds, which are part of the British crown jewels, the stone is part of the rare subgroup comprising less than 2% of all gem diamonds, known as type IIa. Diamonds in this category are the purest chemically, giving them exceptional optical transparency.
Un Fancy Grey-Violet da 3,46 carati e Fancy Intense Pink da 4,08 carati
Un Fancy Grey-Violet da 3,46 carati e Fancy Intense Pink da 4,08 carati. Courtesy Sotheby’s

When curating our Magnificent Jewels sales, we’re continually on the hunt for not only extraordinary, timeless designs but also for of-the-moment jewels and gemstones that signal growth areas in the market. In particular, it’s been thrilling to witness the increase in our clients’ appetite for stones beyond the standard canon of diamonds, sapphires, rubies and emeralds, and to see the evolution in their appreciation for specimen stones, such as the Paraiba Tourmaline and Diamond Pendant Necklace, which sold for an incredible $1.2 million. We also saw exceptional results for signed jewels by the iconic maisons, including a Mystery-Set Ruby Holly Leaf brooch by Van Cleef & Arpels that sold for nearly $1 million.
Catharine Becket, sales manager of Sotheby’s Magnificent Jewels in New York

Anello con rubino birmano da 8,80 carati e diamanti
Anello con rubino birmano da 8,80 carati e diamanti. Courtesy Sotheby’s

The sale included colorful diamonds and beautiful sapphires owned by George C. Thomas Jr., which totaled 7 million. The group was led by two exquisite old-cut colored diamonds: a 4.08-carat Fancy Intense Pink, sold for 3.8 million (estimate 1.2-1.8 million), and a 3.46-carat Fancy Gray-Violet. carat, which reached 2 million (estimate 500-700,000).
A magnificent ring with emerald-cut Type IIA diamonds, color D, weighing 26.06 carats by Kwiat, yielded 2.3 million (estimate $ 2/3 million). Three bidders pushed a major Burmese ruby ​​and diamond ring from 8.80 carats to 1.6 million (estimate 1.3-2 million). An exceptionally rare Brazilian Paraiba tourmaline and diamond pendant necklace, weighing 10.31 carats, has risen to 1.2 million (estimate 500-700,000). Collectors vied for a Van Cleef & Arpels Boreal diamond necklace, which sold for 1.2 million (estimate 1-1.5 million) and a Harry Winston sapphire and diamond necklace, which made 1 million (estimate 800,000). -1.2 million).

Collana con ciondolo in tormalina Paraiba brasiliana eccezionalmente rara
Collana con ciondolo in tormalina Paraiba brasiliana eccezionalmente rara Courtesy Sotheby’s

Collana Boreal con diamanti di Van Cleef & Arpels. Courtesy SOtheby's
Collana Boreal con diamanti di Van Cleef & Arpels. Courtesy Sotheby’s







The Juno diamond drives Sotheby’s sale




The Magnificent Jewels auction organized by Sotheby’s in New York for June 16 includes a wide range of jewels. But also, always, with gems. Among all, the Juno Diamond stands out, a 101.41 carat D-colored gemstone, internally flawless. Given that the Sotheby’s auction takes place in June, the diamond inspired by the Roman goddess of light, youth, motherhood and fertility, Juno, seems to arrive at the right time. It is also one of only 11 perfect diamonds to appear at auction since 1990. It is estimated to start at $ 7.5 million.

Il Juno Diamond
Il Juno Diamond

Also up for auction is a pair of earrings with rare Kashmiri sapphires, along with an emerald necklace inspired by Cartier’s Mughal era and two old-cut diamonds: one Fancy Intense Pink, the other a remarkable gray-purple fantasy. The necklaces, in any case, are another of the highlights of the sale, which includes a diamond necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels, another by Harry Winston and a large fancy diamond necklace by Lorraine Schwartz.
Orecchini pendenti con diamanti e zaffiri del Kashmir
Orecchini pendenti con diamanti e zaffiri del Kashmir

Also up for auction are star bracelets, such as Chimera by Cartier, made up of carved coral, and an amethyst and turquoise bracelet by Van Cleef & Arpels. Other to the classic rings with diamonds of various sizes, to report also brooches of other range, such as those of Verdura or Jar.
Bracciale di Cartier in corallo, diamanti e smeraldi
Bracciale di Cartier in corallo, diamanti e smeraldi

Collana di Cartier con diamanti e smeraldi
Collana di Cartier con diamanti e smeraldi
Collana con diamanti fancy di Lorraine Schwartz
Collana con diamanti fancy di Lorraine Schwartz
Spille con diamanti di Verdura
Spille con diamanti di Verdura
Spilla con zaffiri, diamanti e ametiste di Jar
Spilla con zaffiri, diamanti e ametiste di Jar
Bracciale di Van Cleef & Arpels con diamanti, ametista e turchese
Bracciale di Van Cleef & Arpels con diamanti, ametista e turchese

Collana di Van Cleef & Arpels con diamanti
Collana di Van Cleef & Arpels con diamanti







A 22 million Rock




It is 21.7 million Swiss francs, which is equivalent to more than 21.9 million dollars or 20.7 million euros the value attributed to The Rock, the largest white diamond ever sold at auction. At the auction of Christie’s Magnificent Jewels in Geneva, however, the stone did not reach the maximum estimate (about 30 million) even if it exceeded the minimum value (19 million). The Rock has a weight of 228.31 carats, a drop cut and is considered a perfect stone. Another highlight of the auction was The Red Cross Diamond, a vivid yellow gem that fetched 14.2 million francs (14.3 million dollars or 13.5 million euros), with a significant portion of the proceeds to benefit of the International Committee of the Red Cross.

Rahul Kadakia con The Rock
Rahul Kadakia con The Rock

During an important week for Christie’s, when Andy Warhol’s Shot Sage Blue Marilyn set the record price as the 20th century artwork, The Rock, the largest white diamond ever sold at auction, reached nearly $ 22 million. . Weighing 228.31 carats, The Rock is the largest white diamond ever to appear at auction. The final lot of the auction featured another extraordinary gem of over 200 carats, the sensational The Red Cross Diamond. It was a privilege to present this legendary stone, first sold by Christie’s in 1918 as part of the Red Cross Appeal. More than a century after that first sale, the diamond was sold after 11 minutes of competitive competition for 14.1 million francs, a world auction record for an intense fancy yellow diamond. We are pleased that a significant portion of the proceeds will benefit the humanitarian efforts of the International Committee of the Red Cross.
Rahul Kadakia, International Head of Christie’s Jewelery

Rahul Kadakia, International Head of Christie's Jewellery, vende The Rock,, 228,31 carati, il più grande diamante bianco mai venduto all'asta
Rahul Kadakia, International Head of Christie’s Jewellery, vende The Rock,, 228,31 carati, il più grande diamante bianco mai venduto all’asta

Overall, the jewelry super auction was sold 98% by value and 92% by lot and saw global participation of registrants from 20 countries across four continents. Christie also notes the activity of Millennial collectors, 50% of the new subscribers to the sale.
The red Cross diamond, di oltre 205 carati
The red Cross diamond, di oltre 205 carati

For nearly half a century, our family has had the privilege of safeguarding The Red Cross Diamond. Since it was first introduced to the market in 1918, the legacy of this symbol of humanity has always been the support of communities ravaged by war, famine and other hardships suffered by people around the world. At this historic moment we honor the calling that others have made before us. A significant portion of the proceeds will be donated to the large institution whose name it bears, recognizing the tireless efforts of the volunteers of the International Committee of the Red Cross.
The seller of The Red Cross Diamond

La Tiara Fürstenberg
La Tiara Fürstenberg

Other noteworthy results of the sale include the Fürstenberg tiara, which at an estimate of 400,000-600,000 Swiss francs has reached 2.4 million. The diadem, composed of pearls and diamonds, bears the mark of the famous Austrian jeweler Gustav Flach, and previously belonged to Her Royal Highness Princess of Fürstenberg, born Countess Irma of Schönborn Buchheim (1867-1948), a member of one of the most eminent aristocratic families in the Habsburg Empire.
Bracciale-choker con diamanti di Cartier, circa 1928
Bracciale-choker con diamanti di Cartier, circa 1928

An important selection of Jar’s jewels was highlighted by a pair of “hard-boiled egg” earrings with sphalerite and diamonds from 2011. From an estimate of 160,000-220,000 francs they made 327,600 francs. The earrings were featured in the 2013 retrospective of Rosenthal’s work at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.

Jar, orecchini Hard Boiled Eggs, con sfalerite e diamanti, del 2011
Jar, orecchini Hard Boiled Eggs, con sfalerite e diamanti, del 2011
Anello con smeraldo taglio cuscino di 17,80 carati e diamanti su oro bianco di Chaumet
Anello con smeraldo taglio cuscino di 17,80 carati e diamanti su oro bianco di Chaumet

Collana di Harry Winston con diamanti e smeraldo  di 40,41 carati
Collana di Harry Winston con diamanti e smeraldo di 40,41 carati







Surprising diamonds and jewels at Christie’s auction




The large temples are back, the diamonds with six zeros are back. The next stop for enthusiasts and collectors will take place in New York, where Christie’s is planning a sale of Magnificent Jewels on April 13. The auction includes a selection of colored and colorless diamonds and precious stones, along with historical jewelery from private collections and designer jewelery from Bvlgari, Cartier, JAR, Tiffany & Co. and Van Cleef & Arpels. Jewels that before the sale will be on display at Christie’s Dubai from 26 to 29 March.

The Fuchsia Rose, un diamante rosa-viola intenso di 8,82 carati
The Fuchsia Rose, un diamante rosa-viola intenso di 8,82 carati

The auction is led by The Fuchsia Rose, an intense pink-purple diamond of 8.82 carats, potentially flawless internally (estimate 4-6 million dollars). The sale also features beautiful colored diamonds, such as an 11.63 carat blue fancy diamond ring, VS1 clarity (Estimate 2.5-3.5 million) and a 15.31 carat (1- 1.5 million). A 2.44-carat fancy deep pink diamond ring (valued at 1-2 million). There are also colorless diamonds, including a ring with a maxi brilliant cut stone of 51.28 carats, color I, clarity SI1 (1.3-1.8 million), or a ring with a diamond of 21.05 carats, color E , internally flawless (1.4-2.4 million). A ring from Tiffany & Co. with a diamond of 13.91 carats, color H, clarity VS2 (350,000-500,000) is relatively more affordable.
Anello con diamante fancy giallo vivido di 15,31 carati
Anello con diamante fancy giallo vivido di 15,31 carati

The sale includes a rare and historic antique Tiffany & Co. Subway pendant watch with diamonds and enamels. Presented for the first time to the public at auction, the pendant watch was a specially commissioned piece of jewelry to commemorate the opening of the New York subway. Behind the domed crystal on one side of the clock is the earth taken during the Metro’s inauguration on March 24, 1900, along with the initials of the original owner, Georgie Annie McDonald, daughter of John B. McDonald who was responsible for overseeing the construction of the first metro line in the city. The incision along the outside reads “some earth from the first shovel extracted by Mayor Van Wyck at the excavation of the ground for the first subway”.
The sale is complemented by jewelry from the Rockefeller family, including a Cartier Art Déco sapphire and diamond bracelet, a Van Cleef & Arpels sapphire and diamond ring and an Art Déco emerald pearl, diamond and multi-gem necklace.

Orologio-ciondolo Subway Tiffany & Co. con diamanti e smalti
Orologio-ciondolo Subway Tiffany & Co. con diamanti e smalti
Bracciale di Cartier art déco con diamanti e rubini
Bracciale di Cartier art déco con diamanti e rubini
Anello con diamante fancy blue di oltre 11 carati
Anello con diamante fancy blue di oltre 11 carati
Spilla di Jar Watercolor Flower, con zaffiri
Spilla di Jar Watercolor Flower, con zaffiri

Collana con nappa di Van Cleef & Arpels
Collana con nappa di Van Cleef & Arpels







Magnificent sales of Christie’s in New York




The Christmas air is good for super jewelry sales, especially if they are sold at auction. In New York, the sale of Christie’s Magnificent Jewels totaled nearly $ 55 million, with 91% sold in lots and 94% sold by value: 120% went above the lowest estimate. Offers came from 30 countries across five continents.

Collana con diamante fancy giallo vivido di 70,19 carati, purezza VS2
Collana con diamante fancy giallo vivido di 70,19 carati, purezza VS2

Under the lens there were colored diamonds of particular value. The most anticipated lot was a 70.19 carat fancy vivid yellow diamond pendant, VS2 clarity. It was sold for $ 2,850,000. A 5.38 carat vivid orange pink fancy diamond ring, VS2 clarity, which made 2,670,000 dollars and a 8.74 carat dark gray-blue fancy diamond ring, Internally Flawless, reached 2.61 million .
Anello con diamante fancy grigio-blu scuro di 8,74 carati, Internally Flawless
Anello con diamante fancy grigio-blu scuro di 8,74 carati, Internally Flawless

Also on sale was a series of pieces cataloged as A Superlative Eye: Property from a Distinguished Chicago Collection, which included Cartier Art Deco jewelry. The collection achieved outstanding results for an impressive Graff ruby ​​and diamond ring, which fetched $ 1,290,000. An Art Deco brooch with emeralds, sapphires and diamonds, which belonged to Mrs. Cole Porter, fetched $ 381,250 and another Egyptian Art Deco revival brooch by Cartier with gems and diamonds, achieved more than three times its highest estimate : sold for $ 268,750.
Anello con rubino e diamanti di Graff
Anello con rubino e diamanti di Graff

Other highlights of the sale were eight lots of Van Cleef & Arpels Mystery-Set jewelry: a double-flower brooch with sapphires and diamonds was awarded for $ 575,000, a ruby ​​and diamond bracelet reached 525,000, a pendant-earring with rubies and diamonds which he made 412,500.
Anello con rubino e diamanti di Graff
Anello con rubino e diamanti di Graff

In the same auction, other impressive prices were raised for a major 17.73-carat Kashmir sapphire ring, which reached more than double its high estimate: over $ 2 million, while a deep yellow diamond ring of 44, 12-karat made $ 1,110,000 and a Van Cleef & Arpels Art Deco diamond bracelet previously featured in The Jazz Age: American Style in the 1920s exhibition at the Cleveland Museum of Art in Ohio and the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum in New York, which reached $ 1,230,000.

Bracciale di diamanti Art Déco di Van Cleef & Arpels
Bracciale di diamanti Art Déco di Van Cleef & Arpels

Spilla di Cartier con smeraldo intagliato, diamanti, zaffiri
Spilla di Cartier con smeraldo intagliato, diamanti, zaffiri

Bracciale con rubini e diamanti con tecnica mystery setting di Van Cleef & Arpels
Bracciale con rubini e diamanti con tecnica mystery setting di Van Cleef & Arpels







Diamonds and large Maison for Christie’s Magnificent Jewels




Magnificent Jewels: a Christie’s New York auction dedicated to high-end jewelry lovers on 8 December, but also a sale from 23 November to 7 December. The auction offers over 200 lots, enhanced by private collections, diamonds and colored gems, and an impressive number of jewels by Bvlgari, Cartier, Graff, Harry Winston, JAR, Jean Schlumberger, Suzanne Belperron, Tiffany & Co. and Van Cleef & Arpels.

Diamante fancy giallo vivido di 70,19 carati, chiarezza VS2
Diamante fancy giallo vivido di 70,19 carati, chiarezza VS2

Let’s start with the Magnificent Jewels auction. The most highly rated pieces are three colored diamonds, including a rare 5.38 carat fancy vivid orange pink diamond ring, VS2 clarity (Estimated $ 2,200,000-3,200,000). Another 70.19 carat fancy vivid yellow diamond, VS2 clarity is set on a pendant ($ 2,000,000-3,000,000 dollars), while a 8.74 carat Internally Flawless fancy dark gray-blue diamond ring is valued at 1,200,000 – 1,500,000 dollars.

Anello con diamante grigio scuro-blu fantasia di 8,74 carati Internally Flawless
Anello con diamante grigio scuro-blu fantasia di 8,74 carati Internally Flawless

One notable collection included in the sale is titled A Superlative Eye: Property from a Distinguished Chicago Collection. Includes jewelry from Cartier, Graff, Jean Schlumberger, Chanel, Carvin French and Marcus & Co. The collection is highlighted by a strong selection of Cartier Art Deco jewelry, such as an emerald, sapphire and diamond brooch (200,000-300,000) that once belonged to Ms. Cole Porter, along with colored stones including a Graff ruby ​​and diamond ring ($ 1,000,000-1,500,000), a Kashmir sapphire ring from Carvin French.
Spilla di Cartier Art Déco, con smeraldo, zaffiro e diamanti, appartenuta alla signora Cole Porter
Spilla di Cartier Art Déco, con smeraldo, zaffiro e diamanti, appartenuta alla signora Cole Porter

Another highlight of the sale are eight lots of Van Cleef & Arpels Mystery-Set jewelry, including a ruby ​​and diamond bracelet (300,000-500,000) and a pair of ruby ​​and diamond drop earrings (300,000-500,000). The Serti Mystérieux technique represents a Van Cleef & Arpels excellence that combines design and innovation (an average of 1,200 hours is calculated to complete a Mystery-Set jewel).

Van Cleef & Arpels Mystery-Set, braccialetto di rubini e diamanti
Van Cleef & Arpels Mystery-Set, braccialetto di rubini e diamanti

Additional private collections within the sale include a Van Cleef & Arpels Art Deco diamond bracelet (1,000,000-1,500,000) previously featured in The Jazz Age: American Style in the 1920s exhibition at the Cleveland Museum of Art in Ohio and Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum of New York. Also for sale is a historic late 17th century rosary with emerald, diamonds and enamel (400,000-600,000).
 braccialetto di diamanti Art Déco di Van Cleef & Arpels
Braccialetto di diamanti Art Déco di Van Cleef & Arpels

Perla Rockefeller, perla naturale marrone con diamanti su platino. Ciondolo firmato Gillot Co.
Perla Rockefeller, perla naturale marrone con diamanti su platino. Ciondolo firmato Gillot Co.

Storico rosario della fine del XVII secolo con smeraldi, diamanti e smalto
Storico rosario della fine del XVII secolo con smeraldi, diamanti e smalto







Magnificent Jewels in New York with Sotheby’s




The decline (finally) of the pandemic has rekindled the engines of jewelry, but also the pleasure of shopping for Magnificent Jewels like those that Sotheby’s is selling in New York on June 9th. The auction also has a title: The Roaring Twenties 2.0. The sale includes a selection of 94 lots, including a set of white and colored diamonds. In addition to the high prices achieved for colored gems and designer pieces in Geneva earlier this month, the sale is further distinguished by exceptional Kashmir and Ceylon sapphires, Colombian emeralds and Burmese rubies set in iconic designs signed by the most prestigious houses. Immediately after the sale of Magnificent Jewels, online bids will open for the one-lot auction of a large 50.03 carat G-color round diamond, offered without reserve.

L'anello con diamante fancy yellow The Sienna Star
L’anello con diamante fancy yellow The Sienna Star. Courtesy of Sotheby’s

The pieces for sale will be on display at Sotheby’s galleries on York Avenue from 4 to 8 June as part of Sotheby’s Luxury Week, a series of nine auctions spanning the fastest growing categories in the luxury sphere. The highlight of the sale is a Fancy Vivid Yellow Diamond crafted by London-based Mayfair high jewelery, Glenn Spiro. The gem is 73.11 carats, and is named The Sienna Star, with the highest color rating for a yellow diamond from the Gemological Institute of America. The gem also represents one of the largest Fancy Vivid Yellow diamonds ever auctioned. The absolute scarcity of fine yellow diamonds exceeding 50 carats makes the appearance at auction of this stone a pivotal moment in the world of precious gems and “an extraordinary object in the extraordinary world of precious stones” according to Gia. The Sienna Star is offered for sale with an estimate of $ 3 million.

Il diamante Fancy Vivid Yellow di 73,11 carati, anello di Glenn Spiro
Il diamante Fancy Vivid Yellow di 73,11 carati, anello di Glenn Spiro. Courtesy of Sotheby’s

At the June auction it is the protagonist of a distinguished private collection that boasts six breathtaking jewels, estimated in total at over 13 million dollars: the proceeds will go to a charitable foundation. Above all, an impressive Colombian emerald and diamond necklace by Harry Winston, which combines an elegant and delicate design with exceptional stones and exquisite workmanship (estimate 1.5-2.5 million dollars).

Collana con diamanti e smeraldi colombiani di Harry Winston
Collana con diamanti e smeraldi colombiani di Harry Winston. Courtesy of Sotheby’s

Complementing this is a 13.02-carat Burmese ruby ​​ring, mounted by Carvin French (estimate 1-2 million) and a spectacular necklace by Andrew Clunn, with 28 graduated oval-shaped diamonds totaling over 168 carats ( estimate 2-3 million). The collection is further completed by a 23.59 carat D Color, Internally Flawless, Type IIa diamond ring (estimate 1.8-2.8 million) and a pair of D Color diamond pendants, weighing 27.01. and 29.84 carats and estimated at 1-1.5 million and 1.2-1.8 million, respectively.

Anello con rubino birmano da 13,02 carati
Anello con rubino birmano da 13,02 carati. Courtesy of Sotheby’s

Van Cleef & Arpels show
From the great French Maison, the New York auction offers a necklace-bracelet combination in rose gold, pink sapphire and Zip Antique Udaipur diamonds. The zip applied to jewels was, as is known, an idea of ​​the Duchess of Windsor in the 1930s, but the first of the now iconic Zip models by Van Cleef & Arpels is from 1950. The zip transforms a functional object into a technically brilliant jewel and glamorous that can be worn open like a necklace or closed like a bracelet. Very few examples were made during this period, further cementing the design as one of the most coveted jewelry in the world. More recently, Van Cleef & Arpels has produced a limited number of Zips: the Antique Udaipur model is among the most elegant and substantial.

Bracciale Zip di Van Cleef & Arpels
Bracciale Zip di Van Cleef & Arpels. Courtesy of Sotheby’s

Among the many innovations by Van Cleef & Arpels, their most celebrated is undoubtedly the mystery setting, an invisible embedding system. Patented in 1933, the technique gave rise to some of the most spectacular jewels of the 20th century, such as the Duchess of Windsor’s holly leaf brooch (1936) and Princess Faiza of Egypt’s strikingly naturalistic peony clip. The meticulous process takes approximately 90 minutes per gemstone, each fluted so that it can be run on a rail system, eliminating the need for spikes that would otherwise interrupt the passage of light. After hundreds, even thousands, of hours of work, a jewel of extraordinary fluidity is created. With just a handful of pieces created each year, Van Cleef’s mystery settings are the pinnacle of fine jewelry and a requirement for anyone wishing to have the full canon of jewelry design.

Spilla con Mystery setting, diamanti e zaffiri, di Van Cleef & Arpels
Spilla con Mystery setting, diamanti e zaffiri, di Van Cleef & Arpels. Courtesy of Sotheby’s

Cartier Art Déco
The June sale features exceptional jewelry from the 1920s and 1930s, Cartier’s most sought-after period. Among the lots in the catalog are two emeralds, pearls and diamonds clasps, a jabot brooch in diamonds and onyx, a jabot brooch with emerald and diamonds with jardinière motif and a diamond bracelet, with Old European diamonds, single cut and Emerald.

Cartier, spilla Jabot con smeraldo e diamanti
Cartier, spilla Jabot con smeraldo e diamanti. Courtesy of Sotheby’s
collana di Andrew Clunn con 28 diamanti a forma ovale graduata per un totale di oltre 168 carati
collana di Andrew Clunn con 28 diamanti a forma ovale graduata per un totale di oltre 168 carati. Courtesy of Sotheby’s






 

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







Sotheby’s puts a large Kashmir sapphire on sale


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Big, beautiful and expensive jewels and gems: Sotheby’s has planned a rich spring for collectors of exceptional pieces. The auction house has put on sale, for example, gems weighing over 100 carats, a psychological limit that attracts the attention of those who love or invest in precious stones.

The fascination for large gems goes back centuries. Shrouded in mystery and steeped in legend, these stones have been treasured by rulers, while also prized for their presumed magical powers, and even sometimes feared for being cursed. In recent years, by virtue of the market’s increasing connoisseurship, we have seen demand for these gems grow fast and far beyond the traditional pool of collectors. These new buyers are looking for different kinds of stones, and this is reflected in the great diversity of this season’s offering, which range from unmounted world-class diamonds and diamond-led jewellery, to pieces with noble provenance and signed jewels marrying colourful gemstones with the extraordinary craftmanship of renowned houses, such as Cartier and Harry Winston.
Gary Schuler, world president of the jewelry division

Part of this small group of exceptions is a brooch with sapphires and diamonds from the 1930s, with the largest Kashmir sapphire ever to appear at auction and which will be auctioned in Geneva on 11 May: it is a 55.19 carat oval gem. , along with another cushion-shaped Kashmiri sapphire weighing 25.97 carats. The jewel was part of the collection of Maureen Constance Guinness, Marquise of Dufferin and Ava (1907-1998). The estimate is 2-3 million dollars.

Spilla con zaffiri e diamanti degli anni Trenta, con il più grande zaffiro del Kashmir mai apparso in un’asta e che sarà battuto a Ginevra il prossimo 11 maggio: è una gemma ovale da 55,19 carati, assieme a un altro zaffiro del Kashmir a forma di cuscino del peso di 25,97 carati
Spilla con zaffiri e diamanti degli anni Trenta, con il più grande zaffiro del Kashmir mai apparso in un’asta e che sarà battuto a Ginevra il prossimo 11 maggio: è una gemma ovale da 55,19 carati, assieme a un altro zaffiro del Kashmir a forma di cuscino del peso di 25,97 carati

With their mining history dating to just a few short years at the end of the 19th century, Kashmir sapphires are among the rarest coloured gemstones known to man. Coveted for their unique set of characteristics, including their unrivalled, rich cornflower blue hue, their soft, velvety texture and the fact that they retain their lustre in any light, these gems have over the years acquired an almost legendary status. Kashmir sapphires of over 30 carats are a very rare occurrence, so the appearance of a gem of 55.19 carats – the largest ever to come at auction – is an important event. Hailing a distinguished provenance and set as a stunning brooch alongside another Kashmir sapphire, it will undoubtedly evoke much interest among collectors.
Benoit Repellin, head of Sotheby’s Magnificent Jewels auction in Geneva

Collana con diamanti e zaffiro
Collana con diamanti e zaffiro

The Magnificent Jewels and Noble Jewels auction also includes other exceptional sapphires, such as the sapphire and diamond necklace, which supports a detachable pendant with a cushion-shaped 111.73-carat Ceylon sapphire and royal blue color. Another necklace with sapphires and diamonds, on the other hand, is signed Harry Winston, and dates back to around 1969. The jewel has a detachable pendant set with a cushion-shaped 126.43-carat sapphire of Ceylon origin.
Collana con zaffiro di 111,73 carati di Ceylon
Collana con zaffiro di 111,73 carati di Ceylon

Another highlight of the auction will be Harry Winston’s brooch / pendant combination with emeralds and diamonds, circa 1974, with a 104.40-carat pear-shaped emerald of Colombian origin. Also on sale is another brooch / pendant with emeralds and diamonds, set with an 80.45-carat step-cut emerald of Colombian origin. Among the prominent pieces there are diamonds, such as the ring with a 40.08 carat emerald-cut square diamond, color D, Flawless, type IIa and a diamond ring from the Noble collection, Harry Winston Set, with a diamond a 43.24 carat pear shape, color D, clarity VVS1, type IIa Est diamond. Also by the American jeweler a diamond necklace, circa 1973, with eight pear-shaped diamonds weighing between 3.77 and 20, 72 carats, for a total of 280 carats.
Spilla/pendente con smeraldi e diamanti, incastonato con uno smeraldo tagliato a gradini da 80,45 carati di origine colombiana
Spilla/pendente con smeraldi e diamanti, incastonato con uno smeraldo tagliato a gradini da 80,45 carati di origine colombiana

Spilla/pendente con smeraldi e diamanti di Harry Winston, circa 1974, con uno smeraldo a forma di pera da 104,40 carati di origine colombiana
Spilla/pendente con smeraldi e diamanti di Harry Winston, circa 1974, con uno smeraldo a forma di pera da 104,40 carati di origine colombiana

Harry Winston, collana di diamanti, circa 1973, con otto diamanti a forma di pera di peso compreso tra 3,77 e 20,72 carati, per un totale di 280 carati.
Harry Winston, collana di diamanti, circa 1973, con otto diamanti a forma di pera di peso compreso tra 3,77 e 20,72 carati, per un totale di 280 carati.







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







Blue blood jewels at Sotheby’s auction

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A dive into history through jewels. This is also the auction of Sotheby’s Magnificent Jewels and Noble Jewels scheduled for Wednesday 11 November in Geneva. In addition to numerous vintage jewels and great Maison such as Van Cleef & Arpels and Cartier or Blugari, the auction house also offers for sale a series of pieces that have a fascinating origin.

Paure con diamanti e smeraldi, circa 1770
Paure con diamanti e smeraldi, circa 1770

For example, the emerald and diamond set that belonged to Manuel de Guirior y Portal, 1st Marquis de Guirior, lieutenant general of the Royal Navy, viceroy of New Granada and Peru, who was born in Aoiz in the ancient kingdom of Navarre, on 21 March 1708. Born into an illustrious Navarrese family, his parents were Don Carlos de Guirior Erdozain and María Josefa del Portal. An eighteenth-century necklace with diamonds and emeralds is not a jewel that you see every day.
Orecchini di diamanti attribuiti a Cartier, provenienti dalla collezione di Sarah Baillie-Hamilton
Orecchini di diamanti attribuiti a Cartier, provenienti dalla collezione di Sarah Baillie-Hamilton

To underline the offer of jewels of noble origin is also a beautiful pair of natural pearls, set in a pair of sparkling diamond earrings attributed to Cartier, from the collection of Sarah Baillie-Hamilton, born Sarah Cook (1903-1995). Born in Montreal in 1903, she met George, the Earl of Haddington, when she was working as aide-de-camp to the Governor General of Canada. Or a Cartier necklace that was part of the collection of Henriette Hélène, say Elly, Porgès, marquise de la Ferté-Meun (1878-1946), married to Eugène, marquis de la Ferté-Meun (1870-1946), daughter of Jules Porgès (1839-1921) and Anna Wodiamer.
Demi parure di diamanti Anni 50 firmata Mauboussin
Demi parure di diamanti Anni 50 firmata Mauboussin

The auction also features a large representation of art deco jewelery signed by the Maison Mauboussin, founded in 1827 by M. Rocher, in the midst of French political instability and colonial conquests. In 1878, Jean-Baptist Noury, M. Rocher’s successor, received a medal in recognition of his work at the Exposition Universelle de Paris which established the firm’s solid reputation. Under the guidance of George Mauboussin, the interwar period is characterized by exoticism, which is reflected in the selection and quality of Mauboussin’s gems: jade from the East, pearls and coral from the Middle East. Federico Graglia
Collana con diamanti, circa 1925, di Henriette Hélène, dite Elly, Porgès, marchesa de la Ferté-Meun
Collana con diamanti, circa 1925, di Henriette Hélène, dite Elly, Porgès, marchesa de la Ferté-Meun

Collana con zaffiri rosa,  ametiste, peridoti e diamanti di Bulgari
Collana con zaffiri rosa, ametiste, peridoti e diamanti di Bulgari

Harry Winston, collana con diamanti fancy
Harry Winston, collana con diamanti fancy
Collana con diamanti, circa 1925, di Henriette Hélène, dite Elly, Porgès, marchesa de la Ferté-Meun
Collana con diamanti, circa 1925, di Henriette Hélène, dite Elly, Porgès, marchesa de la Ferté-Meun
Spilla in diamanti di Van Cleef & Arpels, circa 1940
Spilla in diamanti di Van Cleef & Arpels, circa 1940
Anelo con diamante taglio cuscino di 18,03 carati
Anelo con diamante taglio cuscino di 18,03 carati

Parure con zaffiri e diamanti anni Sessanta
Parure con zaffiri e diamanti anni Sessanta
Collana con zaffiri rosa,  ametiste, peridoti e diamanti di Bulgari
Collana con zaffiri rosa, ametiste, peridoti e diamanti di Bulgari







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







A super pink diamond for sale




If you like the color pink and have saved at least between 23 and 38 million dollars, you can get ready to buy one of the most precious and rare diamonds ever. This is the 14.83-carat oval diamond classified as Fancy Vivid Purple-Pink, Internally Flawless, Type IIa, the largest purple-pink diamond ever to appear at auction. It will be sold on 11 November at the Magnificent Jewels auction in Geneva at Sotheby’s. Like all large stones, it also has a name: The Spirit of the Rose. And there is a reason why. The name, in fact, is inspired by a legendary ballet by Vaslav Nijinsky, Le Specter de la rose: the diamond was mined, cut and polished in Russia, which is currently the most important diamond producer in the world by volume.

Il diamante Spirit of the Rose , di 14,83-carati
Il diamante Spirit of the Rose , di 14,83-carati

Type IIa diamond, chemically the purest of all diamond crystals, often with extraordinary optical transparency. Less than 2% of all gem quality diamonds have achieved this classification. The light pink rough diamond weighed 27.85 carats: it was mined by Alrosa in the Ebelyakh field, in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), in northeastern Russia in July 2017. It was named Nijinsky, after the most famous Russian dancer. , who in the early twentieth century interpreted Le Specter de la rose in the original performance by the Ballets Russes. The oval shape of the diamond was obviously chosen to ensure that the diamond had the largest possible size. Diamond is classified as Type IIa, and therefore is chemically the purest. Diamonds in this category often have extraordinary optical transparency. But they are also very rare: only 2% of all diamonds fall into this category. Federico Graglia
La certificazione Gia del diamante
La certificazione Gia del diamante







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







Sotheby’s jewelry at auction with Elizabeth von Thurn and Taxis

Princess Elizabeth von Thurn und Taxis wears super jewels for Sotheby’s auction ♦ ︎

He spent his childhood in the grand palace with 500 rooms of St Emmeram in Regensburg, Bavaria. Inside, Princess Elizabeth von Thurn and Taxis she grew up along with her mother’s large contemporary art collection, Princess Mariae Gloria. Nobility, art, wealth. It is no surprise that Sotheby’s now asked Elizabeth von Thurn and Taxis to wear the Magnificent Jewels that will go to the auction in Geneva on November 13th.

Elizabeth von Thurn und Taxis indossa una spilla e e una tiara con diamanti e smeraldi (immagine dal catalogo Sotheby's)
Elizabeth von Thurn und Taxis indossa una spilla e e una tiara con diamanti e smeraldi (immagine dal catalogo Sotheby’s)

Among the 450 pieces on sale there are period jewels, from the 1920s, but also contemporary ones. We have already talked about the Art Deco bracelet made by Cartier in 1927, set with a Burmese sapphire cabochon weighing 46.07 carats and two diamonds of 8.60 and 9.27 carats.

Read also: A sapphire for Sotheby’s

Bracciale di Cartier con zaffiri e diamanti
Bracciale di Cartier con zaffiri e diamanti

Also with the precious blue stone, a fan-shaped 1937 Cartier brooch is made, with a cushion-cut sapphire of 9.09 carats, other sapphires of different sizes, and brilliant-cut diamonds and baguette. Equally precious, again by Cartier, is a tiara-necklace from the 1930s. The central panel is detachable, pierced, between a graduated series of palmettes and arrowhead motifs, set with circular cut and cushion-shaped diamonds. In addition to turning into a necklace, the central element can be detached and transformed into a brooch.

Spilla di diamanti e zaffiri, Cartier, 1937
Spilla di diamanti e zaffiri, Cartier, 1937

And always by Cartier, dated 1227, are the emerald pendant / brooch and an imposing seventies necklace, also of emeralds and diamonds. A Bulgari necklace, also from the Seventies, with diamonds and sapphires is also very strong. Collector stones are not missing: the top is a 3 carat blue diamond mounted on a ring. It is estimated at between 7 and 4.7 million Swiss francs. For contemporary jewelery, there are the Jar-signed earrings with amethyst, Ceylon sapphire and diamonds. Federico Graglia

 




Diamante blu di 3 carati
Diamante blu di 3 carati
Collana con zaffiri e diamanti di Bulgari
Collana con zaffiri e diamanti di Bulgari
Tiara di diamanti trasformabile in collana di Cartier
Tiara di diamanti trasformabile in collana di Cartier
Orecchini a clip con ametista e zaffiri di Jar
Orecchini a clip con ametista e zaffiri di Jar