CHRISTIE’S MAGNIFICENT JEWELS TOTALS CHF 41 million / $46 million
GENEVA – Christie’s Magnificent Jewels sale on 17 May 2023 achieved a total of CHF41,177,400/ $45,834,563 led by a rare Chaumet Ruby and Diamond Ring of 13.07 carats sold for CHF4,703,500 / $5,253,370. The auction was 94% sold by lot, and attracted global participation with registrants from 29 countries, including 38% from the Americas, 28% from APAC and 34% from EMEA. 11 lots sold above $1,000,000 and 61% sold above estimate.
The largest private collection of JAR jewels to come to auction sold 100% by lot and totalled CHF6,001,380 / $6,675,815. The selection of 28 lots, was highlighted by the JAR Sapphire, Spinel and Diamond ‘Eye’ Bangle (estimate: CHF150,000-250,000) which sold for CHF856,800/ $956,965.
The auction featured a splendid selection of important gemstones, led by the Chaumet ruby, the top lot of the auction, followed by ‘The Royal Blue’ impressive sapphire and diamond ring which realised CHF3,312,000 / $3,699,194. ‘The Star of Egypt’, a spectacular unmounted diamond additionally sold for CHF2,707,000 / $3,023,466.
Following the recent celebrations of the Coronation of King Charles III, Christie’s proudly presented The Royal Splendour of the European Courts collection which offered eight outstanding pieces of beauty and history, including jewels with royal ties. The exceptional Bessborough Tiara by Chaumet realised CHF945,000 / $1,055,477. It was worn previously at two Coronations, that of King George VI in 1937 and Queen Elizabeth II in 1953. Additional highlights of the collection included the jewels from the House of Württemberg which sold for over CHF1,000,00 and included an impressive 19th century suite of diamond and natural pearl jewellery and sapphire and diamond jewellery.
Max Fawcett, Head of Jewellery, Geneva: “The Magnificent Jewels sale in Geneva concludes two weeks of exceptional Luxury sales and reflects the demand for spectacular jewels and coloured gemstones, demonstrating the strength of the jewellery market amongst collectors around the world. The auction today showcased a significant array of important JAR jewels, spanning 40 years of creativity and we are delighted with the results, selling 100% by lot: Joel Arthur Rosenthal represents the very best that contemporary jewellery has to offer.”
