Results - Napoleon and Josephine Engagement Ring

The results are in...$949,000, almost 50 times the $20,000 Osenat had expected to bring in. 

“In my wildest dreams, I did not think we would outsell the estimate by more than 47 times,” said Osenat’s Emily Villane, who led today’s auction. “We based the estimates in our catalog on the actual market value of the ring, minus Napoleon and Josephine provenance. It is not our job to tell bidders how much they should pay for the historical premium.”

So why would someone pay 50 x what an item is worth?  ...the notoriety of a previous owner of the object is one reason that we have witnessed in auctions like the fairly recent Elizabeth Taylor Auctions.

The everything Dolce & Gabbana site Swide describes the auction as...

"The catalogue is full of incredible mementos like first editions of the Napoleonic Code, canes used by the Emperor himself, portraits of him and his family including a very special one depicting Napoléon François Joseph Charles, Napoleon’s only son and heir. "

I think all of this would however be great news to Napoleon Bonaparte. 

Born an aristocrat...Died defeated, exiled to St Helena. Yet, there is a definite romance to his story.  Interesting because before Napoleon you probably don't have descriptions of daily life and items that can be purchased with the monarch's image.  Considered to be the  first of the nobility to promote his image, Napoleon had china, pots, hammers, spades, fire pokers and candle holders produced with his likeness on them. 

BUT...Napoleon knew the importance of lineage and the Emperor (he promoted his title to Emperor of France in 1804 and King of Italy the following year) needed an heir.  So, a true marketer, his childless marriage to Josephine was dissolved in 1809 and one year later he married Marie Louise, daughter of the Holy Roman Emperor Francis II, in April 1810. She bore him a son, Napoleon II, March 1811.

Following the divorce they remained friendly, Josephine was allowed to retain her title as Empress, and was moved to the elaborate La Malmaison, near Paris, where she had a dignified retirement and maintained a friendly relationship with Napoleon. So we know that this ring was a true declaration of love from the 27 year old Brigadier General, to a woman he pursued for two years, the widow of Viscount Alexandre Beauharnais who was 7 years his senior!

Just an aside - it is truly telling just how much the concept of attractiveness has changed when you hear the descriptions of the Josephine that Napoleon fell head over heels with following a brief meeting in 1788.  

"She accepted the seven-year-younger groom as a convenience as she was a well-used lady with sexual experience that belied her unattractive appearance; teeth that were black stumps and heavy makeup, appearing shopworn. "

Or, more politely...

"Joséphine was described as being of average height, svelte, shapely, with silky, chestnut-brown hair, hazel eyes, and a rather sallow complexion. Her nose was small and straight, and her mouth was well-formed; however she kept it closed most of the time so as not to reveal her bad teeth. She was praised for her elegance, style, and low, "silvery", beautifully modulated voice"

both quotes are from Wikipedia.

Sotheby's Important Jewels Brings in Over $16 Million

Today’s auction of Important Jewels at Sotheby’s New York totaled $16,383,856 – well above its $14 million low estimate – and was 79.3% sold by lot. This marks another strong total for our jewelry sales in New York, coming just $100,000 shy of last year’s record for a September jewelry auction at Sotheby’s.

“We were very pleased with the solid results of today’s sale,” commented Gary Schuler, Head of Sotheby’s Jewelry department in New York. “We saw particularly strong prices for unique color diamonds, led by the fancy light pink diamond that soared to $1,426,500 above a high estimate of $700,000. While many of our top ten prices came from American trade buyers, both signed jewels and stones under 10 carats brought spirited bidding from collectors worldwide. Jewels from the estate of Kitty Carlisle Hart, which we were delighted to offer, doubled their overall low estimate and were led by her beautiful art deco diamond sautoir that achieved $146,500 (est. $60/80,000). And in a continuation of a trend we have observed in recent years, natural pearls remain a strong segment of today’s market.”

“We now look forward with great excitement to next week’s sale of Property from the Estate of Brooke Astor, which will offer a wonderful selection of the icon’s personal jewels in the Tuesday afternoon session.”

Lot 490:  Round Brilliant-cut Fancy Light Pink Diamond, 5.08 carats, VVS2 clarity ($280,807 per carat)

Price:  $1,426,500 (£881,971) 

Estimate:  $500,000 - 700,000 

Buyer: American Trade

Lot 471 - Kashmir Sapphire and Diamond Ring, 13.22 carats ($43,759 per carat)

Price: $578,500 (£357,673) 

Estimate: $350,000 - 450,000 
Buyer: American Trade









Lot 466 -  Pear-shaped Diamond Ring, 9.22 carats, F color, VVS2 clarity ($45,824)



Price: $422,500 (£261,222)

Estimate: $350,000 - 450,000

Buyer: American Trade

Lot 487 - Emerald-cut Diamond Ring, J.E. Caldwell, 20.37 carats, L color, VVS2 clarity ($23,687 per carat)

Price: $482,500 (£298,318) 

Estimate: $300,000 - 400,000 

Buyer: Anonymous

Lot 391 - Pear-Shaped Fancy Intense Orangy-Pink Diamond Pendant, 3.09 carats, VS1 clarity ($249,353 per carat)

Price: $770,500 (£476,382) 

Estimate:  $350,000 - 450,000 

Buyer:  Anonymous

Lot 204 -  Pair of Diamond Pendant-Earclips, Harry Winston

Price:  $362,500 (£224,125) 

Estimate: $275,000 - 325,000 

Buyer:  American Trade

Auction Results: Sotheby's Magnificent Jewels

AUCTION RESULTS:  
Sotheby's Magnificent Jewels


The recent sale of Magnificent Jewels at Sotheby’s New York totaled an impressive $43,192,152, soaring past the auction’s $31.1 million high estimate and selling 88.2% by lot. This marks the highest-ever total for a spring sale of jewelry at Sotheby’s New York, topping last April’s then record result of $39.4 million. The auction saw remarkable prices for beautiful estate jewels, white and colored diamonds, precious gems and natural pearls, with seven pieces bringing more than $1 million.

“The salesroom yesterday was electric, and exuberant bidding led to another record total for our jewelry sales in New York,” commented Lisa Hubbard, Chairman, North & South America, Sotheby’s International Jewelry Division. “The sophistication and depth of the market cannot be overstated, with participation from international collectors, the jewelry trade, and new buyers drawn in by a sale that offered wonderful pieces for every taste. This was especially evident in the outstanding performance of the important estate collections on offer, which brought $14 million in total and doubled their cumulative high estimate. This is the real strength of auctions: bringing jewels to the light of day after decades spent in private collections, with fresh-to-the-market examples of signed pieces and fabulous stones that represent truly compelling buying opportunities.”



Sale N08843       Magnificent Jewels          18 APR 12
Grand Total: $43,192,151 (£27,113,717)            Exch Rate: 0.63
Sold by Lot: 88.2%                                                  Lots Offered: 425
Sold by Value: 94.6%                                              Lots Sold/Unsold: 375/ 50


Lot #430  Marquise-Shaped Fancy Blue Diamond Ring, Tiffany & Co., circa 1900, 
3.54 carats, VS1 clarity, $687,712 per carat  $2,434,500 (£1,528,249)
est. $300,000 - 500,000
Buyer:  Mr. Brett Stettner, Stettner Investment Diamonds


Lot #421  Cushion-Shaped Step-Cut Fancy Vivid Yellow Diamond Ring, 23.02 carats,
VVS1 clarity.   $81,429 per carat    $1,874,500 (£1,176,711)      
est. $1,500,000 - 2,000,000
 Asian Private


Lot #211  Natural Pearl and Diamond Necklace, Cartier, Paris, circa 1935
$1,314,500  (£825,173)                                                                     
est. $250,000 - 350,000 
Anonymous


Lot #429   Sugarloaf Cabochon Kashmir Sapphire and Diamond Ring, 20.21 carats,
$56,531 per carat   $1,142,500 (£717,200)                                    
est. $700,000 - 1,000,000 
Anonymous


Lot #418   Marquise-Shaped Diamond Ring, 12.64 carats, E color, VS1 clarity, $85,641 per carat  $1,082,500 (£679,535)                                                          
est.  $500,000 - 700,000 
International Trade

Lot #391   Cut-Cornered Rectangular Modified Brilliant-Cut 
Fancy Pink Diamond Ring, 6.03 carats, VS2 clarity, 
$179,519 per carat     $1,082,500 (£679,535)                
est. $900,000 - 1,100,000 
Private Collector


Lot #308    Pear-Shaped Diamond Ring, 30.87 carats, L color, VVS2 clarity, $28,264 per carat  $872,500 (£547,709)
est. $375,000 - 425,000 
International Trade

Gary Schuler, Head of Sotheby’s Jewelry department in New York, continued: “Both white and colored diamonds brought strong prices yesterday, led by a Fancy Blue Diamond Ring, Tiffany & Co. that sold for an incredible total price of $2,434,500, reaching far above its high estimate of $500,000. The 23 carat Fancy Vivid Yellow Diamond Ring, distinguished by its graceful cushion outline and its fantastic color, was sold for $1,874,500. Sapphires and emeralds highlighted the results for colored stones: in addition to the beautiful Kashmir Sapphire and Diamond Ring mounted by Cartier that achieved $1,142,500, two Gold and Cabochon Emerald Rings, circa 1900, both from the same family collection, brought $632,500 and $692,500 respectively, well in excess of their $225,000 high estimates. And throughout the day, natural pearls surpassed pre-sale expectations to command exceptional prices, especially for the Cartier necklace formerly in the collection of Mrs. Georges Lurcy that sold for $1,314,500, nearly four times its high estimate.”


Mr. Schuler continued: “We were especially pleased with the performance of the estate jewels on offer yesterday, led by the wonderful collection from the estate of Eunice Joyce Gardiner that featured both period jewels and contemporary David Webb pieces. All 47 lots found buyers, demonstrating that collectors remain eager for jewels with great design and great provenance. We now look forward to our sale of Magnificent Jewels and Noble Jewels in Geneva this May, including the personal collection of one of the greatest jewelry designers of the 20th century, Suzanne Belperron, and the historic Beau Sancy Diamond, which we anticipate will be an exciting event for the worldwide market.”

Sotheby's Dec 7th Results...$30.4 million!

Sotheby’s jewelry auctions achieved $30.4 million in New York yesterday, 7 December. The day began with the ‘white glove’ sale – 100% sold – of The Elegant John Traina – A Portrait in Style, which more than tripled its pre-sale high estimate of $570,000 in bringing $1,921,755. The following auction of Magnificent Jewels totaled $28,477,500, led by top prices for white diamonds, natural pearls, sapphires and emeralds.

“As has been the case throughout our recent auctions, yesterday’s sales saw persistent demand and strong results for unique and signed jewels,” commented Lisa Hubbard, Co-Chairman of Sotheby’s International Jewelry department, and Gary Schuler, Head of Sotheby’s Jewelry department in New York.

“The one-of-a-kind Platinum and Diamond Sautoir Necklace by Cartier sold for $1,650,500, above a high estimate of $1 million, while exceptional white diamonds and natural pearls brought top prices throughout the day. Though we are disappointed to have not found buyers yesterday for our top two stones amongst the rarified group of collectors at the highest end of our market, the results for the remainder of the sale demonstrate a continued demand for pieces of quality and unique character.”

Auction Results:

Sale N08805 The Elegant John Traina A Portrait in Style   07 DEC 11

Grand Total: $1,921,755 (£1,230,002)                                        Exch Rate: 0.64

Sold by Lot: 100.0%                                                                      Lots Offered: 92

Sold by Value: 100.0%                                                                  Lots Sold/Unsold: 92 / 0

LOT 43
 
PAIR OF 18 KARAT GOLD AND RUBY CUFFLINKS, SCHLUMBERGER FOR TIFFANY & CO., AND RUBY AND DIAMOND STUDS, DAVID WEBB

The cufflinks set with cabochon rubies, signed Tiffany, Schlumberger; the three studs set in the centers with cabochon rubies, accented by small round diamonds, mounted in 18 karat gold, signed Webb.

Complete Catalog of Auction Results click here

Sale N08808 Magnificent Jewels                                                07 DEC 11

Grand Total: $28,477,063 (£18,226,487)                                    Exch Rate: 0.64

Sold by Lot: 66.5%                                                                         Lots Offered: 340

Sold by Value: 45.5%                                                                    Lots Sold/Unsold: 226 / 114

LOT 434

PROPERTY FROM A PROMINENT AMERICAN FAMILY
A MAGNIFICENT PLATINUM AND DIAMOND SAUTOIR NECKLACE WITH LAVALLIERE PENDANT, CARTIER, NEW YORK, 1924

Designed as a series of openwork oval and bell-shaped links set with 13 old European-cut and cushion-shaped diamonds weighing approximately 37.75 carats, centering a larger cushion-shaped diamond weighing approximately 4.65 carats, supporting a lavalliere pendant set with 7 cushion-shaped and old European-cut diamonds weighing approximately 37.05 carats, length 15½ inches, signed Cartier, numbered 2419263; together with a length extender of a later date set with 13 cushion-shaped and old European-cut diamonds weighing approximately 22.30 carats, length 12¼ inches, separated into three segments, the necklace and length extender further set with smaller old mine and single-cut diamonds weighing approximately 18.60 carats.


Complete Catalog of Auction Results click here

New World Record Prices at Christie's Geneva

CHRISTIE’S GENEVA 


SETS NEW WORLD RECORD PRICES

FOR A HEART-SHAPED DIAMOND

FOR ANY SAPPHIRE

FOR ANY INDIAN JEWEL

SOLD AT AUCTION

Christie's sale of magnificent jewels in Geneva achieved a total of more than $78M, the highest result for any jewellery auction ever held by the auction house in Switzerland. The top lot was a 56 ct heart-shaped diamond, which sold for more than $10M becoming the most expensive heart-shaped diamond ever sold at auction.


François Curiel, President of Christie's Switzerland :

 “The jewellery sale in Geneva was marked by strong bidding with moments of passionate enthusiasm, exemplified by an antique Imperial Mughal spinel necklace realising more than $5M. While the ‘blue chip’ diamonds and coloured diamonds were in great demand, a 130 ct Burmese sapphire stole the show at $7.1M. Forty-two years after our first sale in Switzerland, Geneva remains a vital, specialised auction centre in today’s global market.”

The TOP LOT of the sale was a 

heart-shaped D colour, internally flawless, type IIa diamond 

of 56.15 cts which sold for US$ 10,946,422, 

becoming a world auction record for any heart-shaped diamond.

Previous record for a heart-shaped diamond:
Heart of the Desert Diamond
A heart-shaped D, internally flawless, diamond of 64.42 cts
Sold on 16 November 1994 at Sotheby’s Geneva for US$ 5,248,846

A cushion-cut Burmese sapphire of 130.50 cts sold for US$7,122,742, achieving a new world record price for a sapphire at auction (illustrated right).


Previous record for a sapphire:
A cushion-cut Kashmir sapphire ring 
of 42.48 cts
Sold on 28 November 2008 at Christie's Geneva for US$ 3,475,210

An Imperial Mughal spinel necklace sold for US$ 5,210,902 setting a world record price for any Indian jewel at auction (illustrated left).


Previous record for an Indian jewel:
A Mughal ruby, emerald and jade covered flask
North India, first half of 17th Century
The Clive of India Treasure
Sold on 27 April 2004 at Christie’s London for US$ 5,210,209

About Christie’s
Christie’s, the world's leading art business had global auction and private sales in 2010 that totaled £3.3 billion/$5.0 billion.  Christie’s is a name and place that speaks of extraordinary art, unparalleled service and expertise, as well as international glamour. Founded in 1766 by James Christie, Christie's conducted the greatest auctions of the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries, and today remains a popular showcase for the unique and the beautiful. Christie’s offers over 450 sales annually in over 80 categories, including all areas of fine and decorative arts, jewellery, photographs, collectibles, wine, and more. Prices range from $200 to over $100 million. Christie’s has 53 offices in 32 countries and 10 sale rooms around the world including in London, New York, Paris, Geneva, Milan, Amsterdam, Zurich, Dubai and Hong Kong. More recently, Christie’s has led the market with expanded initiatives in emerging and new markets such as Russia, China, India and the United Arab Emirates, with successful sales and exhibitions in Beijing, Mumbai and Dubai.

*Estimates do not include buyer’s premium. Sales totals are hammer price plus buyer’s premium and do not reflect costs, financing fees or application of buyer’s or seller’s credits.


Photo Credit:  Denis Hayoun - Diode SA