Christie’s London sale of Important Jewels on 12 December 2012 comprises 383 lots and offers the chance to acquire exquisite examples of jewels by the leading houses and designers including: Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Boucheron and Bulgari. Spanning four centuries, the sale presents a strong array of rare historic rings, diamonds and pearls, with estimates ranging from £1,000 to £800,000.
Leading the sale are an exquisite mid-19th century diamond tiara and a diamond and pearl necklace, formerly in the collection of The 1st Marchioness Conygnham (1769-1861), the last mistress of George IV (1762-1830),
The necklace (estimate: £50,000 – 70,000) and tiara (estimate: £200,000 - £250,000) reflect the King’s desire that his court should be the most brilliant in Europe. Resplendent in his Field Marshal’s uniform with diamonds blazing from his hat and Garter star, His Majesty the King cut a magnificent and unforgettable figure on every official occasion. While he recognised the prestigious value of jewels, they also appealed to his sense of beauty and his commissions to the leading jewellers are an important aspect of his patronage of the arts.
George IV enjoyed giving jewels to the women in his life and often did so, The 1st Marchioness being especially favoured. Contemporary memoirs of 1829 recounting ‘’the wealth Lady Conygnham must have accumulated by savings and presents must be enormous, the King continues to heap all kinds of presents on her and she lives at his expense.” Until his death in 1830, Lady Conyngham was always at the King’s side, he proudly took her arm at dinner and he encouraged her to wear as many jewels as she liked so that she would be sure to stand out at court events.
NATURAL PEARLS
The demand for high quality natural pearls continues to grow and this sale features a strong selection of natural pearls at a wide range of estimates and in varying forms. Leading highlights include an important natural pearl necklace which is expected to realise between £500,000 & £800,000, a necklace consisting of sixty natural pearls, alternately strung with seed pearls suspending a drop pearl (estimate: £60,000 - 80,000), and a pair of art deco natural pearl and diamond ear pendants (estimate: £25,000 – 35,000).
EMERALDS
A particularly strong selection of emeralds will include a dress ring by Bulgari (estimate: £65,000 – 75,000), an emerald and diamond ring by Cartier (estimate: £70,000 – 90,000) and an impressive emerald and diamond tiara mounted by Cartier (estimate: £120,000 – 150,000). This tiara, with its diamond palm motifs, comes with a detachable chain for it to be worn as a necklace; such convertible tiaras continue to be very popular, maximizing usability for the owner.
CARTIER
Since it was founded in 1847, Cartier has been a symbol of French Haute Joaillerie. Incomparable and timeless designs, together with gemstones of the highest quality and exceptional craftsmanship ensure that Cartier jewels remain some of the most sought-after amongst International collectors. Always a highlight of the London sale, the regular Cartier section features over 40 lots, from jewels and cufflinks to watches, clocks and accessories. Jewellery highlights include an early 20th century diamond aeroplane brooch (estimate: £8,000 – 10,000). Dating from a time when women across the globe were beginning to develop a fascination with flying to rival that of their male counterparts, Cartier joined the popular celebration of these thrilling, beautiful and pioneering aviatrix whilst also answering a demand from their, perhaps slightly less adventurous clients who wished to share in this new and now most feminine of passions; flying.
A mid-20th century sapphire, emerald and diamond flowerhead clip brooch (estimate: £32,000 – 35,000), an early 20th century natural pearl and diamond star-shaped brooch (estimate: £15,000 – 20,000), and a pair of art deco ruby and diamond ear pendants (estimate: £25,000 – 35,000) are further jewellery highlights.
The desirable selection of watches features a lady’s 18 carat white gold and diamond ‘Baignoire’ wristwatch (estimate: £3,000 – 4,000) and a lady’s 18 carat gold wristwatch, (estimate: £2,000 – 3,000). A number of Cartier clocks include an enamel and silver-gilt miniature desk clock (estimate: £2,500 – 3,500).
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS
Since their foundation in 1906 Van Cleef & Arpels has remained one of the most highly regarded jewellery houses; renowned for their original designs, high quality stones and impeccable craftsmanship, they are represented in this sale by a selection of over 20 jewels. Highlights include an art deco diamond and gem-set bracelet (estimate: £30,000 – 50,000), a ruby and diamond ‘Ludo’ bracelet (estimate: £5,000 – 7,000), and a diamond flower brooch (estimate: £35,000 – 45,000).
About Christie’s
Christie’s, the world's leading art business, had global auction and private sales in 2011 that totaled £3.6 billion/$5.7 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 has since conducted the greatest and most celebrated auctions through the centuries providing a popular showcase for the unique and the beautiful. Christie’s offers over 450 auctions 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 also has a long and successful history conducting private sales for its clients in all categories, with emphasis on Post-War and Contemporary, Impressionist and Modern, Old Masters and Jewellery. Private sales totaled £502 million / $808.6m in 2011, an increase of 44% on the previous year.
Christie’s has a global presence with 53 offices in 32 countries and 10 salerooms around the world including in London, New York, Paris, Geneva, Milan, Amsterdam, Dubai, Zürich, and Hong Kong. More recently, Christie’s has led the market with expanded initiatives in growth markets such as Russia, China, India and the United Arab Emirates, with successful sales and exhibitions in Beijing, Mumbai and Dubai.
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