Colored Gemstones, Signed Jewelry, Antique Jewels and Diamonds...Bidders Wanted It All At Bonhams' London Fine Jewelry Auction

from a Press Release by Bonham's

Colored Gemstones, Signed Jewelry, Antique Jewels

and Diamonds...Bidders Wanted It All 

At Bonhams' London Fine Jewelry Auction 

The sale achieved £5.16 million, with 87% lots sold by value and 109 lots going to new owners.

The Hope Spinel was the highlight of the sale, smashing its pre-sale estimate of £150,000-£200,000 as a result of competitive bidding on the phones. It sold for £962,500, achieving a new world record price of $30,000 per carat. This exceptional gem was bought by a private telephone bidder.

The second top lot of the auction was another icon: an Art Deco enamel, gem-set and diamond 'Tutti Frutti' bracelet by Cartier. Made in New York in 1929, the bracelet, with a highly articulated geometric strap and vine motifs, was sold for £458,500 to a telephone bidder.

The market for top quality, natural pearls continues to remain strong according to the September sale results. A circular natural pearl ring, measuring 16.71 x 10.94mm, and set between baguette-cut diamonds shoulders sold for four times its pre-sale estimate of £50,000 to £70,000, achieving £206,500.

Signed jewelry also performed extremely well with a rare diamond 'Torsade' bangle, by Suzanne Belperron, circa 1932, capturing the attention of bidders worldwide. The highly desirable collectors' piece was estimated at £40,000-£60,000, but after bidding from the saleroom, online and over the phones, the bangle sold for £164,500.

Other key lots included: 

• A sapphire and diamond ring, by Boucheron. The rectangular step-cut sapphire, weighing 7.54 carats, between tapered baguette and brilliant-cut diamond shoulders outstripped its pre-sale estimate of £40,000-£60,000 and sold for £110,500.

• A Belle Époque diamond single-stone ring, circa 1910. The old hexagonal-cut diamond, weighing 8.18 carats, had a pre-sale estimate of £30,000-£50,000 and sold for £80,500.



Jean Ghika, Bonhams Head of Jewelry for UK and Europe, says: "We had an exceptional sale with a number of very rare items that naturally attracted interest worldwide. Demand for colored gemstones, signed jewelry and period pieces continued to remain strong. The sale represented a great start to the jewelry auction season this autumn and winter."

"Period and art deco earrings were also strong performers at the auction according to Bonhams. Examples included a pair of Art Deco diamond pendent earrings, by Cartier, circa 1925, which sold for more than five times their pre-sale estimate of £20,000-£30,000, being successfully bought by a telephone bidder for £134,500. Further on in the sale, a pair of early 19th century girandole earrings, with a pre-sale estimate of £18,000-£20,000, achieved £86,500."

Jean Ghika of Bonhams says: "These two sets of earrings were wonderful examples of classic period earrings, beautifully designed and in their original condition. These factors make them highly desirable along with the fact that they are extremely wearable today."
Bonhams is now expecting the strong market to be reflected during its next two Fine Jewelry sales in New York on 13th October and Hong Kong on 30th November.

Bonhams sells more jewelry lots each year than any other international house and has more dedicated jewelry auctions annually.

CLICK HERE for the full results of September's Fine Jewelry Sale at Bonham's London

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Bonhams, founded in 1793, is one of the world's largest auctioneers of fine art and antiques. The present company was formed by the merger in November 2001 of Bonhams & Brooks and Phillips Son & Neale. In August 2002, the company acquired Butterfields, the principal firm of auctioneers on the West Coast of America. Today, Bonhams offers more sales than any of its rivals, through two major salerooms in London: New Bond Street and Knightsbridge; and a further three in the UK regions and Scotland. Sales are also held in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Carmel, New York and Connecticut in the USA; and Germany, France, Monaco, Hong Kong and Australia. Bonhams has a worldwide network of offices and regional representatives in 25 countries offering sales advice and valuation services in 60 specialist areas. For a full listing of upcoming sales, plus details of Bonhams specialist departments go to www.bonhams.com

Sotheby’s New York Auction of MAGNIFICENT JEWELS - April 29th

Sotheby’s New York Auction of

MAGNIFICENT JEWELS

Featuring 

Singular Colored Gemstones

&

Jewels from the Estate of Eydie Gorme:

American Entertainment Icon

NEW YORK, 29 APRIL 2014

Sotheby’s annual spring auction of Magnificent Jewels in New York will be held on 29 April 2014. The auction will offer more than 450 lots at a wide range of estimates, together expected to achieve more than $37 million*. Highlights from the sale have traveled to three continents this spring, and will return to New York for exhibition in Sotheby’s York Avenue galleries beginning 25 April. The exhibition also will include: highlights from the 13 May sale of Magnificent Jewels and Noble Jewels in Geneva; a selection of Important Watches to be sold on 10 June; and pieces from our Sotheby’s Diamonds retail collection.

AN EXCEPTIONAL KASHMIR SAPPHIRE

The April sale will offer one of the finest Kashmir sapphires ever to appear at auction. The Exceptional Platinum, Sapphire and Diamond Ring (est. $4/5 million) features a square emerald-cut Kashmir sapphire weighing 28.18 carats set in a tapered baguette diamond mounting designed by Oscar Heyman & Brothers.

The stone has no indications of heat treatment and is described by the American Gemological Laboratories (AGL) as “a gem of singular importance.”   According to the AGL, “It possesses the quintessential, velvety blue color that distinguishes a fine Kashmir sapphire….The pleasing color of this sapphire is further enhanced by a square emerald-cut fashioning which resulting in deep, internal color reflections and brilliance that complement the overall visual appearance of the stone, as well as a high clarity that results in a heightened degree of transparency.” 

Gary Schuler, Senior Vice President and Director of the New York Jewelry Department commented: “The current world record price per carat for a Kashmir sapphire at auction is $175,821, achieved for the Richelieu Sapphires (26.66 and 20.88 carats) at Sotheby’s in Geneva in November 2013. The exceptional quality of this sapphire has the potential to reach historic heights as well, with proceeds benefiting a charitable foundation.”

MAGNIFICENT DIAMONDS 
and COLORED STONES

The selection of colored diamonds on offer in April is led by the Magnificent Fancy Intense Orangy Pink Diamond and Diamond Ring (est. $6/7 million). The beautifully-shaped, cushion-cut diamond of 15.23 carats, VS2 clarity, displays a soft, feminine color reminiscent of pink diamonds in historic and royal collections.

Also highlighting the important stones in the sale is The El Dorado Emerald (est. $1.8/2.2 million), an emerald-cut Colombian emerald weighing 36.53 carats, set in a platinum, 18 karat gold and diamond ring mounting. A prime example of the finest emerald material, the Classic Colombian emerald combines size, color and clarity without any kind of oil or resin enhancement.

In total, the April auction will offer more than 30 top-quality white diamond rings and diamond ear-studs weighing between 5 and 15 carats, estimated from $50,000 to $900,000.

  

JEWELS FROM THE ESTATE 
OF EYDIE GORME

The April auction will offer a stunning, romantic selection of jewels from the estate of Eydie Gorme, comprising both classic diamonds and decorative pieces. Almost all of the jewels in the collection were given to Gorme by her husband Steve Lawrence – together for more than 55 years, ‘Steve and Eydie’ reigned for decades as America’s most sophisticated and award-winning pop vocal duet.

Highlighting the collection are a Platinum and Diamond Ring, Harry Winston, 17.40 carats (est. $350/450,000) and a Platinum and Diamond Ring, set with a marquise-shape diamond of 7.51 carats, D color, Internally Flawless (est. $350/450,000) that Gorme received from Lawrence on the occasion of their 10^th wedding anniversary.  Also featured is a rivière style Platinum and Diamond Necklace (est. $250/350,000), which Lawrence gave to his wife for their 25^th wedding anniversary.

Lisa Hubbard, Chairman, The Americas, Sotheby’s International Jewelry Division said: “Not only were Eydie Gorme and Steve Lawrence gifted performers, they were a wonderful love story. Her very personal jewelry collection is a testament to one of the great, enduring romances in show business history. Eydie dreamed of one day owning a diamond in every classic shape, and Steve Lawrence made her dreams come true.”

ICONIC & VINTAGE SIGNED JEWELS

An Art Deco period Platinum, Emerald and Diamond Bracelet, Cartier, France, (est. $700/900,000) from a private collection leads the selection of beautiful signed jewels on offer in April. Also by Cartier is the iconic 18 Karat Gold, Colored Diamond, Diamond, Onyx and Emerald Bangle-Bracelet (est. $600/800,000) designed as twin tigers in repose on the wrist. In the menagerie of bejeweled animals created by Cartier, it is the felines, originally conceived by Jeanne Toussaint – the enlightened director of Haute Joallerie for Cartier during their most innovative years, who leapt into fashion history accessorizing the world’s best-dressed women. From Daisy Fellowes and Princess Nina Aga Khan to Barbara Hutton, Cartier’s ‘big cat’ jewels were much admired by the social elite once the trend-setting Duchess of Windsor was seen sporting their sleek, distinctive silhouettes in the late 1940s and 1950s. The influence of Jeanne Toussaint’s early designs has been ever-present in Cartier’s jewels for more than seventy years, as the cats remain one of the jeweler’s most popular motifs around the world.    

Another highlight of the signed jewels is the Gold, Fancy Intense Yellow Diamond and Emerald Ring, designed by Louis Comfort Tiffany, signed Tiffany & Co., and made circa 1915-1920 (est. $100/150,000). On offer from a private collection, this rare example of Louis Comfort Tiffany’s work with yellow diamonds presents a lovely marquise-shaped diamond of 4.27 carats – potentially Internally Flawless – within an intricate filigree mounting reminiscent of ancient jewelry motifs.

FASHIONABLE DESIGNS

Fashion-forward collectors will love the array of jewels by Tony Duquette, the legendary American artist and designer whose fantastic jewels are distinguished by his bold use of color and volume. Featured from the collection of best-selling author Danielle Steel is Duquette’s Gold and Smoky Quartz Bracelet (est. $15/20,000), designed with nearly 700 carats of emerald-cut smoky quartz links. Collectors will also find bold style and vibrant color in pieces made by René Boivin, David Webb and contemporary designer Michele del la Valle.  

FOR MORE NEWS FROM SOTHEBY’S

Visit: www.sothebys.com/

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Sotheby’s has been uniting collectors with world-class works of art since 1744. Sotheby’s became the first international auction house when it expanded from London to New York (1955), the first to conduct sales in Hong Kong (1973) and France (2001), andthe first international fine art auction house in China (2012). Today, Sotheby’s presents auctions in eight different salesrooms, including New York, London, Hong Kong and Paris, and Sotheby’s BidNow program allows visitors to view all auctions live online and place bids in real-time from anywhere in the world. Sotheby’s offers collectors the resources of Sotheby’s Financial Services, the world’s only full-service art financing company, as well as private sale opportunities in more than 70 categories, including S|2, the gallery arm of Sotheby’s Contemporary Art department, as well as Sotheby’s Diamonds and Sotheby’s Wine. Sotheby’s has aglobal network of 90 offices in 40 countries and is the oldest company listed on the New York Stock Exchange (BID).

*Estimates do not include buyer’s premium and prices achieved include the hammer price plus buyer’s premium.

World Auction Records Set By Sotheby's Geneva

History is Made in Geneva 

SOTHEBY'S ACHIEVES HIGHEST JEWELRY SALE TOTAL IN HISTORY 

The Magnificent Jewels Sale Totals 

$199,512,930 (CHF 183,054,500) 

The Pink Star renamed 'THE PINK DREAM' 

sets A WORLD AUCTION RECORD FOR A DIAMOND OR JEWEL 

AT $83,187,381 (CHF 76,325,000) 

The 59.60-carat Internally Flawless Fancy Vivid, Pink Diamond 

was bought by famous New York-based diamond cutter Isaac Wolf 

who renamed it "The Pink Dream" after the sale 

Among Other Auction Records Set Today: 

World Auction Record for a Jewel by Van Cleef & Arpels, 

A Pair of Colourless Diamonds, 

Sapphire Jewels, a Burmese and a Kashmir Sapphire 

& A Record Price Per Carat for a Sapphire 

David Bennett, Chairman of Sotheby's Jewellery Division in Europe and the Middle East and
Chairman of Sotheby's Switzerland auctioneering the record-breaking Pink Star

This week, Sotheby's Geneva made history when it sold The Pink Star - a 59.60-carat oval cut pink diamond - for $83,187,381 (CHF 76,325,000), a world auction record for a diamond and any gemstone or jewel. This land mark price eclipsed the previous record at $46.2 million established three years ago by Sotheby's Geneva for the magnificent 'Graff Pink' - the 24.78 carat fancy intense pink diamond. 

Today's historic sale of Magnificent Jewels achieved $199,512,930 (CHF 183,054,500), the highest jewellery sale total in history (est. $121,635,591-165,432,534/ CHF 111,601,500- 151,785,500). 

Commenting on tonight's results, David Bennett, Chairman of Sotheby's Jewellery Division in Europe and the Middle East and Chairman of Sotheby's Switzerland, said: "The Pink Star is a true masterpiece of nature. Its immense importance was reflected tonight in the strength of the bidding and we are thrilled that the record price it achieved earned it a place in history. Today's record sale is a further testimony to the strength and depth of the diamond and jewellery market. " 
Four bidders competed for the Pink Star which is the largest internally flawless fancy vivid pink diamond that the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has ever graded. The diamond was bought after nearly five minutes by by the famous diamond cutter Isaac Wolf who has renamed it 'The Pink Dream' after the sale. The diamond - lot 372 in the sale - received the highest colour and clarity grades from the GIA for pink diamonds, it has also been found to be part of the rare subgroup comprising less than 2 % of all gem diamonds - known as Type IIa: stones in this group are chemically the purest of all diamond crystals and often have extraordinary optical transparency. Mined by De Beers in Africa in 1999, the 132.5 carat rough diamond was painstakingly cut and polished over a period of two years and transformed into this stunning gemstone. This was the first time the diamond was presented at auction, with an estimate of $60 million. The landmark price achieved established a world auction record for a diamond (including for a pink diamond and any coloured diamond) and for any jewel.

The "Walska Briolette Diamond" Brooch 

Among the iconic jewels with important provenance presented was The "Walska Briolette Diamond" Brooch. Created by Van Cleef & Arpels in 1971, this masterpiece of design showcases the historic "Walska Briolette Diamond'', a fancy vivid yellow diamond weighing 96.62 carats. On this night it achieved $10,555,778 - an auction record for a jewel by Van Cleef & Arpels (lot 373, est. in excess of $8 million), Once in the collection of opera singer and jewellery connoisseur, Ganna Walska (1887-1984), the briolette was subsequently mounted as a brooch and most recently exhibited at Van Cleef and Arpels retrospectives both at the Cooper Hewitt, National Design Museum in New York, in 2011, and at the Palais Royal, Musee des Arts Decoratifs in Paris, in 2012-13. 

Important Diamonds Also included in this rich offering of white diamonds of D colour - the finest colour grading for white diamonds. Among them was a pair of magnificent earrings set with brilliant-cut diamonds weighing 23.77 and 23.78 carats respectively, which surpassed the pre-sale high estimate to sell for $9,213,009 - a record for a pair of colourless diamonds. Both diamonds were cut from the same 161 carat rough and form a perfectly matched pair (lot 354, est. CHF 6,600,000-7 ,500,000/ $7,250,000- 8,250,000).
Blue diamonds featured strongly. A magnificent rectangular mixed-cut fancy vivid blue diamond weighing 5.04 carats and mounted as a ring rose above estimate and achieved $6,649,541 (lot 349, est. CH F 5,100,000-5,700,000/ $5,600,000-6,300,000), while a 5.51 carat pear­ shaped fancy intense blue diamond ring realized $5,428,842 (lot 330, est. CHF 4,220,000-5 ,000,000/ $4,650,000-5 ,450,000).
A further highlight of this section was an outstanding 20.80 carat marquise-shaped fancy vivid yellow diamond of exceptional hue, mounted as a ring which achieved $5,184,702, again well above its pre-sale high estimate (l ot 357, est. CH F 1,600 000- 2,500,000/ $1,750,000-2,750,000). 

Impressive Gemstones 

A group of impressive gemstones, led by a magnificent Burmese "Royal Blue" sapphire weighing 114.74 carats which almost quadrupled its pre-sale low estimate and sold for $7,137,821 - a world auction record for a Burmese sapphire (lot 355, est. CH F 1,650,000- 2,600,000/ $1,800,000-2,800,000). According to the SSE F, "a natural sapphire from Burma of this size and quality is very rare and exceptional and thus can be considered a true treasure of nature ".
Another fine example of Kashmir sapphire was found in a cushion-shaped sapphire weighing 21.42 carats, mounted as a ring and coming from the Estate of a European Royal Princess. The gemstone achieved$3,231,583), again four times its pre-sale estimate (lot 332, est. CHF 680,000- 910,000/ $750,000-1,000,000) . 
Burmese sapphires were also sought after, with a pair of very fine sapphire and diamond ear clips, each set with a Burmese sugarloaf cabochon weighing 32.47 and 36.80 carats respectively surpassed the pre-sale estimate and sold for $816,343 (lot 322, est. CHF 455,000-725,000/ $500,000-800 ,000). 

A cushion-shaped cabochon ruby weighing 31.30 carats and mounted as a ring by Cartier generated alot of attention. It almost tripled the pre-sale low estimate, selling for $1,077,921 (lot 314, est. 365,000-545,000/ $400,000-600,000)

Natural pearls - the rising stars of all gemstones - achieved strong prices. An extremely fine and highly important natural pearl necklace realized $5,672,982, almost four times its pre-sale estimate (lot 356, est. CH F 1,320,000-2,250,000/ $1,450,000- 2,450,000) . It was designed as a graduated row of fifty-two pearls measuring from approximately 7.95 to 12.50mm with a length of approximately 525 mm. 

Jewels with Important Provenance 

Continuing Sotheby's long tradition of offering jewels with noble and important provenance, the sale presented jewels from th e Collection of Odile de Richelieu (1879-1974), Countess Gabriel de La Rochefoucauld , Princess de La Rochefoucauld, daughter of the Duke of Richelieu and descendant to the family of the Cardinal de Richelieu, Louis XIII's chief minister and eminence grise. Sold in aid of a charitable foundation , the collection included The Richelieu Sapphires, a pair of rare and magnificent Kashmir sapphires weighing a total of 47 carats, mounted with diamonds as earrings which generated a lot of enthusiasm and sold for $8,358,520 - an auction record for sapphire jewels, a Kashmir sapphire and a record price per carat for a sapphire (lot 371, est. CHF 2,300,000-4,200,000/ $2,500,000- 4,500,000, photo below).

The sale was further distinguished with jewels from the Estate of the late Gunter Sachs (1932-2011), including a gem-set and diamond parure "Tutti Frutti" by Cartier which achieved $607,080 (lot 337, est. CH F 230,000-365,000/ $250,000- 400,000). A superb Art Deco bracelet from the 1930s, centering on a marquise-shaped diamond weighing 9.38 carats, which can also be worn as a choker realized $1,051,763, four times its pre-sale low estimate (lot 338, est. CHF 230,000-365,000/ $250,000-400,000).

The auction also featured a magnificent jewel that once belonged to Lily Pons (1898-1976), the celebrated international opera singer. Th is emerald and diamond necklace made by Van Cleef & Arpels circa 1948 almost doubled the pre-sale expectation and sold for $450,133 (lot 336, est. CH F 230,000- 320,000/ $250,000-350,000).

Sotheby’s has been uniting collectors with world‐class works of art since 1744. Sotheby’s became the first international auction house when it expanded from London to New York (1955), the first to conduct sales in Hong Kong (1973) and France (2001), and the first international fine art auction house in China (2012). Today, Sotheby’s presents auctions in 8 different salesrooms, including New York, London, Hong Kong, Paris, and Geneva and Sotheby’s BidNow program allows visitors to view all auctions live online and place bids in real‐time from anywhere in the world. Sotheby’s offers collectors the resources of Sotheby’s Financial Services, the world’s only full‐service art financing company, as well as private sale opportunities in more than 70 categories, including S|2, gallery arm of Sotheby's Contemporary Art department, as well as Sotheby’s Diamonds and Sotheby’s Wine.
Sotheby’s has a global network of 90 offices in 40 countries and is the oldest company listed on the New York Stock Exchange (BID).

For More News From Sotheby’s:Visit: www.sothebys.com/en/inside/services/press/news/news.htmlFollow: www.twitter.com/sothebys
Join: www.facebook.com/sothebys & www.weibo.com/sothebyshongkong
Watch: www.youtube.com/sothebys

Auction brings successful US/International Diamond Week to a close

The closing day of the March-17-20 US/International Diamond Week at the Israel Diamond Exchange (IDE) ended with an exceptionally well-attended auction of spectacular white and colored diamonds and gemstone jewelry by Tzoffey's 1818. Reportedly, more than 30 lots were sold. 

An oval cut fancy color diamond weighing 11.56 cts., set with two taper baguette side stones,  set in
white gold was one of the items sold at auction during the US / International Diamond Week in Israel.

IDE President Yair Sahar paid tribute to Tzoffey's 1818 owner Avner Sofiov putting together the idea of the auction, creating the lots of diamonds and gemstones, and making it a reality in less than two months. "To be able to make something like this take place in two months is exceptional," Sahar said. He added that 1 percent of the proceeds from the auction would be donated to the IDE's Friends for Friends organization to help people in need. IDE Vice President Ilan Samuel bought a heart-shaped brown diamond weighing 1.96 carats and then put the diamond back into the auction and donated the money from the sale to Friends for Friends.

Among the highlights of the auction, which included more than 30 lots, was a 1.27-carat fancy intense purple pink cushion cut GIA certified diamond of SI1 clarity that sold for US$242,000. Among the other items was a platinum ring set with a 10.19-carat cushion-cut diamond pave set with brilliant-cut diamonds, a man's ring set with a cabochon sapphire weighing 7.83 carats and mounted in yellow gold and signed by French designer Reza, and an outstanding oval-cut fancy color diamond weighing 11.56 carats set in white gold.

In addition, there was an emerald and diamond ring, with the square-cut emerald weighing 13.91 carats and set among 3.02 carats of pear-shaped diamonds in white gold, as well as a cushion-cut ruby weighing 6.22 carats set in white gold and with white pave-set diamonds on either side, and many other outstanding jewelry items.

Before the auction, diamantaires from Israel and overseas were given a presentation by renowned diamond industry analyst Chaim Even-Zohar, President of Tacy Ltd., on the issue of the global diamond market. Even-Zohar, who publishes an annual diamond pipeline chart showing the production of rough goods from diamond-producing nations and the value of the diamonds and how much is added at each stage through manufacturing and sales to the consumer, said he did not expect rough prices in 2013 and 2014 to rise "meaningfully," and added that prices would continue to be volatile.

He said that annual rough sales globally were $15 billion, while polished sales were $22 billion, meaning manufacturers added value is just $7 billion. "Manufacturers are the suckers between the mining firms and jewelers." Although manufacturers lost money in 2011 and 2012, their financial situation has never been better. As a result of the financial crisis they had injected equity into their companies, and borrowing had fallen, Even Zohar noted.

However, it is imperative that banks provide credit to the diamond industry as that is the only way to survive and expand. "The business cannot grow without credit."

Even-Zohar also spoke about the danger to the industry posed by synthetic stones, saying that of the $22 billion of polished goods last year at least $500 million were synthetics. Manufacturing of synthetics has ramped up considerably with manufacturers installing hundreds of machines. "In addition, there is a perfect system where synthetic stones are made by Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) and then improved using the High Pressure-High Temperature (HPHT) system."

Even-Zohar also spoke about the danger to the industry of recycled diamonds and stones being sold to the ever-expanding pawn business in the United States which he estimated to have an annual value of $1.2 billion. "There are enough diamonds held by households for the next 40-50 years if they were to all go back into the market. Those are the kinds of volumes we are talking about," he said.

Sotheby’s: Magnificent Jewels from the Collection of Mrs. Charles Wrightsman

Sotheby’s To Offer

Magnificent Jewels from the Collection of

Mrs. Charles Wrightsman

DEDICATED AUCTION TO BE HELD IN NEW YORK ON 5 DECEMBER 2012

Sotheby’s is honored to announce that it will offer an important selection of jewelry from the collection of philanthropist, arts patron and collector Mrs. Charles Wrightsman in a dedicated auction on 5 December 2012 in New York. Magnificent Jewels from the Collection of Mrs. Charles Wrightsman will comprise more than 60 lots reflective of Mrs. Wrightsman’s elegant personal style, with historically important pieces spanning from 19th century diamond jewels to contemporary designs by JAR – evidence of her comprehensive taste and connoisseurship.  Select highlights from the sale will travel to Hong Kong, Geneva, Los
Angeles and London* before returning for exhibition in Sotheby’s York Avenue galleries beginning 1 December, alongside the auction of Magnificent Jewels.

“It is a privilege to offer these superb jewels from Mrs. Wrightsman’s collection,” commented Lisa Hubbard, Sotheby’s Chairman, North and South America, International Jewelry Division. “Included are designs from Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Verdura, Bulgari, Tiffany & Co., Boucheron, Fred Leighton and JAR. Each piece is interesting in its own right, with many fashioned to her personal specifications by her jewelers of choice, and all crafted for effect. The selection is carefully curated and meant to be worn, and together provides insight into Mrs. Wrightsman’s much-admired style. The collection is multifaceted and includes jewels for every occasion, classic designs that are a mixture of color and texture, and jewels that define elegance and sparkle in candlelight.”

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE COLLECTION

Magnificent Natural Pearl and Diamond Corsage Ornament, circa 1910
Estimate $800,000/1.2 million**
The Belle Epoque brooch inspired by Eastern design motifs features three Golconda-type diamonds, weighing 8.67 carats, 8.78 carats, 9.59 carats



Diamond Ribbon Bow Brooch, circa 1840
Estimate $200/300,000
Formerly in the Collection of HRH Princess Marina, Duchess of Kent

Rare Natural Gray Pearl and Diamond Brooch
Estimate $400/600,000
This jewel has been called an “exceptional natural pearl” by the SSEF laboratory in Switzerland, who also state that the pearl “possesses outstanding characteristics and merits special mention and appreciation.”





Pair of Art Deco Emerald and Diamond Earclips, Cartier, London, 1934
Estimate $200/300,000
With two Colombian emerald drops weighing approximately 50 carats





Carved Ruby and Diamond Clip-Brooch, by Cartier, London, with an Emerald Pendant
Estimate $75/100,000
The Colombian emerald drop weighing over 100 carats



Pair of Cabochon Sapphire and Diamond Earclips, JAR Paris
Estimate $150/250,000




Briolette Diamond Ring, JAR Paris
Estimate $250/350,000
Suspending a briolette diamond drop weighing 10.28 carats

*Exhibition Calendar

Hong Kong: 5 – 8 October

Geneva: 10 – 13 November

Los Angeles: 19 November

London: 23 – 26 November

**Estimates do not include buyer’s premium

Source: Sotheby's

Christies South Kensington Jewellery Auction Sept. 5th

ANNOUNCING!

Jewellery
Wednesday 5 September 2012
85 Old Brompton Road, London

South Kensington Jewellery Auction - click for eCatalog

SOTHEBY’S GENEVA TO AUCTION THE BEAU SANCY

SOTHEBY’S GENEVA TO AUCTION OVER 700 JEWELS

INCLUDING THE BEAU SANCY

A DIAMOND OF SUPREME HISTORICAL IMPORTANCE

JEWELS WITH ILLUSTRIOUS ARISTOCRATIC PROVENANCE

and IMPORTANT PRIVATE COLLECTIONS

On 14 and 15 May 2012, Sotheby’s Geneva will present over 700 lots in its sale of Magnificent Jewels and Noble Jewels. The two‐day sale will be spearheaded by one of the most important historic diamonds ever to come to auction: The Beau Sancy.

Commenting on the forthcoming sale, David Bennett, Chairman of Sotheby’s Jewellery Department in Europe and the Middle East and Co‐Chairman of Sotheby’s Switzerland said: “With fascinating Noble Jewels led by the legendary Beau Sancy diamond, several important private collections including the personal jewels of Suzanne Belperron, and many exceptional gemstones and period creations, the May auction should be a delight for all lovers of fine Jewellery”.


The Beau Sancy
At the heart of the sale will be The Beau Sancy, a diamond which has been the privileged witness of 400 years of European history. Passed down through the Royal Families of France, England, Prussia, and the House of Orange, the celebrated stone was worn by Marie de Medici in 1610 at her coronation as Queen Consort of Henri IV. The 34.98 carat modified pear double rose cut diamond was almost certainly discovered in the area of Golconda in India, the sole source of diamonds until the discoveries in Brazil in the 1720s (est. CHF 1,850,000‐3,650,000/ $2‐4 million, illustration above).



Noble Jewels
Continuing Sotheby’s long tradition of offering jewels with aristocratic provenance, Sotheby’s 

Geneva 6th annual sale of Noble Jewels will bring together gems of great historical significance having belonged to prestigious European families. 


Following the record for a tiara established by Sotheby’s Geneva last May1, the forthcoming auction will include The Murat Tiara, an impressive pearl and diamond jewel created in 1920 by Joseph Chaumet for the marriage of Prince Alexandre Murat (1889 – 1926) to Yvonne Gillois (1894 – 1961) (est. CHF 1,375,000 ‐ 2,285,000/ $1,500,000 – 2,500,000, illustrated left).






Prince Alexandre Murat, through his ancestry with Joachim Murat (1767 – 1815) who married Caroline Bonaparte, Napoleon’s sister, was associated with one of the most glorious periods of French history. The heroic cavalry charges of Joachim Murat, an inn‐keeper’s son from Gascony, contributed to the victories of Iéna, Eylau and Austerlitz and from 1808‐1814 he and Caroline were popular rulers of the Kingdom of Naples and Sicily. The diadem boasts one of the largest natural pearls ever recorded, at 303.37 grains. As stated by the SSEF laboratory, “the main pearl in the center is outstanding in its size and one of the most important pearls certified so far at the SSEF” and “natural pearls of this size, quality and with a documented historic provenance are very rare and thus the described tiara with three large pearls represents a very exceptional treasure”.





In addition to the Beau Sancy, the sale will feature several jewels with royal provenance. Among them is a necklace suspending a detachable pear‐shaped D colour diamond weighing 41.40 carats and coming from the collection of a member of a royal family (est. CHF 2,750,000‐4,550,000 / $3,000,000‐5,000,000, illustrated left).





Another piece of historical importance is to be found in a diamond brooch set with a 7.33 carat Fancy deep yellow diamond coming from the collection of Prince Filippo Corsini, a descendant of the illustrious Florentine family whose history dates back to the 12th century and whose lineage includes many popes (est. CHF 280,000‐480,000/$300,000‐500,000, illustrated below).



The central diamond was offered to the Corsini family by Charles Edward Stuart (1720 – 1788) in the 1770s, most certainly in gratitude for their support during his years of exile. Most commonly known as "Bonnie Prince Charlie", Charles Edward Stuart was the second Jacobite pretender to the thrones of Great Britain and Ireland. His attempt to make the Stuarts regain the crown ended with the Battle of Culloden in 1745 which precipitated his exile to France and Italy. It is possible that the diamond was inherited by Prince Charles from his mother Marie‐Clementina Sobieski, Granddaughter of King John III of Poland and, therefore, was originally part of the Sobieski Jewellery Collection.

Thirteen jewels from the Estate of the late Prince Kinsky will also be presented, shedding light on the history of one of most illustrious and oldest dynasties originating from Bohemia. Tracing its roots back to the thirteen century, the House of Kinsky was part of the most powerful and influential families in the region in the 18th and 19th centuries. Its members served in high diplomatic or military positions of the Habsburg Monarchy and subsequently the Austrian Empire. An Important natural pearl and diamond necklace made circa 1880 evokes the splendour and lavish style of the imperial court (est. CHF 275,000–460,000 / $300,000–500,000, illustrated).



Enjoying a similarly illustrious provenance is a selection of jewels coming from the collection of a member of the Princely Family of Thurn und Taxis.  Among them is a very fine emerald and diamond demi‐parure, composed of a necklace and a pair of earrings, which was purchased by  
Albert, 8th Prince of Thurn und Taxis around 1890, most certainly as a wedding present for Austrian Archduchess Margarete whom he married on 15 July in that year (est. CHF 200,000 ‐ 300,000/ $220,000 – 330,000).
Another highlight from this group is an attractive sapphire and diamond bandeau dating rom early 1930, accompanied by a fitted case which was painted by Princess Margarete of Thurn und Taxis (est. CHF 75,000‐130,000/ $80,000‐ 140,000, illustrated above left).




Typical of the early twentieth century is a fine sapphire and diamond brooch/pendant dating from circa 1910 which belonged to the Italian Countess Adriana Guillichini della Gherardesca (est. CHF 185,000‐370,000/$200,000‐400,000, illustrated below).

JEWELLERY SALES

Sotheby’s Geneva, Hôtel Beau‐Rivage

13 Quai du Mont‐Blanc, 1205 Geneva

14 & 15 May 2012

Jewels from the personal Collection of Suzanne Belperron

Monday 14 May, 10am (lots 1‐60)

Magnificent Jewels & Noble Jewels

Monday 14 May

11am: Session 1 (lots 61‐186)

2pm: Session 2 (lots 187‐337)

5pm: Session 3 (lots 338‐479)

Tuesday 15 May

5pm: Noble Jewels (lots 480‐595)

7pm: A Superb Private Collection of Gems & Jewels (lots 596‐674)

Magnificent Jewels (lots 675‐734)

EXHIBITION

Hôtel Beau‐Rivage, Geneva

11‐13 May, 10am‐6pm

Monday 14 May, 10am‐7pm (selection of lots)

Tuesday 15 May, 10am‐5pm (selection of lots)

...more from this important sale, closer to the sale date!