Christie’s Geneva Magnificent Jewels auction scheduled to be held on May 15, 2019 will have as its centrepiece a selection of historic jewels.

These “superb jewels of exceptional craftsmanship”, Christies’s says further, are not only of historical provenance but created by some of the most sought-after jewellery houses including Cartier, Bulgari, Van Cleef & Arpels and Harry Winston.

These magnificent jewels will be on view at Christie’s London from April 9 to 11; and at the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues, Geneva from May 10 to 15  during Christie’s Luxury Sales.

The collection of historic jewels includes an early 19th century emerald and diamond fringe necklace with royal provenance, which has been estimated at CHF/US$ 1,500,000 – 2,500,000.  

“Owned by Henri d’Orléans, Duke of Aumale (1822-1897), the jewel was gifted to his goddaughter Princess Hélène of France, Duchess of Aosta (1871-1951) on her marriage on 25 June 1895 to the Prince Emanuele Filiberto of Italy (1869-1931), Duke of Aosta,” said Christie’s providing a brief sketch of the piece’s historical significance. “During the 20th century, the necklace became part of the equally prestigious collection of Sybil Sassoon, Marchioness of Cholmondeley (1894-1989), the daughter of Sir Edward Sassoon and Baroness Aline de Rothschild. Miss Sassoon’s collection comprised jewels of exceptional quality. Part of her jewellery was sold at Christie’s and this historic necklace consequently became part of an important private collection.”

Another gem is a rare aquamarine and diamond tiara by Fabergé estimated at CHF/US$ 230,000-340,000, which is being offered at auction for the first time. “Made in 1904 as a wedding gift from Frederick Francis IV, Grand Duke of Mecklenburg-Schwerin (1882-1945) to his bride Princess Alexandra of Hanover and Cumberland (1882-1963), this Fabergé tiara is of symbolic design with forget-me-not flowers tied with ribbon bows, signifying true and eternal love, pierced by arrows representing cupid, a token of endearment, attraction and affection,” Christie’s said.

An equally scintillating piece, considered the leading jewel of the auction, is The Jonker V, a beautiful rectangular-cut, D colour diamond ring weighing 25.27 carats, set by Harry Winston and carrying an estimate tag of CHF/US$ 2,500,000 – 3,500,000. “On 17 January 1934, the extraordinary 726 carats rough diamond, from which The Jonker V was cut, was named after Johannes Jacobus Jonker, who discovered it,” said the auction house recounting its provenance. “At the time the Jonker was the fourth largest gem quality diamond ever unearthed. The stone was subsequently purchased by Joseph Bastiaenen of the Diamond Corporation Ltd., a company owned by Sir Ernest Oppenheimer. In 1935, it became the first of Harry Winston’s renowned acquisitions of exceptional and important diamonds. The Jonker was displayed during the Silver Jubilee Celebrations of the Coronation of King George V and Queen Mary that took place the same year.”

Apart from these jewels, the Magnificent Jewels auction will also offer extraordinary gemstones including coloured diamonds, emeralds, sapphires and pearls.

The selection of coloured diamonds includes a fancy deep blue heart shaped diamond ring of 2.22 and 2.00 carats (estimate: CHF/US$ 3,500,000 – 4,500,000); and an impressive fancy yellow old cushion cut diamond of 118.05 carats (estimate: CHF/US$ 2,500,000 – 3,500,000).

Furthermore, Christie’s noted other gems include an outstanding late 19th century necklace featuring a cushion-shaped Ceylon sapphire of 57.07 carats (estimate: CHF/US$ 600,000 – 800,000);  an impressive natural pearl sautoir, comprised of 110 natural pearls (estimate: CHF/US$ 2,500,000 – 3,500,000); and a superb pendant necklace featuring a pear-shaped emerald of 75.61 carats (CHF/US$ 2,000,000 – 3,000,000).

Pic Cap: Emerald and Diamond Pendant Necklace. Pear Shaped Emerald of 75.61 caratsEst: CHF 2,300,000; US$ 3,500,000

Pic Courtesy: Christie’s