Sotheby’s forthcoming High Jewelry Sale, scheduled on 11 November at the city’s Mandarin Oriental hotel, Geneva, brings together an exceptional selection of jewels, led by a outstanding coloured diamonds: Leading the sale is an oval modified, brilliant-cut 8.63-carat Fancy Intense Pink diamond, estimated at $4-$6 million; a Graff ring featuring a 2.88-carat pear-shaped Fancy Deep Blue diamond pear-shaped Fancy Deep Blue diamond flanked by pear-shaped white diamonds estimated at $2–$3 million; an unmounted 8.11- carat cushion-cut Fancy Pink diamond, graded VVS1, is estimated at $2–$3 million; and an unmounted 18.03-carat step-cut Fancy Vivid Yellow diamond, estimated at $1–$2 million.
The curation spans from important diamonds and rare coloured gemstones to historic masterpieces and iconic creations of exceptional artistry by Boucheron, Bulgari, Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Bhagat and JAR.
“The strength of this season’s High Jewelry sale lies not only in the exceptional quality of its diamonds and gemstones, but also in the breadth of collecting opportunities it presents. From important, coloured diamonds and unmounted treasures to exceptional creations spanning over a century of jewellery excellence by the world’s greatest jewellery houses, the sale celebrates jewellery in all its forms. It is a selection defined by rarity, creativity and craftsmanship, offering collectors the chance to acquire jewels of both enduring beauty and lasting significance,” said Jessica Wyndham, Head of High Jewelry, Sotheby’s Geneva.
Extraordinary Coloured Gemstones
The sale presents an outstanding selection of coloured gemstones led by a ruby and diamond ring centred on a 5.027-carat Pigeon blood ruby, estimated at $1–$1.5 million (pictured below).
Among the sapphire highlights are three exceptional examples: an impressive sapphire and diamond ring by Harry Winston (see below), set with a 69.44 carat Ceylon, no heat sapphire, estimated at $700,000 – $900,000.
The ring below is set with a 28.46-carat step-cut Royal Blue sapphire from Ceylon displaying no indications of heating and is estimated at $315,000–$510,000.
A spectacular Bulgari necklace dating from circa 1970, suspending a dramatic three-layer fringe of 35 Burmese sapphire drops from a diamond-set bib recently featured in the Bulgari exhibition in Tokyo’ Bvlgari Kaleidos: Colors, Cultures and Crafts, estimated at $155,000-$240,000. Combining exceptional gemstones with unmistakable Bulgari design, the necklace demonstrates the maison’s mastery of colour and scale.
Jewellery Masterpieces
The sale brings curated creations by some of the world’s most celebrated jewellers, highlighting the artistry, innovation and craftsmanship that define high jewellery at its finest.
A striking transformable Boucheron diamond tiara dating from circa 1900 (pictured below), and estimated at $42,000-$60,000, epitomises the elegance and versatility that characterised the great jewels of the Belle Époque era. Designed to be detached and worn as a necklace, it is a compelling example of the transformable jewels that remain highly sought-after among collectors.
Cartier is represented by a remarkable trio of Tutti Frutti jewels with a usual combination of tanzanite, moonstone, aquamarine, onyx and diamonds, offering a suite comprising a bracelet estimated at $180,000-$300,000, a pair of earrings estimated at $60,000-$95,000, and a ring estimated at $95,000-$145,000. The jewels showcase the maison’s celebrated ability to combine colour, carving and design into creations of extraordinary visual impact.
Contemporary excellence is represented by two striking creations by Bhagat. Estimated at $195,000-$315,000, a pair of natural pearl and diamond pendant earrings combines rare natural pearls with the firm’s characteristically refined craftsmanship.
A second pair of earrings featured on top, is designed with emerald beads and diamonds, demonstrating Bhagat’s unique ability to reinterpret the forms and traditions of Indian jewellery through a distinctly modern lens.
The sale also highlights the contemporary imaginative possibilities of jewellery as an artistic medium. Estimated $60,000-$120,000, a celebrated Carnation brooch by JAR, transforms a jade snuff bottle into an enchanting floral creation.
