Christie’s presents 65 fabulous jewels by Italian jewellery designer Michele della Valle-all offered without reserve-which highlight the artist’s use of dazzling coloured gemstones to bring whimsical designs to life.
After the very strong results achieved for the first jewels online sales of 2021, Christie’s presents Colorful Whimsy: Jewels by Michele della Valle. The online sale opens for bidding on 3rd March and closes on 17th March 2021.
Michele della Valle, who was born in Rome, began designing costume jewelry at the age of 16. Throughout his imaginative career, della Valle has stayed true to his love of colourful gemstones used in unexpected ways, and drawing inspiration from nature: carving pastel pink opals into billowing flower petals, using richly saturated red agate as cherries suspended from diamond stems, applying brilliant yellow sapphire pavé to enliven lemons as if fresh from a morning dew. We look forward to welcoming you into della Valle’s world of fine jewels and colorful whimsy with this dazzling online-only capsule sale.
The jewellery artist remarks, “I am delighted to collaborate with Christie’s to present this specially curated 65 lot online-only sale of my creations. My roots at Christie’s run deep—back in 1976, I brought the very first gemstone I ever purchased in Burma to Christie’s for sale, and soon after, seeking out fine gems, designing and creating jewellery became my life’s passion. Constantly inspired by my surroundings, whether that be in the country or in the middle of a metropolitan city, this selection celebrates earthly creations and love. For this very special sale offered from Christie’s New York, I created a brooch inspired by the iconic city skyline – complete with shimmering diamond and sapphire pavé, and a patinated copper Statue of Liberty. A brooch to represent the vibrancy of the city that never sleeps.”
Estimate: $4,000-6,000. By Michele Della Valle
Estimate: $8,000-12,000. By Michele Della Valle
Caroline Ervin, Specialist for Christie’s Jewels, comments: “Christie’s is excited to present an online-only auction from one of the most vibrant names in jewellery—Michele della Valle. With a background in opera and the arts, della Valle’s aptitude for creative output knows no bounds. For decades, della Valle has delighted jewellery collectors and fans alike with his bold and colourful creations. Renowned for sourcing interesting coloured gemstones and using them in unexpected ways, the result is dazzling and whimsical creations, which we are pleased to present to usher in the spring season.”
Estimate: $5,000-7,000. By Michele Della Valle
Estimate: $15,000-25,000. By Michele Della Valle
