Historic Jewels and Exceptional Gemstones Highlight the Geneva Magnificent Jewels Auction 15 May 2019

On 15 May 2019, Geneva Magnificent Jewels auction will be highlighted by superb jewels of exceptional craftsmanship, historical provenance and pieces by the most sought-after jewellery houses including Cartier, Bulgari, Van Cleef & Arpels and Harry Winston. The jewels will be on view at Christie’s London from 9 to 11 April and at the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues, Geneva from 10 to 15 May during Christie’s Luxury Sales.

HISTORICAL JEWELS

An early 19th century emerald and diamond fringe necklace with royal provenance will be offered (estimate: CHF/USD 1,500,000 – 2,500,000, illustrated above). 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. 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.

A rare aquamarine and diamond tiara by Fabergé (estimate: CHF/USD 230,000-340,000, illustrated page one) will be 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. Please click here for the dedicated press release.

A leading jewel of the auction will be The Jonker V, a beautiful rectangular-cut, D colour diamond ring weighing 25.27 carats, set by Harry Winston (estimate: CHF/USD 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. 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.

EXCEPTIONAL GEMSTONES

The Magnificent Jewels auction will present collectors with 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/USD 3,500,000 – 4,500,000), alongside an impressive fancy yellow old cushion cut diamond of 118.05 carats (estimate: CHF/USD 2,500,000 – 3,500,000). Sapphires will be represented by an outstanding late 19th century necklace featuring a cushion-shaped Ceylon sapphire of 57.07 carats (estimate: CHF/USD 600,000 – 800,000). Further highlights of the sale include an impressive natural pearl sautoir, comprised of one hundred and ten natural pearls (estimate: CHF/USD 2,500,000 – 3,500,000) and a superb pendent necklace featuring a pear-shaped emerald of 75.61 carats (CHF/USD 2,000,000 – 3,000,000).

About Christie’s

Christie’s, the world’s leading art business, had global auction, private and digital sales in 2018 that totalled £5.3 billion / $7 billion. Christie’s is a name and place that speaks of extraordinary art, unparalleled service and international expertise. Christie’s offers around 350 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 & Contemporary, Impressionist & Modern, Old Masters and Jewellery.

Alongside regular sales online, Christie’s has a global presence in 46 countries, with 10 salerooms around the world including in London, New York, Paris, Geneva, Milan, Amsterdam, Dubai, Zürich, Hong Kong, and Shanghai.

*Please note when quoting estimates above that other fees will apply in addition to the hammer price - see Section D of the Conditions of Sale at the back of the sale catalogue.

*Estimates do not include buyer’s premium. Sales totals are hammer price plus buyer’s premium and are reported net of applicable fees.