Christie’s Geneva to host Magnificent Jewels in May

Christie’s Geneva will unfold its ‘traditional’ spring auction of ‘Magnificent Jewels’ at the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues on May 16, 2012. The sale will offer over 340 lots estimated in excess of $50 million.

The highlight of this sale is a pair of pear-shaped diamond earrings by Harry Winston (16.21 and 15.67 carats, D/VVS2, potentially flawless), estimated at US$3,200,000-3,900,000.

Rahul Kadakia, Head of Christie's New York and Geneva Jewellery Departments, commented: “Royal Indian jewels, spectacular gemstones, superb diamonds, and a selection of the finest vintage and contemporary jewels will highlight Christie’s 16 May Magnificent Jewels auction in Geneva.”

Apart from the exceptional pair of pear-shaped diamond earrings by Harry Winston, the sale will be highlighted with a fancy Brown-Orange diamond ring of 23.60 carats estimated at US$600,000-800,000). It carries a legacy of being once offered to Elizabeth Taylor by Richard Burton in 1975. Amongst the finest jewels for sale is a stunning diamond flower brooch estimated at US$2,500,000-3,500,000.

In the category of Gemstones being offered are some exceptional pieces including a cushion-shaped Kashmir sapphire ring of 33.07cts estimated at US$2,500,000-3,000,000; a 14.66 carat Fancy Intense Yellow, a 52.28 carat Fancy Yellow, cultured pearl and ruby brooch, and a 47.15 carat octagonal-cut Burmese sapphire and diamond brooch by Mellerio.

The category of Antique jewellery includes a a Belle Epoque old-cut diamond tiara from the collection of a noble Genoese family and which was specially commissioned by Italian jeweller Filippo Chiappe (1863-1936), for the wedding of Count Carlo Raggio and Marchioness Tea Spinola in 1909.

Seven creations by JAR will be offered including a stunning 3-stone diamond ring, an ebony, chalcedony and amethyst bangle, and a delicate pair of green beryl and tourmaline spiral ear clips, amongst others.

From the house of Cartier and its legendary ‘Big Cat’ series, the auction will offer a diamond, coloured diamond, onyx and emerald tiger brooch designed as a tiger hanging from a baguette-cut diamond hoop, its body, tail and head set with yellow diamonds and onyx. A sapphire and diamond panther brooch by Cartier will also be for sale.

The Maria Felix Parure and Superb Antique Indian Jewellery section will be dedicated to antique Indian jewels. It will offer a set of impressive diamond, enamel and gold jewellery from the collection of Mexican movie legend María Félix (1914-2002). This will include a brooch designed as a Mughal tulip set with table-cut diamonds, a bracelet set with octagonal and pear shaped table-cut diamonds, a necklace centering upon a table-cut diamond flower-head with old-cut diamond leaves, and a pair of modern ear pendants, designed as diamond flower-heads. This set dates back to the 19th century and will be offered as a single lot with an estimate of US$1,000,000-1,500,000. In the same section, a magnificent mid-18th century Indian emerald, diamond and enamel Sarpech or turban ornament will also be up for auction.