Geneva: What to Remember from the Jewelry Auctions
Twice a year, Geneva pulses to the rhythm of the auctioneer's gavel, hosting the "Luxury Week", a major event that brings together sales in the fields of watchmaking, jewelry, and art objects.
Last week, collectors and enthusiasts of rare pieces were treated to historic diamonds, rare colors, and legendary signatures. At Sotheby's, the week culminated in 41.3 million CHF, and a "white glove" session (100% of lots sold) for the "Royal & Noble Jewels" sale. /public-objects/752e877f-69c4-46bf-b72e-3a9544cc0d2a-c96eb01e-730a-461d-83e6-019f5aad6523-Lot%20664%2CHistorical%20and%20Important%20Unmounted%20Green%20Beryl%2C%20est%2032%2C000%20-%2048%2C000%20CHF.webp Image sélectionnée Leading the way, the spectacular diamond brooch-pendant that once adorned Emperor Napoleon's bicorne hat, allegedly lost while fleeing the Battle of Waterloo, caused a sensation. This coveted historical jewel of the year reached 30 times its low estimate to be sold for 3.5 million CHF. Another Napoleonic gem, a cushion-cut green beryl of 132.66 carats that Napoleon is said to have worn on his red cloak at his coronation, exceeded one million dollars (838’200 CHF) and was acquired by an American museum. Lastly, a ring adorned with a pink diamond that once belonged to Empress Catherine I of Russia, and then to Neslishah Sultan, one of the last grand princesses of the Ottoman Empire, was sold for 2.9 million CHF (12 times its low estimate). At Sotheby’s, the "High Jewelry" sale offered nearly 40 pieces under the name "Aria of Jewels: the Collection of a Distinguished Lady". This incredible private collection belonged to Antje-Katrin Kühnemann, the first female doctor to appear on German television and a great lover of jewelry and opera. In addition to Cartier, the sale gathered very colorful and bold pieces, often unique, including Sabadini and De Grisogono, among others. In total, the collection sold for 12.3 million CHF. /public-objects/9ffa3b6a-79bd-4c2f-a024-5c1a6e0c6d5c-c8c2740e-2a6b-4a05-bfab-3ddf03efc494-3d3bc558f42332feb3a24f09f1197777-l.webp Image sélectionnée Over at Christie's, the shining star of the "Magnificent Jewels" sale was the "Mellon Blue", an exceptional bright blue diamond weighing 9.51 carats. For decades, this gem belonged to American horticulturist, philanthropist and art collector Rachel Lambert Mellon, better known as Bunny Mellon, who is notably credited with the rose garden of the White House. The final hammer price: 20.5 million CHF for " one of the most beautiful colored stones ever to appear on the market ", according to Max Fawcett, recently promoted to Global Managing Director of Christie's Jewelry Department.