Yesterday Christie’s Magnificent Jewels auction, which took place in Geneva, Hotel des Bergues, fetched a total result of US$ 97,515,535, selling 77% by lot and 81% by value.
In this video the splendid auction highlights:
Quite interesting numbers characterised the sale:
- the world auction record set for a Kashmir sapphire
- 138 buyers from 24 countries
- strong results for coloured gems and natural pearls
- animated competition on jewels signed JAR
Here is the top ten of lots sold at the auction
1) The top lot and number 1 in this chart was the rectangular-cut fancy vivid pink diamond ring of 5.18 carats, which sold for US$ 10,709,442.
2) A pear-shaped D-colour Flawless Type IIa diamond of 55.52 carats which sold for US$ 9,517,945.
Accompanied by report no. 1162568312 dated 24 October 2014 from the GIA Gemological Institute of America stating that the diamond is D colour, Flawless clarity, with Excellent Polish and Excellent Symmetry and a Diamond Type Classification letter stating that the diamond is Type IIa.
3) A cushion-cut Kashmir Sapphire ring of 35.09 carats, which went for US$ 7,357,999, establishing the world auction record for a Kashmir Sapphire.
This exceptional stone is accompanied by report no. 77675 dated 1 December 2014 from the SSEF Swiss Gemmological Institute stating that the sapphire is of Kashmir origin, with no indications of heating, and an additional comment stating that this colour variety of sapphire may also be called ‘Royal Blue’ in the trade, together with an Appendix stating that this sapphire has an ‘..attractive and saturated blue colour and outstanding purity. Its vivid blue hues are further pronounced by its well-proportioned cutting style and multiple internal reflections’.
4) A late 19th century single-strand natural pearl necklace, measuring circa 11.1 to 7.8 mm.
Composed of forty-three graduated natural pearls, measuring approximately 11.2 to 7.9 mm, to the circular-cut diamond pinched collect clasp, mounted in gold. Accompanied by report no. 79742 dated 30 March 2015 from the SSEF Swiss Gemmological Institute stating that the 43 pearls are natural saltwater pearls, and an Appendix letter stating that ‘..These pearls are highly matching in their round to roundish shape and their very fine surface lustre.(…). Assembling a matching selection of natural pearls of this size and quality is very rare and exceptional.’
5) A cushion-cut Burmese ruby ring of 30.20 carats which went US$ 3,408,084.
6) A brilliant-cut F-colour Internally Flawless diamond pendant of 30.20 carats which sold for US$ 3,049,001.
7) A rectangular-cut fancy purplish pink Internally Flawless Type IIa diamond ring of 7.47 carats which went for US$ 2,570,223.
8) A three-strand natural pearl and diamond necklace, measuring 12.2 to 5.3 mm which sold for US$ 2,313,735.
Composed of sixty-four, sixty and fifty-five natural pearls and two cultured pearls, measuring approximately 12.2 to 5.3 mm, to the single-cut diamond-set clasp, mounted in gold, shortest row 48.2 cm, in green leather Sabbadini pouch.
Clasp signed Sabbadini.
9) A rectangular step-cut D colour SI1 Type IIa diamond ring of 27.49 carats which went for US$ 2,313,735.
10) A rectangular-cut E colour, VVS2 diamond ring of 18.26 carats, by Bulgari, which sold for US$ 2,057,247.
A fierce battle was also fought for the four jewels signed JAR, which totalled US$ 1,714,195.
Finally, Royal Emerals of India: a pair of antique Colombian emerald Indian bangles, circa 1900, sold for US$ 1,736,637.
Edited by Claudia Carletti, Jewellery Through Time. All material courtesy of Christie’s.
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