It is a rare event to view such a beautiful and highly important collection of jewels and it is a unique testament to its knowledgeable collector, Dimitri Mavrommatis.
This fine collection brings together very rare precious stones and avant-garde jewellery designs, reflecting the unerring instinct of this consummate collector, and placing it among the most important ensembles of jewels and gemstones.
This autumn, Sotheby’s Magnificent Jewels and Noble Jewels auction in Geneva presents the Collection of eminent connoisseur Dimitri Mavrommatis, comprising the Graff Ruby, a gem Burmese ruby of 8.62 carats, alongside an exceptional 27.54 carat Kashmir sapphire ring and a selection of fine gemstones including white and coloured diamonds and Colombian emeralds. The collection also features unique pieces by the celebrated jeweller JAR.
The step-cut sapphire weighing 27.54 carats, set between pear-shaped diamond shoulders, size 53, together with an alternative ring mount, Graff.
The marquise-shaped diamond weighing 16.37 carats, set between tapered baguette diamond shoulders, size 59, signed Graff, together with an alternative ring mount, Graff.
The cushion-shaped fancy intense blue diamond weighing 3.16 carats, set between tapered baguette diamonds.
Each suspending a pendeloque morganite embellished with circular-cut ruby clusters within a border of single-cut diamonds, signed JAR.
LEFT: PAIR OF SUPERB SAPPHIRE, RUBY AND DIAMOND EARRINGS, JAR
Each of circular form, pavé-set with circular-cut sapphires of various hues ranging from light pink to purplish blue, surmounted with a stylised cage set with a cushion-shaped stone, one a diamond weighing 3.06 carats, the other a ruby weighing 4.89 carats, and lines of single-cut diamonds, signed JAR.
RIGHT: PAIR OF VERY FINE NATURAL PEARL, RUBY AND DIAMOND EARRINGS, JAR
Each of quatrefoil design, set with a button-shaped natural pearl within a bombé surround of circular-cut rubies and single-cut diamonds, post and hinged back fittings, signed JAR.
You can admire all these pieces in this video released by Sotheby’s:
Another highlight of the sale is a private collection of exquisite Cartier pieces including a superb “Model A” Mystery Clock.
The millegrain-set diamond hands set within a gold frame and a chapter ring applied with mother-of-pearl, rose diamonds and raised gold Roman numerals, the bevelled rock crystal case on a onyx rectangular base.
In the Noble Jewels section, the spotlight falls on Queen Joséphine’s natural pearl and diamond necklace, a jewel of historical importance, formerly in the collection of Joséphine de Beauharnais, Queen of Sweden and Norway (1807-1876) and likely once the property of Joséphine de Beauharnais (1763- 1814), first wife of Napoleon Bonaparte and Empress of the French.
The necklace was inherited from her mother, Princess Augusta of Bavaria, Duchess of Leuchtenberg (1788-1856), who likely received it as a gift from her mother-in-law Joséphine de Beauharnais (1763-1814), first wife of Napoleon Bonaparte and Empress of the French.
Well-documented royal provenance adds to the value of this double row of beautiful round, white pearls with seven detachable pear-shaped drops. The necklace is illustrated in Queen’s Jewels by Vincent Meylan (2000), and was exhibited at the National Museum in Stockholm for the exhibition Precious gems: Jewellery from eight centuries (2000).
Composed of two strands of natural pearls measuring from approximately 6.25 to 8.45mm, suspending seven detachable drop shaped natural pearls, measuring from approximately 9.50 x 9.55 x 13.85mm to 14.10 x 14.85 x 21.25mm, capped with rose diamonds, the clasp set with a cushion-shaped diamond, shortest length approximately 400mm, each pearl strand detachable, fitted case.
The necklace is accompanied by an oil portrait which depicts the Queen of Sweden and Norway wearing the piece:
To follow David Bennett, Chairman of Sotheby’s Switzerland and Chairman of the Jewellery Department for Europe and the Middle East:
We are thrilled to be offering exquisite jewels from the Collection of Dimitri Mavrommatis, such as the sensational Graff Ruby, alongside stunning creations by JAR. The exceptional quality of this collection is a testament to Dimitri Mavrommatis’ discerning eye and impeccable taste. The sale also offers a very fine selection of striking diamonds and magnificent coloured gemstones, as well as several very impressive pieces with historic significance and fascinating provenance, presenting collectors with a wonderful opportunity to own truly unique jewels.
Material courtesy of Sotheby’s official web site and of Sotheby’s press office.
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