Sotheby’s Geneva – Magnificent Jewels and Noble Jewels

May 2nd, 2012 by

The Noble Jewels session on the 15th May is led by the sensational Beau Sancy diamond, a stone of supreme historical importance with an impeccable royal provenance stretching back to Marie de Medici; also featured is the Murat tiara commissioned by Prince Alexandre Murat in 1920 from Chaumet and set with one of the largest natural pearls ever recorded. Enjoying similarly illustrious provenance is a selection of jewels from the collection of a member of the Princely Family of Thurn und Taxis, the collection of the late Prince Kinsky, and the collection of Prince Filippo Corsini to name but a few.

 

The Magnificent Jewels section features a superb emerald and diamond necklace by Bulgari as well as  impressive D colour, Internally Flawless diamonds. Leading this group is an exceptional 36.43 carat modified oval step‐cut, Type IIa, diamond ring by Harry Winston, and a very fine 21.88 carat pear-shaped diamond ring by Van Cleef & Arpels.  Also D colour are a 22.10 carat, Potentially Flawless, diamond ring, and a highly important diamond necklace supporting a 41.40 carat, VVS2 clarity, pear-shaped stone.

 

Coming to auction alongside the Magnificent Jewels and Noble Jewels sale is an important private collection of fine jewels and gemstones. Assembled by two generations of a discerning family, from the mid-1960s until the present day, this collection is a celebration of taste, style and colour. Comprising over 75 pieces, it reflects the passion for gemstones that animated the family for 50 years, while also featuring jewels signed by the greatest makers of the 20th century, including Bulgari, Cartier, Harry Winston and Van Cleef and Arpels.