Christie‟s Geneva offers at auction a selection of magnificent jewels and gemstones on November 13. The Geneva sale this autumn will feature 350 lots led by the highly anticipated historical “Archduke Joseph” Golconda diamond. In addition, the sale will present several colourless, yellow, pink, blue and “chameleon” diamonds, Burmese rubies, Colombian emeralds, Kashmir sapphires, natural pearls and signed jewels that are estimated to fetch in excess of SFr. 50 million.

The sale will be led by the‟Archduke Joseph‟ diamond, an exquisite cushion-shaped Golconda diamond, weighing 76.02 carats, of D colour and Internally Flawless clarity, that once belonged to Archduke Joseph of Austria.

Coloured diamonds that will be featured include a fancy pink/VVS2 cushion-shaped diamond ring of 12.16 carats (estimate: US$3,000,000-5,000,000;), a fancy vivid yellow/VS rectangular-cut diamond of 70.19 carats (estimate: US$3,100,000-5,100,000), and an impressive brooch by Wartski set in the late 1920s with a fancy intense blue shield-shaped diamond of 3.33 carats (estimate: US$1,000,000-1,500,000). Two G colour, VVS1, brilliant-cut diamonds will be presented as two distinctive lots, yet forming „The Perfect Match‟ (estimate: US$2,200,000-2,500,000).

The finest natural pearls

Prized since ancient times, strands of natural pearls matching in colour, lustre and shapes are exceedingly rare. Christie‟s Geneva is honoured to present a fine example: a two-strand natural pearl and diamond necklace by Chaumet, formerly the property of Baroness Zoé Lambert, née de Rothschild (estimate: US$420,000-630,000).

Collectors of natural pearls of great sizes will also find an extremely rare Belle Époque pendant set with a grey-brown drop-shaped pearl, weighing an impressive 227.24 grains (estimate: S$710,000-910,000), and an antique single-strand natural pearl and diamond necklace from the 19th Century (estimate: US$450,000-580,000).

Private collections

No less than six private collections will be auctioned at Christie’s Geneva on 13 November. One of the most charming collections on offer is “Italian Beauty: The property of an Italian private collector” and will feature 56 lots. Among these are 14 colourful jewels by the renowned American designer David Webb, including two lavish enamelled bangles (“White horse” estimated at US$13,000-19,000; “Zebra” estimated at US$11,000-16,000),

some fine Art Deco desk clocks by Cartier, bold Retro bangles - such as an attractive gold and diamond bangle by Cartier Paris, 1940s, estimated at US$5,400-7,500, and important gemstones exemplified by an antique 60.44 carats Ceylon sapphire and diamond brooch (estimate: US$380,000-510,000. Another refined private collection of 31 lots, includes an important Art Deco sapphire and diamond sautoir by Bulgari (estimate: US$320,000-530,000); as well as a selection of fine Art Deco jewels. Amongst the treasures offered from distinct private collections at Christie’s Geneva are also legendary jewels by Van Cleef & Arpels, such as the “Zip” necklace and bracelet (estimate: US$150,000-200,000), and a selection of the house‟s celebrated mystery-set flower brooches.

Famous mines

Burma Colombia and Kashmir are famously known to be the cradle of the best, rubies emeralds and sapphires respectively, displaying the richest hues and the most vivid saturations. When such stones are in the hands of great jewellers, the result can be breathtaking, as displayed by the pair of Colombian pear-shaped emerald and diamond ear pendants by Harry Winston, offered from the “Property of a Lady of Title” (estimate: US$380,000-570,000), or the pair of Burmese cushion-shaped ruby (7.94 and 7.22 carats) and diamond ear pendants by Bulgari (estimate: US$310,000-510,000). An impressive hexagonal-cut emerald ring weighing approximately 18.86cts is estimated at US$910,000-1,300,000. Sapphires from Kashmir possess a mesmerizing velvety blue hue and large examples are rare to find. Christie’s Geneva will also offer a 30.07 cushion-shaped carat Sapphire and diamond ring with an estimate of US$1,500,000-2,000,000.

Mughal jewellery

Also highlighted in the sale is a magnificent collection of Mughal jewels. Comprising five lots, it includes a museum quality 18th century ruby, diamond and enamelled fly-whisk in exceptional condition (estimate: US$420,000-630,000), an exquisite 18th century emerald and diamond “sarpech” (estimate: US$370,000-580,000), and a pair of 19th century ruby and diamond “paizebs” (anklets), suspending a fringe of diamonds (estimate: US$320,000-530,000).

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