Christie’s global jewellery sales totaled over $270 million in 2009, reaffirming the company’s international leadership for the category and demonstrating how resilient the market has remained despite the economic downturn. Christie’s Geneva spring - Wednesday 12 May 2010 - 4pm & 6.30pm - Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues, Genevaauction will feature 220 magnificent stones and rare pieces of both period and signed jewellery, for an estimated total of US$22 millions.

Private collections

“Sparkle and Style” - The Property of a Lady

Christie’s is honoured to offer one of the most important diamond rivières ever to appear at auction Assembled over the last 40 years, the “Sparkle and Style” collection presented at Christie’s May sale in Geneva reflects the eye of a passionate jewellery collector.

Acquired all over the world, this group of unusual, bold and fun creations embodies an unconventional spirit, yet is also an expression of a knowledgeable and discerning choice of gemstones and designs. Legendary jewellers such as Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels are juxtaposed with contemporary designers such as De Grisogono, André Marcha and Yves Saint Laurent, adding a touch of fashion to this glamorous ensemble. The highlight of the collection is a spectacular diamond rivière of 20 brilliant-cut diamonds for a total weight of 155.17 carats (estimate: SFr. 1,900,000-2,500,000 / US$1,800,000-2,400,000, the diamonds unmounted.).The careful work of matching each diamond, the subtlety of the graduation and the lightness of the setting equally contribute to the beauty and appeal of the piece. The total diamond weight naturally adds to the necklace’s magnificence since any diamond rivière above 150 carats is extremely rare.

Also from the same collection is an impressive pair of light yellow briolette-cut diamond ear pendants, of exquisite design weighing 26.32 and 24.01 carats, estimated at SFr. 320,000-520,000 / US$ 310,000-500,000.

The Property of a Lady of Title - Including famous French jewellers such as Belperron, Boivin, Chaumet and Van Cleef & Arpels

The May sale’s catalogue features another incredibly refined collection from a Lady of Title, comprising 36 outstanding lots from fine Art Deco pieces to wonderful vintage jewels made by some of the most renowned French jewellery houses. Among the highlights is a striking group of nine pieces by Boivin and Suzanne Belperron. Few women have had such an influence in the jewellery world as Jeanne Boivin. Sister of French fashion designer Paul Poiret, wife of jewellery designer René Boivin, she took over the firm after her husband’s death and brought it to a truly new vogue. She focused on colours and texture to create jewels of uncommon volume and visionary design, which were sought after by both French socialites and a more international clientele.

Her love of nature inspired iconic pieces like the “Coquillage ailé” ear clips presented in this auction (estimate: SFr. 14,000-18,000 / US$ 14,000-17,000 ) The model designed in 1933 was a great success for Boivin for more than 15 years and it is extremely rare for an example to appear at auction.

It is also exceptional for collectors to have the opportunity to acquire such an iconic design as the diamond “Camelia” brooch, created by Boivin in 1926. It is a dazzling example of the incredible modernity of the designer (estimate: SFr.32,000-42,000 / US$30,000-40,000, & a “Feuille de Lilas” brooch, designed in 1936 and estimated at SFr. 6,500-8,500 / US$6,000-8,000.)

Diamonds and coloured gemstones

The international demand for top quality gemstones remains extremely strong and several record prices have been set by magnificent stones at Christie’s jewellery salerooms throughout 2009.

The rich section dedicated to diamonds is highlighted by a magnificent 40.21 carats emerald-cut diamond ring, D colour, Flawless clarity, the Type IIa diamond showing exceptional transparency, as well as Excellent Polish and Symmetry (estimate upon request) An important diamond ring by Harry Winston, set with a 16.92 carats brilliant-cut diamond, D colour, internally Flawless clarity, Excellent Polish and Symmetry is estimated at SFr. 1,500,000-2,500,000 million / US$ 1,400,000- 2,400,000. Perfect round diamonds above 15 cts are very rare and a must-have for any important jewellery collection.

Designed by Shaun Leane for “Forevermark Precious Collection”, the impressive "White Light" diamond brooch is set with 5 pear-shaped D colour, Internally Flawless clarity diamonds, combining extraordinary stones with outstanding craftsmanship (estimate: SFr. 1,050,000-1,580,000 / US$ 1,000,000-1,500,000.)

Also featured is a pair of fancy coloured heart-shaped diamond rings set with a 5.04 carats Fancy Grey-Blue diamond and a 4.58 carats Fancy Purple- Pink diamond (estimate: SFr. 1,050,0000-1,580,000 / US$ 1,000,000- 1,500,000)

Among the most beautiful coloured gemstones included in this sale are an impressive pair of pear-shaped emerald (weighing 20.96 and 20.87 carats) and diamond ear pendants estimated at SFr. 530,000-630,000 / US$ 500,000-600,000 and a cushion-shaped Burmese sapphire ring of 36.24 carats with an estimate of SFr.380,000-480,000 / US$370,000-460,000.

By Cartier

Since it was founded in 1847 Cartier has always been a symbol of French Haute Joaillerie. The incomparable and timeless designs, together with the quality of the gemstones and exceptional craftsmanship are the key reasons why Cartier’s jewels are among the most sought-after pieces by the international collector.

An emblematic selection of 25 lots, By Cartier is a tribute to the firm’s essence and history: from the classical garland style of the superb Belle Epoque diamond tiara (estimate: SFr. 100,000-150,000 / US$ 96,000-140,000), to the iconic designs of the multi-coloured ‘Tutti Frutti’ bracelet of the Art Deco period (estimate: SFr. 160,000-210,000 / US$ 150,000-200,000, as well as the onyx and diamond ‘Panther’ bangle (estimate : SFr. 60,000-80,000 // US$ 58,000- 76,000.) Every jewel in the section is a perfect example of Cartier’s craftsmanship.

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