Christie’s presents The Patiño Collection & The jewellery collection of Hélène Rochas featuring extraordinary gemstones, magnificent period and signed jewels to be auctioned at Christie’s Geneva on 12 november 2013.
The Patiño Collection
Three superb jewels from the world famous collection of Bolivian tycoon Simón Itturi Patiño are amongst the most important lots on offer in Christie’s Geneva auction of Magnificent Jewels on 12 November 2013. These exceptional pieces feature rare gems of supreme quality, once owned by ‘The King of Tin’, embody his taste and that of the fabulous and powerful dynasty he founded.
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- Emerald and diamond necklace, by Cartier
The highlight of the Patiño Collection is a magnificent emerald and diamond necklace, by Cartier (estimate: SFr.6.6-9.4 million / US$ 7-10 million; left). This impressive necklace of Royal inspiration was designed by Cartier London in 1937 after they had purchased a rare emerald cross of 45 carats from Queen Eugenia Victoria of Spain. Carved from one single gem, the cross, named “The Andean cross”, had belonged to Queen Isabel II of Spain as well as to Empress Eugenie of France. To honour this extremely rare gem, Cartier selected over 100 carats of the best emeralds available at the time to create the stunning emerald and diamond necklace on offer at Christie’s Geneva in November. The South American provenance of the emeralds, the historic “Andean cross” and the magnificent quality of the diamonds and emeralds charmed Simon Patiño who purchased the necklace for his wife in January 1938.
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- Emerald and diamond earrings by Van Cleef & Arpels
At a later date the cross was purchased by Van Cleef & Arpels and the necklace was shortened in order to create a pair of matching earrings (estimate: SFr. 380,000-570,000 / US$400.000-600.000).
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- Diamond ring of 32.65 carats, by Chaumet
Offered from the same collection, is an equally extraordinary cushion-shaped F colour diamond ring of 32.65 carats, by Chaumet which is estimated at SFr. 2.1-2.6 million / US$ 2.2-2.8 million.
Treasures from the Jewellery Collection of Hélène Rochas
Following the successful auction of the contents of Hélène Rochas’s famous Parisian apartment last autumn, Christie’s presents Madame Rochas’s sophisticated jewellery collection.
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- Tiger shoulder brooch, by René Boivin & Madame Hélène Rochas wearing the Tiger brooch
If a name can be a symbol of the Elégance à la française, then the name Hélène Rochas (1927-2011) is certainly synonymous with it. The wife of famous French fashion designer Marcel Rochas, whom she had met during World War II, she was his muse and source of inspiration. Being only 28 when her beloved husband died, she took over the “Perfume” branch of the company and proved to be a great business woman, launching many famous fragrances.
Madame Rochas was known for her impeccable elegance, great style and beauty and was a very popular socialite, member of the “Café Society”, organizing sumptuous parties such as the “My Fair Lady” ball, held in June 1965, in the Bois de Boulogne, Paris.
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- Magnolia brooch by Van Cleef & Arpels & pink topaz, aquamarine and diamond bangle By Verdura.
Featuring 18 exquisite jewels, the collection of Madame Rochas fully reflects her unique taste. From a refined mystery-set ruby Magnolia brooch by Van Cleef & Arpels (estimate: SFr.180,000-240,000 / US$190,000-255,000) to a rare and bold tiger shoulder brooch by René Boivin (estimate: SFr.180,000-240,000 / US$190,000-255,000), each piece represents the very essence of the style of this true “Grande dame”.
