Art, Love, and History Illuminate Christie’s Magnificent Jewels Auction

Christie’s upcoming Magnificent Jewels Auction to be held at Rockefeller Centre, New York, on 10 December 2024, features the most important selection of jewels by American collector Suzanne Belperron that’s ever come up for sale at auction. Another superb collection for sale is “Treasures of Love”, compiled by a loving couple married for over five decades. It includes some of the most important Van Cleef & Arpels jewels that have come up for sale in recent years. Highlights include the iconic Sapphire and Diamond “Zip Couture Tirette” Necklace (estimated at $250 000 -350 000) – famously inspired by Wallis Simpson, the Duchess of Windsor – and the Ruban necklace with interchangeable sapphire, ruby and diamond bows.

Treasures of Love: Exceptional Jewels from a Private Collection VAN CLEEF & ARPELS ‘RUBAN MYSTERIEUX’ NECKLACE Estimate: $600,000-800,000

Remarking on the highlights, Rahul Kadakia, International Head of Jewellery at Christie’s, notes Suzanne Belperron’s “discerning eye” that led to her ownership and ultimate offer for sale of “Jewels as Art”, comprising some of the best of jewellery design from the 19th century to modern masterworks. There is also a selection of great JAR, including diamond disco ball earrings and fancy brown and rose-cut diamond clip earrings.

JAR DIAMOND AND COLORED DIAMOND EARRINGS
Estimate: $200,000-300,000

Rahul says another leading highlight is a Fancy Intense blue diamond of almost six carats, estimated at $6 000 000 – 8 000 000, which has not been up for sale for over 40 years and a pair of Harry Winston Tanzanian spinel and diamond earrings ($400 000 – 600 000).

HARRY WINSTON SPINEL AND DIAMOND EARRINGS Estimate: $400,000-600,000

Meanwhile, “Mica: The Collection of Mica Ertegun” is a testament to the impeccable taste of this renowned designer, philanthropist and style icon, who is celebrated for her multicultural elegance and distinctive aesthetic. This collection reflects her extraordinary eye for style, featuring a thoughtfully curated selection of jewels she treasured daily. Notable highlights include a Cartier Art Deco Multi-Gem and Diamond Brooch (estimate: $100 000 – 150 000) and a Rare Jar Ruby and Diamond Torsade Necklace (estimate: $80 000 – 120 000).

Previews will be held at Christie’s Rockefeller Centre galleries from 6 – 9 December. Concurrently, the Jewels Online sale, showcasing a curated selection of fine jewellery spanning antique to contemporary designs, will be open for browsing and bidding from 3 – 12 December.