Editor’s Note
As the auction season reaches its crescendo, Christie’s Paris prepares to unveil a spectacular finale. Following the historic sale of the Pink Legacy diamond in Geneva, our exclusive interview with department head Violaine d’Astorg highlights the exceptional pieces that will define this landmark December event.
A Season-Closing Sale with a Deluge of Carats
Following the spectacular success of Christie’s Geneva sale, where the Pink Legacy pink diamond soared to $50 billion, all eyes will turn to the Paris auction room on December 4th. Violaine d’Astorg, Director of the Paris Jewelry Department, exclusively reveals her favorites to us.
This sale promises to close the season with an unprecedented deluge of carats. In an exclusive for MadameFigaro.fr, Violaine d’Astorg, the brand new Director of Christie’s Paris Jewelry Department, reveals her favorites among the approximately 253 lots presented at auction and unveils the provenances of these unique jewels.
Interview with Violaine d’Astorg, Director of Christie’s Paris Jewelry Department
“Upon my arrival, I wanted to explore our regions which conceal treasures. We organize appraisal days throughout France, all year round, which allows us to discover a hidden and often unique heritage. An exciting treasure hunt.”
“The sale was built around 120 private sellers, as well as 5 important collections, including 1 containing a historical piece. The guiding thread came very naturally with a desire to find pieces of the same level, capable of carrying these collections. One of them brings together about ten pieces by René Boivin, rare in quality and quantity, tracing the entire history of the Boivin house within a single collection. Another includes 2 pieces by René Boivin and 2 pieces by Suzanne Belperron, including a bracelet in fine pearls, cultured pearls, onyx and diamonds, illustrated in the reference work by Mr. Olivier Baroin. Finally, a collection presents an important 9.50-carat Kashmir sapphire, as well as Art Deco period pieces from the house of Cartier. The historical piece is a diadem by Bapst, provenance Countess de la Rochefoucauld, Duchess d’Estissac, which offers a historical piece to the sale.”
“Contact with clients is very important, I personally strive to maintain it daily, this allows us to be close to them and advise them throughout the year on the pieces they wish to sell or not. We have a genuine advisory role towards our clients, which fosters a relationship of trust.”
The Cover Piece: A René Boivin Art Deco Clip
“The Christie’s Paris Jewelry Department has long cultivated its image around pieces by Boivin or Belperron. This cover was an obvious choice for us. The design by Suzanne Belperron for René Boivin perfectly describes the genius, delicacy, and poetry of the creator.”
“It remains this brooch designed by Suzanne Belperron for Boivin, our cover piece. This piece is a major work in the creation of Suzanne Belperron and her designs. Moreover, it is a true sculpture in rock crystal, in impeccable condition, which is very rare. A great honor for us to present a piece of this quality.”
The Most Amusing Piece: A Pug by Boivin
“Very spontaneously, the Boivin pug in enamel, peridot with its collar of calibrated rubies and its pendant set with a diamond. I must say we really liked its little face which amused us greatly.”
Including Modern Creators
“Contemporary creation is important for us, Christie’s wishes to have a certain perspective on contemporary creators and allow them to showcase their talent, in order to boost their market value. Working around the book by Juliet Weir de la Rochefoucauld was very interesting and brings an exclusively feminine orientation in the choice of pieces we offer for sale. We are delighted to present the naturalism of Aida Bergsen, the dreamlike world of Lydia Courteille and the work of Marie-Caroline de Brosses, the last designer for René Boivin.”
What’s Unique to Christie’s Paris?
“The perfect equation, in my opinion, between the provenance, rarity, and quality of the pieces we present in our sales.”
On the Pink Legacy Diamond Record
“Great happiness for the entire Geneva team who worked on that sale. Each sales location has its identity, carries its highlights. Setting a record for a catalog cover is always extremely gratifying.”
“It shows that the auction market and our sales have real weight in guiding the jewelry and precious stones market.”
