【Geneva, Swit】Two Large Diamonds and Princely Tiaras at Christie’s Auction

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Editor’s Note

Christie’s upcoming Magnificent Jewels sale in Geneva features “The Rock,” a historic 228.31-carat diamond with a high estimate of 30 million Swiss francs, leading a catalog aimed at collectors and investors.

Rahul Kadakia con The Rock
The Rock Diamond Leads the Sale

The catalog is now ready. For fans of extraordinary jewelry and gemstone collectors—a particularly popular form of investment in difficult historical times—Christie’s Sale of Magnificent Jewels on May 11 at the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues offers many opportunities. It begins with “The Rock,” a diamond starting with a very large estimate: 19 to 30 million Swiss francs (13 to 24 million euros or 9.2 to 20.5 million dollars). The diamond weighs 228.31 carats and is the largest ever seen at auction.

“We are delighted to present the Geneva Magnificent Jewels auction led by THE ROCK, the largest white diamond ever to be auctioned, and a milestone for the market.”

Rahul Kadakia, International Head of Jewelry at Christie’s.

The red Cross diamond, di oltre 205 carati
The Legendary Red Cross Diamond Returns

Alongside it, the legendary Red Cross Diamond, which has supported ongoing humanitarian needs since its sale for Christie’s Red Cross Appeal in 1918, is offered with a portion of the proceeds to be donated to the International Committee of the Red Cross. Featuring the highest quality gemstones, jewels of noble provenance, and iconic designs, this season’s auction presents an exciting opportunity for our international collectors.

“As we have said, the Red Cross Diamond is appearing at auction for the third time. Despite its name, it is an intense yellow cushion-cut stone of over 205 carats. It was first sold by Christie’s in 1918, with part of the proceeds going to the Red Cross. This sale will also partly benefit the International Committee of the Red Cross.”

Max Fawcett, Department Head of Jewelry.

La Tiara Fürstenberg

The Red Cross diamond, over 205 carats.

“For nearly half a century, our family has had the privilege of safeguarding the Red Cross Diamond. Since it was first brought to market in 1918, the legacy of this symbol of humanity has always been to support communities afflicted by war, hunger, and other hardships faced by people worldwide. At this auspicious moment in its history, we honor the path forged by those before us. In partnership with Christie’s, we are pleased to offer the Red Cross Diamond for sale, with a portion of the proceeds donated to the great institution whose name it bears. We also dedicate this sale to the tireless efforts of the International Committee of the Red Cross volunteers and feel privileged to support their cause.”

Anonymous Owner of The Red Cross Diamond.

Historic Tiaras and Fine Jewelry
Collana di Bulgari con diamanti e rubini

The Magnificent Jewels auction also includes tiaras from the 19th and 20th centuries, such as the Fürstenberg Tiara (estimate 400,000–600,000 Swiss francs) and a pearl and diamond tiara bearing the mark of the famous Austrian jeweler Gustav Flach. This exquisitely handcrafted piece belonged to Her Royal Highness Princess of Fürstenberg, née Irma Countess of Schönborn-Buchheim (1867-1948), a member of one of the most significant noble families of the Habsburg Empire. A letter in the Fürstenberg archives from jeweler Flach Mediansky & Paltscho details the tiara’s many transformable possibilities—from a tiara for Viennese high-society court balls to a more modest style with pearls, while the diamond motifs can be worn as a necklace, brooch, or hairpins.
Other notable lots include a Bulgari necklace with diamonds and rubies, and Jar’s spiral earrings with green tourmalines.

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⏰ Published on: June 07, 2022