News Jewelry News

【Dieppe, Fran】The Incredible Jewelry Collection of ‘Jiji’ Auctioned for Charity: ‘Diamonds of Incredible Quality’

Jun 30, 2026

Editor’s Note

**Editor’s Note:** This piece explores the life and legacy of Jacqueline “Jiji” Jenner, a beloved figure in Dieppe, whose remarkable collection of jewelry and curiosities is now being auctioned for charity.

A Beloved Local Figure’s Hidden Treasure

The people of Dieppe knew her as “Jiji”: Jacqueline Jenner was a well-known character in the city of Ango. Starting Monday, June 29, 2026, her collection of jewelry, watches, and curiosities is being auctioned at the Aplanos auction house in Dieppe (Seine-Maritime) for the benefit of charities.
Jacqueline Jenner shone as brightly as her jewels: “Those who knew her remember Mademoiselle Jenner as a radiant personality whose presence illuminated those around her.” This is how the owner of the 1,500-piece collection being sold at the Dieppe auction house is described.

A Regular at Auctions

A place this woman, who died in 2023, frequented often. Passionate about antique ivories, all kinds of art objects, and especially antique jewelry, she attended the auction rooms of her city, Rouen, and the Drouot auction house in Paris for over 40 years.

Jacqueline Jenner possedait en majorité des parures complètes.

“A very discreet little lady, very petite with two braids on each side. She came to the exhibitions, to the sales, she sat in the front row and therefore she bought regularly. But what we absolutely did not suspect was that she did the same at all the auctioneers at Drouot.”
– Claire Salanne, jewelry expert and gemologist

Jewels Stored in Chocolate Boxes

Despite her impressive collection, upon her death these treasures were not found in their cases but loose in chocolate boxes. After several months of sorting, each piece was cataloged and appraised by Hector Yaiche, jewelry expert and gemologist.
He comments on one of his favorite pieces:

“It’s extraordinary. Certainly, we have Colombian emeralds, which are the most renowned emeralds, you can see that, but a small interesting thing the lab revealed to us is that we have two Russian emeralds from the Ural mines. That was what was, in fact, in this composition. You can see the diamonds, they are of incredible quality, very white, no inclusions.”
– Hector Yaiche, jewelry expert and gemologist

Jacqueline Jenner owned mostly complete parures. Each piece of jewelry will be sold with a certificate of authenticity guaranteeing the quality of each piece.
The sales have been grouped by theme: classic 19th-century jewelry, micro-mosaic objects, Belle Époque jewelry (platinum and diamonds), 20th-century jewelry (Art Deco), pocket watches, and the final sale day will be dedicated to curiosities.

All Proceeds Donated to Charities

“We expect to be approximately at the high estimate, approximately 700,000 euros. All proceeds from the sale will be donated to charities such as RCF, Secours Catholique, SPA, and the Salvation Army, which will benefit from the sale.”
– Maître Louis-Aloïs Goffart, auctioneer

The prices are attractive because many pieces are unsigned: an unsigned piece consequently has a much lower value than pieces signed by the great names of Place Vendôme.

C'est à Caule-Sainte-Beuve (Seine-Maritime) que se cache cette maquette géante.

Some pieces are very accessible with an estimate around 100 euros. Each morning from June 29 to July 4 will be dedicated to the exhibition of the objects where the public can admire and touch the precious jewels. The afternoons will be dedicated to the sale.

Full article: View original |
⏰ Published on: June 30, 2026