Editor’s Note
This report from Geneva highlights a robust auction where the Magnificent Jewels sale achieved near-total sell-through rates, driven by strong global participation. The standout result was the record-setting sale of the ‘Yellow Rose’ diamond, underscoring continued high demand for exceptional gemstones at the top end of the market.
Auction OverviewGeneva – The Magnificent Jewels auction in Geneva totaled CHF49,242,200 / US$54,215,662, with deep bidding from a full saleroom, on the phones and online, and was 97% sold by lot and 98% sold by value. The sale was led by the 202cts Yellow Rose diamond which sold for CHF6,095,000 /US$6,710,595, the second highest price ever paid for a yellow stone above 200cts at Christie’s.
In addition, the auction included an important selection of coloured gemstones, including an important pink sapphire of 25.20cts which sold for CHF1,376,000 /US$1,514,976, tripling its pre-sale estimate and an exceptional 11.03cts Kashmir blue sapphire and a cushion-shaped 5.03cts Burmese ruby each of which sold for CHF1,255,000 / US$1,381,755.
Amongst the selection of emeralds was Queen Victoria Eugenia of Spain’s early 20th century sugarloaf and oval-shaped cabochon emerald and diamond brooch, which sold for CHF 189,000 / US208,089.
Once more signed jewellery shone including pieces by Buccellati, Cartier, Georges Fouquet, Tiffany & Co., Jean Schlumberger, Marina B, Van Cleef & Arpels, Sterlé and JAR. Pieces from the 1960s to 70s signed by Van Cleef & Arpels were much sought-after with a suite of turquoise and diamond Liberté jewellery selling for CHF781,200 / US$860,101 against an estimate of CHF220,000-320,000 and the Tiffany and Co. Schlumberger ‘Hedges and Rows’ necklace which sold forCHF1,255,000 / US$1,381,755 five times its pre-sale estimate of CHF 250,000-400,000.
Signed animals pieces also proved popular with three fantastic lots, two signed by René Boivin and one by Cartier. Boivin’s spectacular lion shoulder brooch sold, after heated bidding lasting just under 4 minutes, to a buyer in the room for CHF504,000 / US$554,904, while his elephant multi-gem necklace achieved CHF252,000. Cartier was represented with its signature diamond-onyx and emerald Panthère clip brooch selling for CHF554,400 / US$610,395.
Revolutionary designs from the Art Deco period signed by Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Mauboussin and Rubel Freres were much in demand. The highlight was an early Art Deco diamond and onyx brooch signed by Cartier, realising CHF579,600 / US$638,140.