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Forbes
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
The ‘Marie-Thérèse Pink Diamond' Fetches $14 Million At Christie's
The 'Marie-Thérèse Pink Diamond' achieved more than $13.9 million The 10.38-carat 'Marie-Thérèse Pink Diamond,' which may have been once owned by Marie Antoinette achieved more than $13.9 million (including buyer's premium), nearly double its high estimate at Christie's New York Magnificent Jewels auction on Tuesday. Its hammer price was $11.8 million. The fancy purple-pink modified kite brilliant-cut diamond has passed through French, Bavarian and Austrian imperial and royal families. In addition to its royal provenance, the gem was mounted on a ring created by renowned Franco-American jewelry artist, JAR. The pink diamond was believed to be in a group of jewels that Marie Antoinette entrusted to her coiffeur on the eve of her failed escape from Paris in 1791, hoping to one day reclaim them, Christie's said in a previous statement. These jewels were passed down to her only surviving child, Duchess Marie Thérèse de Angoulême, and later to her niece, Duchess Marie Thérèse de Chambord. 'Generations later,' Christie's said, a will identified the diamond's next known owner as Queen Marie Theresa of Bavaria, who referred to it as 'a pink solitaire diamond from Aunt Chambord.' The gem last appeared at auction in Geneva in 1996, offered by a member of a European royal family. Since then, it remained out of public view until this sale. 'The Blue Belle' 392.52-carat Ceylon sapphire sold for more than $11.3 million FEATURED | Frase ByForbes™ Unscramble The Anagram To Reveal The Phrase Pinpoint By Linkedin Guess The Category Queens By Linkedin Crown Each Region Crossclimb By Linkedin Unlock A Trivia Ladder The number two lot of the sale was the 'The Blue Belle,' a 392.52-carat sapphire that is one of the largest known sapphires in the world. It fetched more than $11.3 million (including buyer's premium). Bidding took nearly 15 minutes. About half that time was spent in near silence as auctioneer Max Fawcett, head of Christie's Geneva jewelry department, coaxed two phone bidders to increase their bids from $8.1 million to the final hammer price of $9.5 million, as seen through Christie's livestream of the sale. Like the pink diamond, The Blue Belle has its own storied history. It was unearthed as rough whose size and shape are unknown in 1926 at Pelmadula, Ratnapura. It had a 'highly prized peacock blue color and excellent clarity,' according to the documentation Christie's uncovered. It was owned by the well-known gem and jewelry dealer, Macan Markar in Colombo. British motor magnate, Lord Nuffield, acquired the gem in 1937. It is believed he planned to give it to Queen Elizabeth (later The Queen Mother) on King George VI's coronation. Instead, the jewel was sold privately and passed through several owners before appearing at Christie's Geneva auction in 2014 where it sold for $17.3 million. The sapphire is the centerpiece of an 18k white gold necklace covered in round and oval shaped diamonds. The 138-lot Christie's New York Magnificent Jewels auction was a 'white glove' sale, meaning all the lots sold, achieving more than $87.7 million, a record for a various-owner jewelry sale at Christie's in the Americas. Also among the top lots were three gem-set necklaces with historic Indian Mughal provenance, all sold well above their high estimates. A Mughal antique carved emerald necklace fetched more than $6.2 million The first is a Mughal carved emerald necklace consisting of three carved Colombian hexagonal and two carved pear-shaped Colombian emeralds with an approximate total weight of 1,150 carats. The largest emerald of approximately 470 carats is inscribed with the name 'Ahmad Shah Durr-I Durran,' founder of the Durrani Empire of Afghanistan and northwest India. It achieved more than $6.2 million, more than double its high estimate. A Mughal antique multi-gem and emerald necklace fetched more than $5.5 million The second is a Mughal multi-gem and emerald necklace featuring four Colombian emeralds weighing nearly 800 carats. The necklace is further adorned with a drop-shaped spinel bead, a baroque ruby bead and baroque natural pearls. It sold for more than $5.5 million, nearly double its high estimate. A Mughal three-strand spinel and natural pearl necklace fetched more than $3 million The third piece is a Mughal three-strand spinel and natural pearl necklace with eight inscribed stones, in the Mughal tradition of memorializing gemstones to record their royal provenance. These spinels bear the names of some of the most powerful figures in history, including Muhammad ibn Tughluq-Shah, the Sultan of Delhi, the first Mughal emperor, Babur, and emperors Jahangir and Shah Jahan. The spinels have an approximate total weight of more than 2,000 carats. The necklace fetched more than $3 million, well above its high estimate. A 66.74-carat unmounted round brilliant-cut diamond sold for 3.8 million Diamonds did well in the auction. The top lot in the group was the number three lot overall: a 66.74-carat unmounted round brilliant-cut diamond with D color, VVS1 clarity and 'excellent cut, polish and symmetry,' according to the reports. The Type IIa diamond sold for $3.8 million. A Harry Winston diamond pendant necklace sold for more than $2.4 million This is followed by a platinum and 18k white gold necklace by Harry Winston featuring a 17.50-carat pear brilliant-cut diamond of D color and VVS1 clarity, 5.01-carat round brilliant-cut diamond D-color and SI1 clarity. The remainder of the necklace is covered with round, pear, emerald and marquise diamonds. The necklace sold for more than $2.4 million, well above its high estimate. It was the number seven lot in the overall sale. A necklace with a 25.45-carat pear brilliant-cut flawless, D-color diamond fetched more than $2.3 ... More million Next is a platinum necklace centered with a 25.45-carat pear brilliant-cut flawless, D-color diamond. It fetched more than $2.3 million, besting its high estimate. It was the number eight lot in the sale. In addition, the New York auction featured a collection of approximately 26 jewels from the estate of Anne Hendricks Bass, including pieces by Van Cleef & Arpels, Bulgari, Cartier and 11 jewels by JAR. Every piece but one sold for more their high estimate. The group of jewels totaled more than $8.8 million, with some pieces fetching more than four times their high estimate. Van Cleef & Arpels diamond pendant earrings fetched nearly $2 million Among the highlights of this portion of the sale is a pair of Van Cleef & Arpels earrings featuring pear brilliant-cut D-color diamonds of 11.93 and 11.83 carats, marquise, pear-shaped and round diamonds, platinum and white gold. It sold for nearly $2 million, besting its high estimate. It was the ninth best lot in the auction. JAR sapphire, emerald and diamond necklace sold for more than $1.5 million Another highlight is a JAR necklace featuring 22 drop briolette emeralds with rows of faceted sapphire beads and round diamonds set in platinum and 18k white gold fetched $1.5 million, five times its high estimate. Van Cleef & Arpels ruby and diamond 'mystery-set' flower brooch fetched $1.5 million Another private collection titled, 'Color and Ingenuity: The Collection of Lucille Coleman,' had 'one of the most significant groups of 'mystery-set' jewels ever to appear at auction,' Christie's said in a statement. The top lot of the collection was a Van Cleef & Arpels ruby and diamond mystery-set brooch that achieved more than $1.5 million, almost three times its high estimate, setting a new world record price for a mystery set jewel sold at auction. This group of jewels totaled $7.4 million, with proceeds benefitting the late collector's philanthropic institutions. A Cartier Art Deco multi-gem and diamond shoulder brooch that sold for $340,200 Signed jewels performed well. For example, a Cartier Art Deco multi-gem and diamond bracelet achieved $831,600, nearly three times its high estimate and a Cartier Art Deco multi-gem and diamond shoulder brooch, sold for $340,200.
Times
15-06-2025
- Times
Off with her diamonds! A revolutionary jewel reappears
This month's iteration of Christie's Magnificent Jewels auction is really living up to its name. One of the star lots is a 10.38-carat, kite-shaped pink diamond once owned by the daughter of Marie Antoinette (and, quite possibly by the legendary, ill-fated French queen herself). It has been reimagined by one of the most exclusive — and elusive — contemporary jewellers, JAR, into a ring made from blackened platinum, entirely studded with round diamonds and topped with a regal fleur-de-lis composed of 17 diamonds. Auctioned in Geneva in 1996 by a seller known only as a member of a European royal family, the jewel has spent the subsequent decades hidden from public view. Until now. • Read more luxury reviews, advice and insights from our experts Marie Antoinette, the last queen of France before the Revolution that would cost her her head, and the wife of Louis XVI, is known to posterity for her extravagance and love of the finer things in life. One such passion was jewels. The young queen had an exceptional eye and good taste, often commissioning her own, new items. As well as a personal indulgence, Marie Antoinette's jewels signposted her status and taste to the world. In 1791, as revolutionary forces closed in, Marie Antoinette, her husband the king, and their children fled Paris in disguise, hoping to reach loyalist troops. Escaping under cover of night, their elaborate carriage moved slowly, delayed by poor planning and curious townsfolk. Recognised by a postmaster in Sainte-Menehould, their identities were confirmed in Varennes. The town mobilised to block their path, cutting down a bridge and detaining them. The royal family's failed escape shattered remaining illusions of monarchy, deepening France's revolutionary crisis. Brought back to Paris under guard, their credibility was irreparably damaged, accelerating the move toward republicanism and the king's eventual execution. One of the three children with them on that fateful flight was Marie-Thérèse, the Madame Royale, their eldest child and the only one of the family to survive the fall of the monarchy. She was entrusted with Marie Antoinette's remaining jewels. Whether the pink diamond was among them is a matter of some debate — and there is no concrete evidence to support the theory. What is known is that Marie-Thérèse passed them down to Duchess Marie-Thérèse de Chambord. From there, they remained in the family. The pink diamond makes its first appearance in a will, noting it is owned by Queen Maria Theresa of Bavaria (1849-1919), the last queen of Bavaria, as 'a pink solitaire diamond from Aunt Chambord'. The diamond remained in the family for generations, until that unnamed European royal sold it in 1996. The identity of the 1996 buyer is just as mysterious as the seller — but we know that they asked the ultra-exclusive, private-commission-only jeweller JAR (Joel Arthur Rosenthal), who was one of Elizabeth Taylor's favourites, to create a ring that's part rock and roll, part regal elegance. 'It has everything you could want in a piece of jewellery,' says Rahul Kadakia, the head of jewellery at Christie's International. 'The stone — likely from the prized Indian region of Golconda — has several shades of soft colours, flashing purple and pink from different angles. And it's been transformed into a masterpiece by JAR, all while carrying the splendour of royal provenance.' If, for some reason, the pink diamond isn't your thing, the auction has several other mouthwatering lots, including the Blue Belle necklace that features one of the rarest sapphires in the world, a 392.52-carat stone, set amid a profusion of oval-shaped diamonds, or a Mughal carved emerald necklace that is associated with Nader Shah (1739), the founder of the Afsharid dynasty of Iran who acquired the Koh-i-Noor diamond in 1739.
Euronews
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Euronews
Video. Pink diamond linked to French royalty expected to sell for millions
The 10.38-carat kite-shaped gemstone, believed to have once belonged to Marie Antoinette's daughter, Marie Thérèse of Angoulême, dates back to the mid-18th century. Although no official records confirm its early ownership, the diamond has long been linked to royal lineage. After reappearing at a Geneva auction in 1996, the stone vanished from public view. Now mounted in a ring designed by Parisian jeweller JAR, it is on a world tour with stops in Los Angeles, Geneva, and Hong Kong. Christie's will present the piece on 17 June, expecting bids between €2.8 million and €4.6 million.
Forbes
15-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Christie's Geneva Jewelry Sale Achieves $72 Million With All Lots Sold
6.24-carat deep blue internally flawless diamond fetched $12.7 million, a per-carat auction record ... More for a deep blue diamond. It was purchased by Moussaieff Jewellers There were plenty of headlines at Christie's Geneva Magnificent Jewels auction held Wednesday at the Hotel des Bergues. First, the auction of 115 lots was a 'white glove' sale meaning that all lots were sold, which is rare during an international jewelry auction. The sale achieved more than $72.3 million with 77 lots selling above their high estimate. Again, a rare achievement. Second, the top lot was a ring centered with a 6.24-carat fancy deep blue diamond that sold for more than $12.7 million after five minutes of competitive bidding. The potentially flawless gem with VVS2 clarity, sold for more than $2 million per carat, an auction record for a deep blue diamond. Not only was the sale noteworthy but so was the buyer: Moussaieff Jewellers. The London-based family-owned high jewelry house that caters to Middle East royalty, important politicians, international celebrities and affluent Israelis. It is known for purchasing rare stones at auction. Most notable are the 6.04-carat flawless Moussaieff Blue Diamond and the 5.11-carat Moussaieff Red Diamond, the world's largest known red diamond. Alisa Moussaieff, who co-founded the firm with her late husband, Shlomo Moussaieff, said this diamond will be a fitting addition to the company's private collection. 'Moussaieff is delighted to have purchased the most exceptional blue diamond which has come to the market in recent times,' she said. 'The stone deserved to make a world record price, and it now ranks amongst the finest diamonds in the Moussaieff private collection. We believe that the value of this gem will endure given its rarity and beauty. To purchase such an exquisite gem is something we are very proud of.' The JAR 'Apricot Blossom' bangle fetched more than $2.8 million FEATURED | Frase ByForbes™ Unscramble The Anagram To Reveal The Phrase Pinpoint By Linkedin Guess The Category Queens By Linkedin Crown Each Region Crossclimb By Linkedin Unlock A Trivia Ladder The Magnificent Jewels auction also featured a private collection of 21 jewels by the renowned contemporary high jewelry house, JAR, headed by American-French artist, Joel Arthur Rosenthal. Named 'A Bouquet of Gems: A Superb Collection of Jewels by JAR,' the collection fetched more than $7.1 million, with some pieces among the top 10 lots of the sale. This portion of the auction was led by the 'Apricot Blossom' bangle, which was also the fourth highest lot overall. The floral display features round diamonds, reddish orange and yellow enamel, blackened silver, yellow gold and bronze. It fetched more than $2.8 million, more than four times its high estimate. The JAR 'extraordinary' diamond necklace fetched about $2.8 million This was followed by a diamond necklace described as 'extraordinary,' by the auction house. It features approximately 16 old-cut and round diamonds set in 18k rose gold and blackened silver. This piece sold for approximately $2.6 million, making it the fifth most valuable lot in the sale. A Graff ring with a 3.68-carat fancy, vivid blue diamond purchased by Laurence Graff for more than ... More $5.8 million Christie's said there was strong demand for colored diamonds and colored gemstones throughout the auction, particularly for the vibrant and rare varieties. Among the highlights was a ring by Graff centered with a 3.68-carat fancy, vivid blue oval-shaped diamond. It fetched more than $5.8 million (price per carat: more than $1.5 million). Again, the buyer was notable. It was Lawrence Graff, the owner of the renowned London diamond jeweler. It was the number 2 lot of the sale. Another highlight was a 10.17-carat Burmese, cushion shaped ruby on an 18k gold ring surrounded by round diamonds. It fetched more than $4.1 million. It was the number 3 lot of the auction. 10.17-carat Burmese fetched more than $4.1 million The importance of this sale wasn't lost Rahul Kadakia, Christie's International Global head of Jewels. 'Today's sale marked a truly extraordinary and memorable moment in auction history,' Kadakia said in. statement. 'The exceptional JAR collection, along with a remarkable array of exquisite gems, achieved top prices in a packed sale room…. The atmosphere was uplifting as both Christie's and clients enjoyed the moment.'
Irish Examiner
26-04-2025
- Business
- Irish Examiner
Iconic 23-carat blue diamond could be yours for €44m
The largest fancy vivid blue diamond ever at auction, The Golconda Blue comes up at Christie's in Geneva on May 14. Mounted in a ring by JAR and weighing 23.24 carats, the pear-shaped stone's provenance is rooted in Indian royalty. It was owned by the Maharajah of Indore, known for a lifestyle of cosmopolitan sophistication in the 1920s and 1930s. In 1913, his father had acquired the Indore Pear diamonds from Chaumet in Paris. In 1923, he commissioned a diamond bracelet set with the Golconda Blue. In 1946, iconic jeweller Harry Winston purchased the Indore Pears from the Maharajah and acquired the Golconda Blue in 1947. He set it in a brooch with a matching 23-carat white diamond and sold it to the Maharajah of Baroda. The brooch was subsequently reacquired by Mr Winston and resold to the current owner. At auction for the first time and in a ring setting by JAR, it is estimated at $35m-$50m (€30.78m-€43.97m).
