Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
The most exceptional gems at Christie’s
CHRISTIE’S Magnificent Jewels sale on Wednesday will feature a superb selection of historic and modern jewellery, as well as two diamonds regarded as among the most exceptional gemstones ever to appear at auction.
“The Rock” is the largest white diamond ever seen in auction market history, weighing 228.31 carats.
The Red Cross Diamond is back at Christie’s for the third time since its discovery in 1901. The intense yellow cushion-shaped diamond weighing 205.07 carats was first sold at Christie’s in 1918, when it captivated collectors by being offered as part of the Red Cross Appeal. The Red Cross Diamond lives up to its illustrious history by being offered for the benefit of the International Committee of the Red Cross once more.
Max Fawcett, head of department, Jewellery, Geneva: “We are delighted to present the Geneva Magnificent Jewels auction led by ‘The Rock’.
“With the very best quality gemstones, jewels from noble provenance and iconic designs, the auction represents an exciting opportunity for our international collectors this season.”
The exceptional 19th century natural pearl and diamond Fürstenberg tiara
The Fürstenberg Tiara, a pearl and diamond tiara bearing the mark of the famous Austrian jeweller Gustav Flach, is among the exceptional tiaras for sale from the 19th and 20th centuries.
This piece of jewellery craftsmanship belonged to HSH The Princess of Fürstenberg, née Countess Irma of Schönborn Buchheim (1867-1948), a member of one of the Habsburg Empire’s most illustrious aristocratic families.
A letter in the Fürstenberg archives, headed by jeweller Flach Mediansky & Paltscho, explains how the tiara can be transformed, from a full tiara appropriate for Viennese high society court balls to more moderate styling of the pearls, while the diamond motives can be worn as a necklace, brooch or hair pins.
Belle Epoque emerald and diamond tiara
A Belle Epoque emerald and diamond tiara attributed to Marzo is also on display. Lorenzo Marzo was born in Spain and moved to Paris in 1901, where he established his own jewellery brand. His Belle Epoque creations are distinguished by their elegance and fashionable taste.
Rosenthal’s superior craftsmanship and passion for innovation and design are exemplified by a sapphire bracelet weighing 27.37 carats and a pair of multi-gem “disc” pendant earrings.
Rosenthal’s work was honoured with a retrospective at the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art in 2013.