The upcoming May magnificent jewels sales in Geneva are expected to showcase some truly exquisite treasures that will steal the show. Among the highlights are the largest ever Kashmir sapphire to be auctioned and a royal tiara that can be tried on via Instagram. Sotheby’s and Christie’s will be holding their auctions on May 11 and 12.
The Kashmir sapphire up for auction is an extraordinary 55.19-carat gem that was previously owned by Maureen Constance Guinness, a member of the distinguished Anglo-Irish brewing family. Kashmir sapphires weighing over 30 carats are incredibly rare, which makes this piece even more exceptional. It will be sold alongside a cushion-shaped Kashmir sapphire weighing 25.97 carats. The estimated value of these gems is between $2-3 million. The mining of Kashmir sapphires occurred for a brief period from 1882 to 1887, making these gems highly sought after in today’s market. Sotheby’s describes these sapphires as having a rich cornflower blue hue with a soft, velvety texture that retains its luster in any light. Benoit Repellin, the head of magnificent jewels sales at Sotheby’s in Geneva, emphasizes that Kashmir sapphires are among the rarest colored gemstones known to man and have achieved an almost legendary status over the years.
Another notable piece up for auction is a tiara that has been held in the Italian House of Savoy royal dynasty for over 150 years. This tiara, containing 11 natural pearls and diamonds, dates back to the second half of the 19th century and is estimated to be worth $1-1.5 million. What makes it particularly remarkable is that it can be separated into two parts, making it versatile and allowing it to be worn as a necklace as well. Sotheby’s reports that there is currently an unprecedented global demand for royal jewelry, especially from younger clients in Asia. To attract the interest of the new generation, Sotheby’s has created an Instagram filter that allows people to virtually try on the Savoy tiara and envision themselves wearing it in a lavish Italian palace.
Christie’s is offering an exceptional white 100.94-carat diamond known as the Spectacle, with an estimated value of $12-18 million. This internally flawless diamond is the largest stone ever cut in Russia and was extracted from a rough stone found in the remote northeastern Yakutia region in 2016. Another standout item is a pendant featuring a 104.40-carat pear emerald, created by US jeweler Harry Winston, being offered by Sotheby’s for $1-1.5 million. It is worth noting that emeralds are generally more fragile stones, and this emerald’s weight is particularly exceptional.
In commemoration of the 200th anniversary of Napoleon’s death, Christie’s is selling nine imperial jewels adorned with sapphires and diamonds from the collection of his adopted daughter, Stephanie de Beauharnais. The collection includes a tiara valued at up to $275,000 and a necklace estimated at up to $350,000. These nine pieces have been in the same family since they were presented to Stephanie de Beauharnais on her wedding day at the Tuileries Palace in Paris. Created in the early 1800s using 38 sapphires from Sri Lanka, these jewels hold historical significance and are cherished for their natural blue color. It is interesting to note the growing demand for such gems in the Asian market, where many Asians choose to wear these important jewels for significant events in their lives.
Other noteworthy items in the Christie’s sale include a sapphire crown that once belonged to Queen Mary II of Portugal, with an estimated value of $190,000-$385,000. This crown features a Burmese sapphire at its center.
The May magnificent jewels sales in Geneva are sure to be a momentous event for collectors and fine jewelry enthusiasts. With rare Kashmir sapphires, regal tiaras, and magnificent diamonds up for auction, these sales will captivate buyers from around the world.
Useful links:
1. [Sotheby’s website](https://www.sothebys.com/en)
2. [Christie’s website](https://www.christies.com/)
