Christie’s London sale of Important Jewels on 12 December 2012 comprises 383 lots and offers the chance to acquire exquisite examples of jewels by the leading houses and designers including: Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Boucheron and Bulgari. Spanning four centuries, the sale presents a strong array of rare historic rings, diamonds and pearls, with estimates ranging from £1,000 to £800,000.
Leading the sale are an exquisite mid-19th century diamond tiara and a diamond and pearl necklace, formerly in the collection of The 1st Marchioness Conygnham (1769-1861), the last mistress of George IV (1762-1830).The necklace (estimate: £50,000 – 70,000) and tiara (estimate: £200,000 - £250,000) reflect the King’s desire that his court should be the most brilliant in Europe.
Natural Pearl
The demand for high quality natural pearls continues to grow and this sale features a strong selection of natural pearls at a wide range of estimates and in varying forms. Leading highlights include an important natural pearl necklace which is expected to realise between £500,000 & £800,000, a necklace consisting of sixty natural pearls, alternately strung with seed pearls suspending a drop pearl (estimate: £60,000 - 80,000), and a pair of art deco natural pearl and diamond ear pendants (estimate: £25,000 – 35,000).
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- Emerald and diamond tiara mounted by Cartier
Emeralds
A particularly strong selection of emeralds will include a dress ring by Bulgari (estimate: £65,000 – 75,000), an emerald and diamond ring by Cartier (estimate: £70,000 – 90,000) and an impressive emerald and diamond tiara mounted by Cartier (estimate: £120,000 – 150,000). This tiara, with its diamond palm motifs, comes with a detachable chain for it to be worn as a necklace; such convertible tiaras continue to be very popular, maximizing usability for the owner.
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- Cartier diamond aeroplane brooch & diamond flowerhead clip brooch
Cartier
Since it was founded in 1847, Cartier has been a symbol of French Haute Joaillerie.Always a highlight of the London sale, the regular Cartier section features over 40 lots, from jewels and cufflinks to watches, clocks and accessories. Jewellery highlights include an early 20th century diamond aeroplane brooch (estimate: £8,000 – 10,000, ).
A mid-20th century sapphire, emerald and diamond flowerhead clip brooch (estimate: £32,000 – 35,000), an early 20th century natural pearl and diamond star-shaped brooch (estimate: £15,000 – 20,000), and a pair of art deco ruby and diamond ear pendants (estimate: £25,000 – 35,000) are further jewellery highlights.
The desirable selection of watches features a lady’s 18 carat white gold and diamond “‘Baignoire” wristwatch (estimate: £3,000 – 4,000) and a lady’s 18 carat gold wristwatch, (estimate: £2,000 – 3,000). A number of Cartier clocks include an enamel and silver-gilt miniature desk clock (estimate: £2,500 – 3,500).
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- Van Cleef & Arpels art deco diamond and gem-set bracelet & diamond flower brooch
Van Cleef & Arpels
Since their foundation in 1906 Van Cleef & Arpels has remained one of the most highly regarded jewellery houses; renowned for their original designs, high quality stones and impeccable craftsmanship, they are represented in this sale by a selection of over 20 jewels. Highlights include an art deco diamond and gem-set bracelet (estimate: £30,000 – 50,000), a ruby and diamond ‘Ludo’ bracelet (estimate: £5,000 – 7,000), and a diamond flower brooch (estimate: £35,000 – 45,000).
