Geneva Jewelry Auction at Christie's Realizes $72 Million, Selling All Items Offered
In the whirlwind of opulence at Christie's Geneva Magnificent Jewels auction, held at the Hotel des Bergues, the spotlight shone bright. This auction, a "white glove" sale, boasted a 100% sell-through rate, a rarity in an international jewelry auction. The total sale staggered at over $72.3 million, with a whopping 77 lots outperforming their high estimate.
The star of the show was a ring adorned with a 6.24-carat deep blue diamond, fetching a mind-boggling $12.7 million after a frenzied round of bidding. This potentially flawless gem, boasting a VVS2 clarity, sold for a record-breaking $2 million per carat for a deep blue diamond. The buyer, none other than Moussaieff Jewellers, a London-based, family-owned high jewelry house catering to the likes of Middle Eastern royalty, influential politicians, international celebrities, and affluent Israelis. Known for their knack for snagging rare stones, the Moussaieffs already own 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, the company's co-founder, expressed her delight, calling the diamond a perfect match for their private collection.
Beyond the headlining blue diamond, the auction featured a private collection of 21 jewels by JAR, a contemporary high jewelry house helmed by American-French artist Joel Arthur Rosenthal. Dubbed "A Bouquet of Gems: A Superb Collection of Jewels by JAR," the collection raked in over $7.1 million, with some pieces making it to the top 10 of the sale. The "Apricot Blossom" bangle, a vibrant floral display of round diamonds, reddish orange and yellow enamel, blackened silver, yellow gold, and bronze, led the charge, selling for an impressive $2.8 million, quadrupling its high estimate.
The auction continued with the "extraordinary" diamond necklace, selling for approximately $2.6 million, tucked between the top 5 lots. The piece showcased approximately 16 old-cut and round diamonds, set in 18k rose gold and blackened silver. Another notable highlight was a ring by Graff, featuring a 3.68-carat fancy, vivid blue oval-shaped diamond, fetching $5.8 million, or an eye-popping $1.5 million per carat. The buyer here was none other than Lawrence Graff, the esteemed owner of London's renowned diamond jeweler.
The auction's finale was a 10.17-carat Burmese, cushion-shaped ruby, framed by round diamonds, selling for a cool $4.1 million. This piece claimed the number 3 spot in the auction.
The sale's significance wasn't lost on Rahul Kadakia, Christie's International Global head of Jewels. "Today's sale marked a truly extraordinary and memorable moment in auction history," Kadakia stated. "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."
[1]https://www.bloombergquint.com/gadgets-and-wonk/the-bird-with-a-6-24-carat-diamond-among-items-up-for-sale-at-christies-auction#gs.CkmlSJy[2]https://www.moussaeff.com/en/[3]https://www.ft.com/content/d421d86e-a59a-3095-a309-b95a7c8f8c9c[4]https://www.forbes.com/sites/richardpelvetz/2020/10/28/inside-billionaire-dani-masseys-jpg-miami-beach-penthouse-and-its-crazy-art-collection/?sh=6879f466e9f1[5]https://www.forbes.com/sites/richardpelvetz/2020/10/28/inside-billionaire-dani-masseys-jpg-miami-beach-penthouse-and-its-crazy-art-collection/?sh=6879f466e9f1
- The auction organized by Christie's, which showcased gems and jewels from renowned houses like Moussaieff Jewellers and JAR, wasn't just a business event; it was a lifestyle extravaganza that delved into the realms of fashion-and-beauty and finance.
- In the world of luxury and finance, notable figures like Alisa Moussaieff and Lawrence Graff, represented by their respective high jewelry houses, vie for exquisite pieces at high-profile auctions like Christie's, elevating the status of such events to peerless and remarkable business endeavors.
