If you are a jewelry enthusiast, you might want to mark the date November 13, 2024, in your calendar. This is when Sotheby’s Geneva Magnificent Jewels will be held, an extraordinary event showing breathtaking antique gems from private collections. This bi-annual sale attracts both collectors and enthusiasts alike with its ostentatious splendor.
Event attendees will be able to see masterpieces from Cartier, Bulgari, Van Cleef & Arpels, Tiffany, and more. An impressive collection of colored diamonds and gems will add something extra special to an otherwise extraordinary event. A bidding frenzy is guaranteed!
Castellani. Elegant yellow gold tiara, created in the late 19th century, showcases the work of Fortunato Pio Castellani, a key figure in the archaeological revival movement. Founder of his Rome-based jewelry business in 1814, Castellani formed a lifelong partnership with Michelangelo Caetani in 1826. The tiara reflects his expertise in combining ancient-inspired designs with 19th-century craftsmanship. Photo from Sotheby’s site.
This year’s Magnificent Jewels Sale opens up with some high-end antique jewelry (over 250 years of craftsmanship). One highlight is a private collection of 19th-century Revival jewels assembled by a true connoisseur. The collection features works by noted artisans such as Fortunato Pio Castellani, Carlo Giuliano, Giacinto Melillo, Wièse, Falize, and Eugène Fontenay. Their creations once literally bewitched the nobility of that time including Queen Victoria, her daughters, and other royal family members.
The very best pieces from some of the most prestigious jewelry houses from the 20th century will also be on display. At least a dozen items from Van Cleef & Arpels will be presented at the sale. Top-ranking lots include the ‘Mystery-Set’ brooch from a sapphire collection (60,000–80,000 CHF) and a crossover bangle with a graduated line of oval and cushion-shaped sapphires between channel-set baguette and tapered baguette diamonds (from 320,000 to 550,000 CHF).
Castellani. Emerald, Ruby, and Enamel Pendant Brooch, Circa 1860. This Renaissance revival-inspired brooch features an openwork design adorned with mythical beasts and foliate motifs, accented with green, red, and white enamel. It is set with rubies and emeralds, with drop-shaped emerald pendants, and the reverse is finely engraved with a foliate pattern. Photo from Sotheby’s site.
Bulgari fans will appreciate a circa 1966 ‘Serpenti’ gold, ruby, and diamond wristwatch expected to fetch from 200,000 to 400,000 CHF. Moreover, a rare Panthère brooch from the 1980s with beautiful sapphire spots and an approximate estimate of 150,000 to 250,000 CHF will attract Cartier collectors.
Finally, the sale will draw attention to the modern designs that carry the tradition of great craftsmanship to the next generations. For example, there’s a stunning 30-carat no-heat Ceylon sapphire ring made by JAR. The purple sapphires and diamonds encrusting the piece demonstrate an artful use of color. This striking ring can be sold for anywhere from 300,000 to 480,000 CHF.
Giacinto Melillo. Gold Necklace, Circa 1870. Giacinto Melillo (1846–1915) was a skilled jeweler of the archaeological revival movement, known for his mastery of designs inspired by Pompeii and Herculaneum. Trained as an apprentice in Alessandro Castellani’s Neapolitan workshop, Melillo became renowned for his exceptional craftsmanship, though little is known about his life.
Sotheby’s Magnificent Jewels Sale represents the pinnacle of the auction season and carries a deep historical importance. Collectors and jewelry fans wouldn’t want to pass up this chance to own some of the best precious items ever created.
