Sotheby’s
ST MORTEZ—Sotheby’s celebrated its 20th anniversary sale in this Swiss ski resort with a two-day Magnificent Jewelry auction in February. The sale reached a total of $14.8 million with almost 64 percent of the 636 lots offered finding bids.
“Despite the fact that the resort was quieter than usual, and there were few Middle East buyers, many lots exceeded their estimates,” said David Bennett, director of Sotheby’s jewelry and precious objects division. “We were particularly pleased to see so many private clients bidding, not only on the lower and middle range lots, but also on the more expensive pieces—in many cases successfully.”
The most expensive lot was a cushion-shaped Burmese ruby of 15.28 carats. The stone set as a ring within a diamond border sold for $1.15 million to an international trader.
A private Asian buyer picked up a rare emerald bead necklace from the 1930s for $566,000, nearly doubling its presale estimate. The 46cm long necklace is strung with 45 melon-shaped emerald beads graduated in size from the center. The clasp is set with a carved emerald and diamonds.
A diamond ring by Harry Winston set with a rectangular step-cut diamond of 13.56 carats and tapered baguette diamond shoulders sold to a private European buyer for $425,000. A laboratory report states D color and VS1 clarity.
Another piece by Harry Winston, a ruby and diamond bracelet, circa 1960, sold for $372,000. The bracelet is set with ten cushion-shaped rubies.
An international dealer bought a diamond and ruby bead ring for $354,800. The diamond of light brownish pink color weighing 15.67 carats is set within a cluster-style border of ruby beads, brilliant cut diamonds and black enamel. The piece is by Fulvio Maria Scavia, a fourth generation Milanese jeweler.
One of the more stunning pieces at the sale was a diamond and natural pearl tiara by French Royal Jeweler Chaumet. The piece, which dated from 1915, sold of $222,800 to a Middle Eastern buyer.