Royal and Noble Jewels – The Legacy Continues
For centuries, Sotheby's has been a trusted custodian of rare and extraordinary items, deeply embedded in history, tradition, and elegance. From luxury automobiles and extraordinary works of art to what could be considered the pinnacle: the finest gemstones and jewels ever crafted.
Throughout history, countless items rich in heritage have passed through Sotheby’s iconic doors, finding themselves on the auction block. Many of Europe’s most prestigious houses hold relics that once graced Sotheby’s auctions, from intricate 19th-century micro mosaics and Renaissance tapestries to dazzling jewels of royal and noble provenance. These precious pieces have travelled the world, ultimately arriving at Sotheby’s, where they were auctioned and joined the collections of new, discerning owners.
Royal & Noble Jewels Exhibition Tour
This October, Sotheby’s Royal & Noble Jewels Highlights tour will traverse the globe, offering a dazzling showcase of pieces with royal and noble lineage. Before arriving in Dubai, this exceptional exhibition will have been displayed in some of the world’s most luxurious cities, including Hong Kong and New York, before culminating in Geneva ahead of the Sotheby’s auction on 11th November. These precious jewels, with their aristocratic origins, are steeped in history. The event further cements Sotheby’s tradition of offering highly significant royal collections, as seen in the Bourbon-Parma sale of November 2018, where Marie-Antoinette’s jewels achieved an extraordinary $50,000,000. One particularly notable piece – a rare pearl once owned by the Queen – set a world record for the highest price ever paid for a natural pearl at auction, fetching $34,250,000.
History tells us that when Queen Marie Antoinette faced imminent capture, she sent her precious jewels in a trunk to Brussels. From there, the collection made its way to Vienna, where the Austrian emperor, her nephew, safeguarded them. In 1795, the jewels were returned to Marie Antoinette’s daughter, Madame Royale. Eventually, these pieces became part of the Bourbon Parma family’s collection, and it was through Sotheby’s that they were brought to auction.
The upcoming auction in Geneva is expected to mirror the extraordinary results Sotheby’s has achieved in the past. One of the most anticipated highlights is an exquisite 18th-century jewel, formerly part of the collection of the Marquess of Anglesey. Additionally, an impressive selection of jewels from a noble collection, spanning the 19th century and beyond, will round out the auction, presenting a dazzling array of historical and artistic masterpieces for collectors and connoisseurs.
18th-Century Jewel Takes Centre Stage at Sotheby's Royal & Noble Jewels Live Auction in Geneva
A piece as rare as a flawless diamond itself is a magnificent late 18th-century necklace, weighing approximately 300 carats, set to make its first public appearance in fifty years. Formerly part of the Collection of the Marquess of Anglesey, this extraordinary piece is expected to fetch an estimated $2,425,000.
The origins of this exceptional jewel remain a captivating mystery, adding to its allure. It is believed to have been crafted just before the French Revolution. In 1937, Marjorie Paget, Marchioness of Anglesey, wore the necklace to the coronation of King George VI, immortalised in a portrait by the famous photographer Cecil Beaton. Sixteen years later, in 1953, her daughter-in-law wore the same heirloom for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. A diamond of such rarity is destined for a life as extraordinary as the gem itself. The necklace features a pair of old cushion-shaped diamond tassels, connected by three rows of collet-set old cushion-shaped and circular-cut diamonds, with a total length of approximately 670mm. This rare and historic piece will be on display in major cities as part of a global tour, culminating in the Royal and Noble Jewels live auction at Sotheby’s Geneva on 11th November.
Previously Exhibited
This remarkable necklace was last exhibited in 1959 as part of The Ageless Diamond Loan exhibition, where it was showcased alongside some of the most renowned royal and aristocratic jewels, including the celebrated Williamson Pink Diamond and the brooch set with the Cullinan III and IV diamonds from Queen Elizabeth II’s collection. It was also displayed in 1979 at the American Museum of Natural History’s Bicentennial Exhibition. During that time, there were claims that the piece had been crafted in 1776 by the esteemed jeweler Collingwood and that it was a gift from George III to the Duchess of Marlborough. While the exact origins remain debated, the sheer beauty of the piece is indisputable.
Final Note
These impeccable jewels are more than just a testament to nature’s most magnificent diamonds; they are symbols of a bygone era when grandeur and elegance ruled, as well as tangible pieces of history. The prices these pieces are expected to achieve at auction will undoubtedly capture global attention. For centuries, Sotheby’s has had the honour of offering some of the most storied and exquisite jewels in the world. Participating in the upcoming exhibition will place you at the heart of the remarkable stories and heritage behind these rare jewels and their creation.
