Christie’s presents Jewels as Art: Magnificent Jewels from a Private Collection, a meticulously curated collection of jewellery as wearable art, featuring extraordinary pieces that capture key elements and craftsmanship spanning centuries. A collection carefully curated over the years by a visionary collector with an eye for art and design, who seamlessly integrated these treasures into her lifestyle and personal style. The collection is featured as the highlight of the Magnificent Jewels live auction which will take place at Christie’s on December 10th at Rockefeller Center.
Iconic
Claibourne Poindexter, Christie’s Senior Specialist, Jewelry says: “Christie’s is honoured to steward this remarkable collection, exemplifying the art of jewelry collecting through the discerning eye of an American collector who views jewels as a true form of art. With a judicious and intentional approach, this collection spans iconic designs across centuries and includes one of the most impressive assemblages of Suzanne Belperron jewels ever to come to auction. Christie’s is proud to offer collectors the chance to acquire these emblematic pieces.”
At the heart of this collection lies one of the most important assemblages of Suzanne Belperron jewelry ever to come to auction, curated intently by the present owner. Her distinguished eye and deep admiration for Belperron’s signature style and integrity are readily apparent in each of her acquisitions. This remarkable collection includes 15 jewels by Belperron, three of which come from the designer’s personal collection. Together, these pieces beautifully encapsulate Belperron’s body of work, characterized by a unique sense of color, imaginative use of materials, and boldly sculptural designs.
Emblematic
Among the most emblematic lots in the collection is the ‘Facetté’ Cuff Bracelet (estimate: $200,000–300,000), a testament to Belperron’s skillful use of semi-precious materials like silver and rock crystal to create strikingly bold, geometric forms. This iconic piece was famously owned by Diana Vreeland, the celebrated editor. Another highlight is the Diamond ‘Tube’ Bracelet (estimate: $400,000–600,000), showcasing Belperron’s refined elegance—seemingly simple in appearance yet remarkably complex in execution—a quality deeply admired by the current owner.
Beyond the Belperron jewels, this collection showcases exceptional pieces spanning centuries, reflecting this private collector’s commitment to exquisite design across eras. Highlights include a 19th-century rose-cut Antique Diamond Rivière Necklace (estimate: $70,000–100,000), an outstanding Cartier Art Deco Diamond and Coral Bracelet (estimate: $300,000–500,000), and a premier example of 21st-century jewelry design from JAR—a pair of Colored Diamond and Diamond ‘Hedgehog’ Earrings (estimate: $100,000–150,000).
This exceptionally curated collection, celebrating the art of jewellery across ages, offers an unparalleled opportunity for collectors and art enthusiasts alike to experience jewellery as wearable masterpieces.
Magnificent Jewels at Christie’s New York will close a spectacular year of jewellery auctions on 10th December 2024.
https://www.christies.com/en/auction/magnificent-jewels-23071-nyr
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