Christie's Geneva Presents "Magnificent Jewels" on November 12, 2013

Nothing will prepare you for the scrumptious decadence found on the pages of Christie's Geneva Magnificent Jewels catalog. Cover to cover, exquisite jewels created by top designers, such as JAR, Bulgari, Cartier, and VC&A, grace the pages. Exclusive pieces from the collection of Mrs. Vera Espirito Santo, including several sautoirs by Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels, lay nestled among distinguished Art Deco pieces previously owned by "A Lady" and the gorgeous antique jewels which once adorned members of the Royal Family of Savoy. Diamonds, rubies, emeralds, and sapphires decorate nearly every page, and they are merely the savory appetizers offered during the afternoon session of the Geneva sale, which takes place at 2:00pm November 12, 2013. As evening falls, a lavish array of riches from HRH The Duchess of Genova, from HRH Princess Faiza of Egypt, from Simón Inturri Patiño, and from the beautiful Madame Helène Rochas will be served in high style. From HRH The Duchess of Genova, Christie's features Royal Pearls: A pair of antique baroque natural pearl earrings, each with a diamond-set cap, suspended from a diamond line and double hoop top {Lot 203}; an antique natural pearl and diamond bar brooch "designed as a line of old-cut diamond collets with natural drop-shaped pearl terminals" {Lot 204}; and a double-strand necklace comprised of 8 cultured pearls, 7 freshwater natural pearls, and 120 natural saltwater pearls {Lot 205}. From the incomparable collection of a private collector, Christie's offers an emerald and diamond necklace which once graced the neck of HRH Princess Faiza of Egypt. Made by Van Cleef & Arpels, this stunning jewel survived the dismantling of the Egyptian Crown Jewels which followed the exile of the Egyptian royal family. Purchased in 1947, this necklace is both "imposing" and "graceful," set with gorgeous emerald cabochon drops suspended from "diamond motives" that exude the geometric essence of Art Deco {cited}. The pendant clasp features an elaborate geometric pattern set entirely in diamonds, with a single drop-shaped emerald terminal. If that's not enough glamour for you, next comes three superior pieces once owned by Bolivian tycoon Simón Itturi Patiño. Sr. Patiño made his fortune in the Andes Mountains when with his wife "he discovered one of the greatest tin deposits ever known" {cited}. He invested his fortunes in tin deposits in Malaysia and Canada and opened a bank in Bolivia. By the late 1930s, his foundries processed more than 60% of the world's tin {cited}. So successful was his enterprise, that Sr. Patiño became one of the 5 wealthiest men in the world. Besides reinvesting his fortunes in his business interests, the King of Tin amassed a collection of "fabulous gemstones and jewels" in the '30s and '40s, "one of the greatest periods of jewellery design" {cited}. The first of the Patiño jewels was designed by Cartier in honor of a rare gem, 'The Andean cross,' which the Maison had acquired from Queen Eugenia of Spain. To form the necklace, Cartier chose 15 of the best Colombian emeralds to create an exquisite diamond and emerald necklace from which the cross could hang. In January 1938, Sr. Patiño fell under the spell of this beautiful necklace and purchased it for his wife. A few years later, the family approved an alteration. The necklace was shortened by two emeralds in order to facilitate the design of a pair of matching diamond and emerald earrings. These will also be offered for sale in Geneva. In addition to the magnificent necklace and earrings, Christie's offers a diamond ring by Chaumet set with a cushion-shaped diamond of approximately 32.65 carats. At one time, this exceptional diamond was incorporated into a "spectacular diamond rivière necklace owned by Mrs Albina Patiño" {cited}. Though it is hard to determine a true headliner for the Geneva sale, it is a safe assumption that the 18 lots from The Property of Madame Helène Rochas may just steal the show. A jeweled evening bag and Cartier vanity case lie in state among a pair of gemstone earrings and a mother-of-pearl bracelet by Marina B. Next, we feast our eyes on several luxurious jewels studded with pearls, diamonds, and sapphires, followed by a mystery-set ruby and diamond 'Magnolia' brooch and a pair of ruby and diamond earrings made by Van Cleef & Arpels. The final lots from Madame Rochas's estate include an aquamarine, pink topaz and diamond bangle by Verdura, as well as five delicious pieces made by René Boivin: A trio of flexible bombé bands "with honeycomb-shaped scales set with rubies, sapphires, and diamonds"; an articulated yellow gold 'Fish' pendant with moonstone eyes and a head scaled in peridot and citrines; a pair of 'Algues' ear clips, one set with a white cultured pearl and the other with a grey cultured pearl, both surmounted by diamond-set leaves; a tapered platinum 'Tranche' bangle "with an oval-shaped pavé-set diamond panel; and a crouching 'Tiger' shoulder brooch set with pavé-set yellow and orange diamond stripes, emerald eyes, and black enamel detail on its head. Christie's Geneva Magnificent Jewels sale will be among the most glamorous and important sales of this fall's jewelry auction season. For more information on the upcoming sale, we invite you to visit Christie's website.