Christie's, the world-renowned auction house, is known for its outstanding sales of artwork and jewelry, and this year's autumn auction promises to be no different. The auction house will be offering the largest and most valuable private jewelry collection ever to be sold at auction. The collection belongs to the late Mrs. Lily Safra, a philanthropist and widow of the billionaire banker Edmond Safra. The collection comprises 70 pieces of exquisite jewelry, valued at a staggering $150 million.
The collection is expected to draw a lot of attention from collectors and investors, who will be vying for the opportunity to own one of these stunning pieces. The collection features a range of jewelry, from Art Deco and Cartier classics to contemporary pieces from prestigious jewelers such as JAR and Van Cleef & Arpels.
One of the highlights of the collection is a magnificent diamond necklace, which features a total of 42 diamonds weighing over 120 carats. The necklace is estimated to be worth between $20-30 million and is expected to be one of the most hotly contested items at the auction. Another standout piece is a diamond tiara designed by Chaumet, which features over 300 diamonds and is estimated to be worth $4-6 million.
The auction will also feature several pieces of jewelry from the Art Deco period, a style that was popular in the 1920s and 1930s. Art Deco jewelry is characterized by its geometric shapes, bold colors, and use of materials such as platinum and diamonds. One such piece is a diamond bracelet designed by Cartier in the 1920s, which features an intricate geometric pattern and is estimated to be worth between $1.5-2 million.
Contemporary jewelry from esteemed designers such as JAR and Van Cleef & Arpels will also be on offer. These designers are known for their exceptional craftsmanship and use of rare and unusual gemstones. One such piece is a JAR ring featuring a rare green tourmaline, which is estimated to be worth between $600,000-$800,000.
The Lily Safra collection is not just a display of stunning jewelry; it also tells the story of one woman's lifelong love affair with jewels. Mrs. Safra was known for her exquisite taste in jewelry and was often seen wearing her favorite pieces at social events. She had a particular affinity for diamonds and was a regular customer at some of the world's most prestigious jewelry stores.
The auction of the Lily Safra collection is a rare opportunity for jewelry collectors and enthusiasts to acquire pieces that are not only of exceptional quality but also have a rich history and provenance. These pieces have been carefully curated and cherished by Mrs. Safra and are now available to be passed on to a new generation of collectors.
In recent years, jewelry auctions have become increasingly popular, with record-breaking sales taking place around the world. One of the reasons for this surge in popularity is the increasing demand for rare and exceptional pieces of jewelry. Jewelry collectors and investors are always on the lookout for unique pieces that have the potential to appreciate in value over time.
The Lily Safra collection is a prime example of the type of jewelry that collectors and investors are looking for. These pieces are not only beautiful and of exceptional quality, but they also have a fascinating history and provenance. The Lily Safra collection is sure to attract a lot of attention from collectors and investors alike and is expected to fetch record-breaking prices at auction.
In conclusion, the Lily Safra collection is one of the most significant and valuable private jewelry collections ever to be sold at auction. The collection features an array of exquisite pieces from some of the world's most prestigious jewelers, including Cartier, J.