GENEVA.- Highlights from the Geneva Magnificent Jewels Sale to be held on the 16 May, will be touring and on public view in Christie’s flagship galleries in London (April 9 – 12) and New York (May 4 – 8). The sale will feature a selection of exceptional items with over 400 jewels on offer, ranging from diamonds to high-quality coloured stones, Art Déco, Retro and animal-themed jewellery. Among the top lots being toured is a spectacular fancy vivid yellow diamond ring of 20.49 carats (estimate: CHF 3,800,000 – 4,500,000) and an important late 19th century emerald and diamond necklace, by Tiffany & Co., circa 1880 (estimate: CHF 700,000 – 1,200,000), which was originally sold at Christie’s New York, over 20 years ago. Additional highlights include, a fancy intense purplish pink diamond ring (estimate CHF 3,500,000 - 5,000,000), a pair of Burmese sapphire earrings, by Bulgari (estimate: CHF 1,500,000 – 2,000,000), a pair of earrings, mounted with two emeralds of over 40 carats each, originating from the historic Muzo mines in Colombia (estimate: CHF 1,000,000 – 1,500,000) and a mid-20th century emerald and diamond brooch, Cartier (estimate: CHF 80,000 – 120,000).

Art Déco, a movement which united East and West and formed with colour a synthesis of pure art and lasting luxury, will be a prominent fixture within the sale. Key highlights include a sapphire and diamond bracelet and a ruby and diamond bracelet, both designed by René Sim Lacaze for Van Cleef & Arpels in Paris, circa 1939 (pictured below). Lacaze was one of the most important jewellery designer and artist of the twentieth century. He was incredibly influential as Head of artistic and creative design at Van Cleef & Arpels and played a major role in the development of European Art Déco style. Van Cleef & Arpels were also technical innovators during this period, creating the mystery setting, which allowed gemstones to be closely set together without the use of prongs so that no metal could be seen on the surface.

In keeping with the growing trend among collectors, Christie’s will be offering an exquisite selection of Retro jewels. In a period when materials were hard to come by, masculine, square lines were counterbalanced with bold 'cocktail' jewels, which were striking and dramatic. Designs substituted small and sparse precious gems with large semiprecious alternatives such as aquamarines and citrines. Jewellers revealed a fresh approach to themes of flora and fauna and created naturalistic fantasy amid the devastation of war. Key highlights include: a Retro sapphire and diamond bangle, by Boucheron, circa 1937 (estimate: CHF 80,000 – 120,000) and a Retro diamond 'Cadenas' wristwatch, 1940s, by Van Cleef & Arpels (estimate: CHF 5,000 -7,000).

Rounding up the selection of jewellery within the sale are a series of animal-themed works. Animals have been a recurring motif throughout the history of jewellery, their exquisite forms having captured the imagination of designers. Leading the selection are a number of timeless and elegant pieces from Cartier, including: a sapphire, diamond and emerald "Panthère" ring (estimate: CHF 100,000 – 150,000) and a multi-gem "Les Oiseaux Libérés" bangle (estimate: CHF 200,000 – 300,000).