GENEVA.- Christie's Geneva Magnificent Jewels achieved CHF 51,859,550 | US$ 66,501,674, with sell through rates of 99% by lot and 186% by low estimate. The Ocean Dream led the sale, realising CHF 13,567,500 | US$ 17,366,400 after 20 minutes of intense bidding, becoming the most expensive fancy vivid blue-green diamond ever sold at auction, and the highest priced lot sold during Luxury Week in Geneva.

Of the 87 lots offered at Christie's, 84% sold over their high estimate. Clients bidding in the room, over Christie's Live and via the phone saw 41% from Europe, 27% from the Americas and 28% from Asia Pacific. This included registrants for the sale from 8 new countries, with interest coming from 40 countries in total. 13 lots sold for over US$1 million, 2 for over US$5 million, and 1 for over US$10 million.

Highlights of Magnificent Jewels Included;

Necklaces

Leading the category was an exceptional two row natural pearl and diamond necklace, which achieved CHF 4,147,000 / US$ 5,308,160, over four times its low estimate. Additionally, a spectacular diamond and ruby Boucheron necklace, created for the 1925 Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, achieved CHF 1,206,500 / US$ 1,544,320. The much anticipated Cartier sautoir worn in the 1974 film The Great Gatsby was another key highlight, achieving CHF 444,500 / US$ 568,960, underscoring the continued strength of historically significant jewels with cultural provenance.

Cartier

Three Cartier animal-themed pieces opened the sale, each soaring past their individual pre-sale estimates. A Cartier Flamingo Brooch, achieved CHF 317,500 / US$ 406,400. The original model was commissioned in 1940 for the Duchess of Windsor, Wallis Simpson, and remains one of the most historically significant Cartier creations, now part of the Maison's Heritage Collection.

Other notable Cartier results included the Impressive Cartier Art Deco Diamond Tiara, which achieved CHF 698,500 / US$ 894,080 – nearly three times its low estimate. In addition, the Cartier Art Deco multi-gem Tutti Frutti clip-brooch realised CHF 1,054,100 / US$ 1,349,248.

Gemstones

Coloured gemstones formed a key pillar of the sale, led by a Royal Blue 22.28 carat Kashmir sapphire ring by Chaumet, which achieved CHF 2,744,000 / US$ 3,512,320. The cushion-shaped stone, with no indications of heating, underscored continued demand for exceptional Kashmir sapphires of fine provenance. A standout result was achieved by a Harry Winston ring set with a 76.39 carat oval cabochon sapphire, which realised CHF 1,768,000 / US$ 2,263,040.

Max Fawcett, Global Head of Jewellery, comments, “It was thrilling to see three international collectors participating in a spirited bidding battle for the final lot of the sale, lasting 20 minutes. The Ocean Dream sold for over US$ 17 million, the most expensive lot sold at auction this Spring in Geneva. We are delighted with the results, and the market for top quality jewels and gemstones is exceptionally strong. It was a privilege to present this carefully curated sale from our new rostrum in Geneva, marking 260 years of Christie's history and celebrating the enduring allure of the finest jewels.”

Rare Watches

Christie's Luxury Week started strongly on Monday 11 and Tuesday 12 May with the Rare Watches sale in two parts, achieving CHF 33,054,441 / US$ 42,309,684, the highest result for any various owner watch auction held at Christie's. A 99% sell through rate by lot and selling 188% above low estimate underscores the current high demand in the watch auction market.

One of the most anticipated pieces in the Rare Watches auction was a 1990 Cartier Crash London, which achieved CHF 1,585,000 / US$ 2,028,800 – tripling its low pre-sale estimate and setting the new world auction record for the model. This timepiece is distinguished by its crisp, heavy gold case and matching gold 'Crash' deployant clasp, both of which have full Cartier London signatures.

Online Sale

The Geneva Jewels Online sale remains open for bidding until 19 May.

The 2026 Global Luxury Calendar

Geneva Luxury Week forms part of Christie's international Luxury calendar this Spring; sales continue in Hong Kong (20-29 May), London (22 May – 5 June), New York (1-12 June) and Paris (12-16 June).