MONTE CARLO.- From 15th to 19th July, Artcurial will return to the Riviera. The unmissable event taking place on the ‘rock’ in the heart of the famous hotel Hermitage will be held on 17th, 18th and 19th July. Three sales, Jewellery, Watches and Hermès Summer Collection will gather the most exceptional pieces from the luxury world.

This year, the auction house has invited the designer, Pierre Hardy to cast his eye upon the selection and choose his favourites amongst the remarkable pieces sought out from around the world by Artcurial specialists. Pierre Hardy uses emblematic creations, from the most prestigious brands to rare anonymous works. He brings them together in a dreamlike still life setting, creating a spontaneous artistic dialogue, imagining XXith century Vanités. Ten graphic creations will thus beautifully illustrate the auction catalogue.

“It was when I saw the objects at the beginning of the project all mixed up without any particular order or price hierarchy that the idea came to me to gather them and make up a story.” ---Pierre Hardy

Collectors from around the world will come and battle during the three days of sales, under the gavel of François Tajan, auctioneer at Artcurial and Deputy Chairman at Artcurial SAM. A large number of Monegasque collectors will of course be present and also a demanding clientele from Asia, America, Russia and Europe.

« It is an immense pleasure to bring Pierre Hardy with us to Monaco for this season. I hope the collectors will enjoy discovering his illustrations as much as we will! » --François Tajan, Deputy Chairman, Artcurial SAM

For the second year running, Artcurial invites a French designer to take the reins of its Monaco auction. After Elie Top in 2016, it is now Pierre Hardy’s turn. Pierre Hardy is not only the famous shoe and leather designer for his eponymous brand; he is also the faithful director of creation for the shoe and jewellery departments at Hermès. He is a modern dandy and an expert of many things. Amongst the three auction catalogues (jewellery, watches, Hermès Summer Collection) he has selected rare and precious objects and presents them in a unique and beautifully poetic way.

Luxury Jewellery lights up the Riviera
18th July at 2.30pm and at 6pm
19th July at 2.30pm
At this long awaited Monegasque event, the Artcurial jewellery department will offer 557 lots at auction, including Pierre Hardy’s selection for a global estimation of over 6M€ / 6,6 M$.

All the big names from the place Vendôme (Boucheron, Graff, Van Cleef & Arpels...) will be represented with remarkable pieces appealing to serious collectors who will be kept on their toes. Highlights include this rare corsage clip by Van Cleef & Arpels featuring a ballerina decorated with diamonds, turquoise and rubies, estimated at 60 000 – 80 000 € / 67 103 – 89 511 $ (in January, Artcurial already sold a 1940s ballerina corsage clip for 130 000 € / 139 100 $, over 10 times its estimation.) An exceptional Cartier bracelet with two white gold and diamond dolphins is estimated at 130 000 – 150 000 € / 143 000 – 165 000 $.

Collectors who are passionate about stones will greatly appreciate several lots of stunning gems like this exceptional Cartier ring Toi et Moi made of gold and platinum decorated with a diamond and rectangular emerald estimated at 45 000 – 50000 € / 49 500 – 55 000 $.

Another stunning piece by Chaumet is a white gold necklace set with cut diamonds and cabochon sapphires which is estimated at 150 000 – 200 000 € / 165 000 – 220 000 $. It comes from the same place as the Rivière diamond necklace by Chaumet which is estimated between 150 000 –200 000 € / 165 000 – 220 000 $.

“The 2017 Monegasque sale truly stands out. This year art deco jewels by Chaumet or Cartier will be put up for auction alongside vintage models like this extraordinary « Egyptian revival » by Van Cleef et Arpels. Amongst the gems, white diamonds and yellow fancy presented alongside rubies and emeralds including one cut ruby which is the most magnificent colour and truly stands out. Collectors must not miss the multi coloured fine pearl necklace and the large broach once belonging to Princess Esmeralda par Altenloh.” --Julie Valade. Director, Artcurial Jewellery department

Monegasque excellence
17 July at 6pm
Artcurial’s watch department returns to Monaco on 17th July for an impressive sale made up of 270 lots boasting a global estimation of 2.5M € / 2,75 M$. The sale will travel across centuries from the 17th century to the 21st century and include watches by famous brands: Rolex, Patek Philippe, Cartier, Omega, Piaget, Vacheron Constantin, Audemars Piguet… The collection of 20 watches once belonging to the artist ARMAN is set to attract bidders. It includes a Beta 21 given to the artist by Yves Piaget for his 60th birthday and is engraved with a touching personal message.

“Amongst the 270 timepieces on offer, we will discover watch bracelets, pocket watches, engraved watches and miniature clocks. As well as the collections belonging to ARMAN and Georges Baptist, we will propose a beautiful set of female watches. Finally, three key pieces by Rolex will close the auction, including the delicate Stelline, ref. 6062, the sought-after Daytona "Panda", ref. 6263 and the mythical Jean-Claude Killy ref. 6036” ---Marie Sanna-Legrand, Director Collector Watches, Artcurial

Collectors will admire the magnificent Rolex Daytona « Panda », chronograph watch with steel bracelet, with its impressive estimation of 185 000 – 250 000 € / 210 000 – 280 500 $, is set to be the top lot of the sale.

Highlights from the female watches on sale include two ‘Serpenti’ watches by the Italian brand, Bulgari. The first is made up of an 18 karat yellow and white gold bracelet set with diamonds and estimated at 15 000 – 20 000 € / 16 500 – 22 000 $ ; the second made of yellow gold, enamel and diamonds is estimated at 35 000 – 45 000 € / 38 500 – 49 500 $. Another rare pearl from this feminine selection is a beautiful Cartier ‘Art-Déco’ white gold bracelet watch estimated at 8 000 – 12 000 € / 8 800 – 13 200 $.

Rare skins and unique pieces by Hermès.
19th July at 12pm
A key part of the Artcurial summer season, the Hermes Vintage section of the sale is particularly tied to Monaco this year as it will offer a unique piece : a Kelly bag decorated with a print of a portrait of Princesses Grace dating back to March 1954. This exceptional bag and unique object was given to the Princess Stephanie of Monaco during the exhibition « les années Grace Kelly » whick took place in July 2007 at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco and is estimated at 80 000 – 120 000 € / 88 000 – 132 000 $.

This Monaco event is the occasion to gather a selection of the most iconic Hermes pieces made from rare and exotic skins. The emblematic Kelly and Birkin bags will of course be the stars of the sale. Highlights include a classic Birkin made from Jaipur pink, Epsom calf skin estimated at 12 000 - 15 000 € / 13 520 – 16 500 $ ; more recent creations include a Bolide Shark bag made from indigo blue calf leather estimated at 10 000 – 15 000 € / 11 000 – 16 500.

One can also discover some more original creations like this Kelly picnic bag made from wickerwork and natural calf skin, estimated at 10 000 – 15 000 € / 11 000 – 16 500 $.

For those who prefer smaller models, don’t miss the amethyst alligator Constance bag estimated at 18 000 - 28 000 € / 20 287 - 31 556 $.

“The Hermès Summer Collection 2017 is set to be a good year. Highlights include an array of flamboyant and summer Birkin and Kelly bags and also more recent collector models like the blue marine Bolide Shark made from young bull leather and the Kelly Picnic bag which is simply perfect for the Riviera. True fashionistas will go crazy over the marine crocodile mini Constance bag.” ---Pénélope Blanckaert, Director Hermès Vintage & Fashion Arts, Artcurial.