Iconic jewels open for bidding at Christie's London

Christie’s Jewels Online: The London Edit, open for bidding until 25 November, offers a selection of fine antique and contemporary jewellery, including an impressive private collection of modern jewels with signed pieces by Graff, Van Cleef & Arpels and Cartier, as well as a signature 1970s necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels (estimate: £150,000-250,000), and a fine sapphire and diamond bracelet (estimate: £150,000-200,000). The auction begins with a private collection of Art Deco brooches, one of which was purchased from Chaumet in December 1924 by the 1^st Viscountess of Cowdray (estimate: £12,000-15,000). This is followed by another Art Deco brooch, also originally belonging to the 1^st Viscountess (estimate: £3,000-5,000). It is a complete coincidence to have these two brooches reunited nearly 100 years later, consigned by different vendors, but from the same original collection. Further highlights of the auction include a Cartier Art Deco nephrite and diamond vanity case timepiece, formerly in the collection of Gloria Guinness having been gifted by her husband Loel Guinness (estimate: £15,000-20,000). Gloria Guinness is considered one of the most elegant women of the 20^th century, and was dressed by fashion designers such as Cristóbal Balenciaga, Christian Dior, Chanel, Hubert de Givenchy and Yves Saint Laurent. She appeared on the International Best Dressed List from 1959 through 1963, before being instated to its Hall of Fame in 1964.

The sale will be held online from the 11 to 25 November, with viewing at Christie’s King Street from the 17 to 24 November.

Further Jewellery highlights this season include a selection of jewels from The Collection of Lord & Lady Weinstock, which will be sold at Christie’s London on 22 November (please find the dedicated feature here). Crowning the selection of Lady Weinstock’s jewellery is a superb diamond necklace, circa 1965, (estimate: £70,000–90,000), alongside a fine 19^th century diamond tiara (estimate £60,000–80,000), purchased from renowned dealer S.J. Phillips. These are offered alongside a wide range of jewels including a number of highly desirable pieces by Van Cleef & Arpels, with viewing at Christie’s King Street from the 17 to 22 November.