Charity auction of 70 lots of jewels from the collection of the Brazilian-born philanthropist and billionaire Lily Safra, held by Christie’s International in Geneva on May 14, raised nearly $38 million! The highlight of the sale was a 32.08 carats cushion-shaped Burmese ruby and diamond ring, known as The Hope Ruby by Chaumet, which sold for more than $6.7 million. It is a world record price for any ruby sold at auction.
The Hope Ruby - Burmese Ruby and Diamond Ring
All 70 lots found buyers, with $11.19 million contributed by the JAR group. The collection almost doubled it’s pre-sale estimated worth of $20 million.
From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank everyone who participated in this evening’s success, Safra said. I am overjoyed, knowing that so many people in need around the world will benefit.
The most expensive JAR piece was a ruby and diamond Camellia flower brooch that was created for Safra in 2003. Pave- set with rubies weighing 173.09 carats, it fetched $4,319,591 against an estimate of as much as $1.5 million.
Other standout prices included $5,316,669 for a pair of diamond ear clips, each pear-shaped stone weighing more than 19 carats, and $5,117,253 for a diamond ring with a rectangular-cut stone weighing about 34.05 carats.
Proceeds were set to go to 32 charitable organizations through The Lily Safra Foundation. Among the organizations are ALEH: Caring for Israel’s Disabled; A Computer for Every Child, Israel; the Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem; the Edmond and Lily Safra Children’s Hospital in Tel Hashomer, Israel; and the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra.
Ruby and Diamond Camellia Flower Brooch
Pair of Diamond Ear Clips
Diamond Ring with a Rectangular Cut Stone
