More than 300 jewellery pieces will be offered at Christie’s New York sale, on Apri 14. Magnificent Jewels sale is led by an outstanding four-strand natural colored saltwater pearl necklace. Black pearls count amongst the most rare of natural gems. Much scarcer than their white counterparts, they represent beauty of the highest order. Very few black and gray pearl necklaces have been offered for sale in the past fifty years, the most famous in comparison being The Nina Dyer Black Pearl Necklace, first sold at Christie’s Geneva in May 1969 and more recently, The Cowdray Pearls sold at Christie’s London in June 2012. The auction is expected to achieve in excess of US$40 million.
Rahul Kadakia, International Head of Christie’s Jewelry, commented: “After a record-breaking year in 2014 in which Christie’s Jewelry department realized an unprecedented $754.7 million in sales, we are proud to begin the jewelry auction season with this exceptional sale of Magnificent Jewels in New York. The auction on April 14 is comprised of superior quality diamonds, rare colored gemstones, and natural pearls that present collectors remarkable opportunities to acquire one-of-a-kind rare jewels.”
Other notable pieces at auction include the Millicent Rogers Ruby Heart Brooch, by Paul Flato, a Fancy Intense Purplish Pink Diamond of 5.29 Carats and a Cushion-shaped Diamond of 80.73 Carats.
