The royal jewels auction held by Sotheby’s in Geneva on 14 November 2018 set a record for any sale of royal jewels. All lots offered were sold, with 90 percent of them sold above high estimate.
The 100-lot sale achieved a total of CHF 53.5 million (US$53.1 million), surpassing the long-held benchmark of US$50.3 million established by the auction of jewellery of the Duchess of Windsor in 1987.
David Bennett, worldwide chairman of Sotheby’s international jewellery division, said: “More than thirty years ago, I was part of the specialist team entrusted with the landmark sale of the jewels of the Duchess of Windsor – a sale that has held a legendary status ever since. Tonight a new benchmark was established in the sale of Royal and Noble jewels, a field in which Sotheby’s has been the pioneer for many years.”
A natural pearl and diamond pendant from Marie Antoinette’s personal collection (photo 2) sold for CHF 36 million claimed the top lot, setting a new auction record for a natural pearl.
Other highlights included a three-strand pearl necklace from the queen’s personal collection achieved CHF 2.3 million. A diamond brooch set with a yellow diamond fetched CHF 2.1 million.
← Back