Sotheby's Geneva to Feature Historic Romanov Sapphire in Royal and Noble Jewels Sale

Sotheby's in Geneva is set to host another prestigious Royal & Noble Jewels auction, featuring an exquisite collection of historically significant pieces. Following a series of successful sales, this event will once again highlight extraordinary provenances, unparalleled craftsmanship, and profound historical narratives embedded within each jewel. The centerpiece of the collection is the remarkable Romanov Sapphire, an unheated 197.80-carat Ceylon sapphire with a storied past. This auction promises to be a rare opportunity for collectors to acquire treasures that have witnessed centuries of European royalty and significant societal transformations.

The Romanov Sapphire, a magnificent unheated Ceylon sapphire weighing an impressive 197.80 carats, is the leading highlight of the upcoming auction. Historically, this sapphire was once adorned by Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna and previously set by Fabergé. Its journey is chronicled from its place among the Russian Crown Jewels, famously depicted at the lavish Winter Palace Ball in 1903, through the turbulent Soviet dispersal sales, and into the esteemed collection of the socialite Ganna Walska, before finding its way to Cartier. This captivating gemstone is estimated to fetch between CHF 850,000 and 1,700,000.

Beyond the Romanov Sapphire, the auction features an array of other distinguished items. Among these is an exquisite Cartier London black opal and diamond necklace-brooch combination, which can also be worn as a tiara. This piece was originally crafted for the Duchess of Devonshire and is notable for its exceptional Australian black opals, celebrated for their vibrant play of color. Having been worn during the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953, it encapsulates the elegance and artistry of 20th-century British aristocracy. Another highlight includes an elegant diamond tiara by Mellerio dits Meller, initially showcased at the 1862 International Exhibition and later acquired by the House of Orléans as a wedding gift for Marie Isabelle d’Orléans upon her marriage to Philippe d’Orléans. Furthermore, a rare sapphire, emerald, and diamond toi et moi ring, once owned by Catherine, Lady Walston, boasts an unheated Kashmir sapphire and a Colombian emerald, accompanied by an intriguing literary connection to Graham Greene's "The End of the Affair."

The sale also proudly presents two emerald jewels belonging to Queen Amélie of Portugal, the last Queen Consort of Portugal. Her life, marked by survival through the Lisbon Regicide of 1908 and subsequent royal exile, mirrors the dramatic shifts in European royal houses during the 20th century. These emerald pieces serve as poignant reminders of a bygone era. Andres White Correal, Chairman of Jewellery Europe and Middle East and Head of Noble Jewels at Sotheby's, emphasized the enduring appeal of these items, noting that their significance transcends mere gemstone value. He highlighted that these jewels, with their museum-quality provenance, historical associations, and exceptional artistry, provide an unparalleled window into centuries of European royal and aristocratic heritage, expressing anticipation for collectors worldwide to engage with these treasures in November.