Auctions in Geneva next week will feature Russian royal treasures that were stolen from the country after the 1917 revolution as well as rare colored diamonds, with the hope of attracting wealthy buyers who have recovered from the flu pandemic, according to the auction house.
When Sotheby's semi-annual jewelry sale in Zurich takes place on Nov. 10, a 25.62-carat orange-pink diamond set in a ring will be the most talked-about item.
This stunning crystal has a delicate tint to it and is a lovely color with a hint of orange but not too much, according to Olivier Wagner, head of sale and jewelry expert at Sotheby's Geneva, who spoke to reporters in the store, which is located in a lakeside hotel.
In light of the outbreak, people are eager to purchase jewelry and other tangible items that they can use to relax and enjoy themselves right away.
Historically significant gems, including a magnificent oval sapphire and diamond brooch and matching earclips from the jewelry box of Grand Duchess Maria Pavlovna, the aunt of the last Russian Emperor Nicholas II, are once again available for historical gem enthusiasts to purchase.
They belonged to Russia's Grand Duchess Maria Pavlovna, who reigned supreme over the city's social scene as its socialite queen. She was the wife of Grand Duke Vladimir, and thus the daughter of the tsar (Alexander II), and she possessed an incredible jewel collection, according to Wagner. Grand Duke Vladimir was the son of Alexander II.
According to the auction house, the royal set was entrusted to her friend, British diplomat Albert Henry Stopford, who transported them to London for protection along with other jewels. It is expected to fetch between 280,000 and 480,000 Swiss francs at the auction.
Pavlovna fled revolutionary Russia and died in France in 1920, at the age of 27. In 2009, she purchased her brooch and earrings at auction, and they are now being offered for sale by an auction house in London on behalf of a European aristocratic family who purchased them at auction.
With the launch of Fashion Through Time, Sotheby's is expanding its luxury week offerings to include items such as purses named after film actresses Grace Kelly and Jane Birkin, as well as sneakers worn by late NBA great Kobe Bryant. The sale is aimed at younger collectors and will be held online.
He is estimated to be worth between 25,000 and 35,000 Swiss francs for his pair of yellow and black Nike shoes, which are a size 14 in the United States.
