More than 200 pieces of jewellery and gemstones connected with the Austrian Habsburg dynasty will make its first public appearance in nearly a century at an upcoming auction in Geneva.
Hosted by Sotheby’s auction house, the sale is called ‘Vienna 1900: An Imperial and Royal Collection’ and will take place on 6-7 November.
The auction is expected to garner $US3.3 million ($AU5.12 million) to $US5.6 million ($AU8.69 million).
Andres White Correal, senior director of jewellery at Sotheby’s, told Rapaport News: “The collection is truly exceptional.”
“Presented together, their superior craftsmanship and exquisite design brilliantly showcases the style and grandeur of the Habsburg court and permit us a rich glimpse into the private lives of these European ruling houses who gravitated around the court of Vienna.”
He added: “This collection is arguably the most important Noble Jewels auction since the landmark sale of the royal jewels from the Bourbon Parma family, held by Sotheby’s in Geneva four years ago.”
Before the auction, Sotheby’s will exhibit the collection worldwide, with viewings available in New York, Paris, Hong Kong, Bangkok, the UAE and London.
New York, New York
Sotheby’s generated more than $US13.1 million ($AU20.33 million) in sales at its most recent auction in New York, with more than half of the items surpassing high estimates.
The headline act was a Harry Winston ring set with a round, 15-carat, E-colour, VS2-clarity diamond sold for $US1.1 million ($AU1.71 million).
This exceeded the pre-auction estimate by more than $US750,000 ($AU1.16 million).
Overall, Sotheby’s sold 84 per cent of the items on offer at the auction.
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