Sovereign Sparkles

August 5, 2019

Was Christie’s Maharajas & Mughal Magnificence sale the auction of the century it was announced to be? Realizing $109 million, the June 19 sale in New York earned the highest total of any auction featuring Indian art. But it ranks only second-highest for a private jewelry collection (it came from the Al Thani dynasty, the ruling family of Qatar). The record for a private collection belongs to The Legendary Jewels — Elizabeth Taylor’s personal trove — which garnered $115.9 million in 2011. Overall, Christie’s sold 93% of the lots on offer. Here are some highlights:

TOP LOT – $10.6M

A Belle Époque brooch, created by Cartier in 1912. The piece features a number of diamonds, including a pear brilliant-cut, 34.08-carat, E-color, VS1-clarity stone and an oval brilliant-cut, 23.55-carat, D, VVS2 one. Presale estimate: $10 million to $15 million.

The Mirror of Paradise – $6.5M

This rectangular-cut, 52.58-carat, D-color, internally flawless, type IIa diamond ring sold below its low estimate of $7 million.

The Arcot II – $3.4m

This pear-shaped, brilliant-cut, 17.21-carat diamond was found in India’s Golconda region in the late 18th century. The stone — which Queen Charlotte of Great Britain received from the Nawab of Arcot, a regional Indian ruler — garnered $3.4 million, within its estimated range of $2 million to $4 million.

All sold

Contemporary jewels by JAR and Bhagat did well, exceeding their estimates, with all items on offer selling. This diamond and emerald-bead brooch by Bhagat sold for $399,000, four times its low estimate. Meanwhile, an elephant brooch by JAR achieved more than five times its low estimate, going for $555,000.

Golconda diamond rivière necklace – $2.4m

Originating in the collection of the Nizams of Hyderabad, circa 1890, the necklace’s seven largest diamonds range from 9.90 to 24.38 carats.

World Auction Record – $1.9M

The ceremonial sword of the Nizams of Hyderabad, 1880-1900, was a world auction record for an Indian sword.

Image: Christie’s images LTD. 2019