A pair of emerald and diamond earrings was the top seller at a recent Sotheby’s auction in Geneva, fetching more than five times its top estimate.
The set, containing drop-shaped Colombian emeralds suspended from heart-shaped motifs millegrain-set with circular- and single-cut diamonds, made circa 1910, was originally expected to achieve up to CHF 50,000 ($59,684). Selling for CHF 279,400 ($333,542), it was the star of the May 15 Fine Jewelry sale, according to the auction house’s website.
In total, the auction pulled in CHF 6 million ($7.2 million). Pieces from famous designers such as Van Cleef & Arpels, Bulgari, and Cartier also found new owners.
Several lots exceeded their high estimates, while many items offered with no reserve sold for below their low estimates. These included a star ruby, ruby and diamond brooch that realized CHF 2,286 ($2,729) against a CHF 10,000 ($11,936) low price, as well as a gold, peridot and sapphire brooch that went for CHF 1,524 ($1,819), well below its lower estimate of CHF 7,000 ($8,355).
Here are the rest of the top five lots:
Main image: The top lot emerald and diamond pendant earrings. (Sotheby’s)
