In Geneva, one of the most important historic collections of royal jewels made auction history. One hundred treasures from the collection of the Bourbon Parma family together realised CHF 53.5m ($53.1m), more than seven times the pre-sale high estimate of CHF 7m ($7m) and a record for any sale of royal jewels, eclipsing the long-held benchmark of $50.3m established by the sale of jewels of the Duchess of Windsor established in 1987. Every jewel offered tonight found a buyer, with many selling for high multiples of pre-sale expectations.
Following exhibitions of the jewels around the world, international collectors and history-lovers demonstrated the full force of their fascination with the historic treasures. Participants from 43 countries took part in the sale, and bidding this evening was resolutely modern, with 55% of registrants participating online. A testament to the universal appeal of the jewels, a quarter of participants were new to Sotheby’s. Bidders entered the competition with an eager disregard for pre-sale expectations, driving 90% of prices in the sale beyond the high estimates.
David Bennett, Worldwide Chairman of Sotheby’s International Jewellery Division, said: “More than thirty years ago, I was part of the specialist team entrusted with the landmark sale of the jewels of the Duchess of Windsor – a sale that has held a legendary status ever since. Tonight a new benchmark was established in the sale of Royal and Noble jewels, a field in which Sotheby’s has been the pioneer for many years.”
Daniela Mascetti, Sotheby’s Jewellery Chairman, Europe, added: “Tonight we saw the Marie Antoinette factor work its magic. No other queen is more famous for her love of jewels, and her personal treasures, pearls and diamonds that survived intact the tumults of history, captivated the interest of collectors around the world.”
