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The Met’s Spring 2012 Costume Institute exhibition, Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations, explores the striking affinities between Elsa Schiaparelli and Miuccia Prada, two Italian designers from different eras. Inspired by Miguel Covarrubias’s “Impossible Interviews” for Vanity Fair in the 1930s, the exhibition features orchestrated conversations between these iconic women to suggest new readings of their most innovative work. Iconic ensembles are presented with videos of simulated conversations between Schiaparelli and Prada directed by Baz Luhrmann, focusing on how both women explore similar themes in their work through very different approaches.
The 2012 Costume Institute Gala Benefit was co-chaired by CareyMulligan, Vogue editor Anna Wintour, and designer Miuccia Prada.  The exhibition is made possible by Amazon, with additional support by Condé Nast.

…according to Marie Clare, the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute Gala is the fashion world’s most buzzed-about red carpet event of the year that celebrates the current exhibition…so it was a given that there would be a lot of Prada!

Sofia Vergara drips in $2 million dollars worth of Harry Winston Jewels-Platinum and Diamond Feather Fashion Ring-Platinum and Diamond Micropave 3 Stone Drop Earrings,-Platinum and Diamond Lily Cluster Bangles…the Modern Family actress wore a stunning Marchesa gown and Casadei crystal pumps.

Gown:  Black Prada Peplum Gown

Russian Fashion Model Anne Vyalitsyna (Anne V.) is elegant in Harry Winston -Diamond EarstudsAnne wore a Prada gunmetal micro glass beaded fringe dress with a stone and crystal embroidered deep V neckline, paired with Prada shoes and clutch.

Gossip Girl’s Leighton Meister in Harry Winston-Yellow Diamond Pieces from Harry Winston The 26-year-old Gossip Girl actress wore a Marchesa gown and Tabitha Simmons shoes on the red carpet. 

Carey Mulligan turned heads in Prada and Platinum by Neil Lane

-Platinum and diamond stud earrings-Platinum and diamond cocktail ringCarey wore all Prada for the event she co-chaired with Anna Wintour and Miuccia Prada – she was gold and silver degradé metal paillettes from her halter neck dress to her shoes and bag.

Emily Blunt in Calvin Klein Collection picks Neil Lane

-Platinum and diamond wide cuff bracelet-Platinum and diamond ring-Platinum and diamond earrings

Rashida Jones in platinum jewelry by Neil Lane

-Platinum, diamond and kunzite earrings-Platinum and diamond bracelet-Platinum and diamond ring
Brooke Shields in platinum jewelry by Tiffany & Co.-Platinum and round diamond Flower lever back earrings ($95,000)-Platinum and cultured pearl ring with diamonds ($27,000)Brooke wore a gown by J Mendel and was using a cane due to a miniscus tear while perfoming as Mortitia Addams.

Christina Ricci in platinum jewelry by Tiffany & Co.

-Platinum and Diamond Tiffany Soleste stud earrings ($3,950)-Platinum and Diamond Ring with Pink Sapphire ($90,000)Jessica Pare wore L’Wren Scott with Tiffany & Co. jewelry. 

-Jean Schlumberger Diamond ear clips 

Amber Heard paired a figure flattering Zac Posen with her Tiffany & Co. Jewelry

Gown: John Galliano for Christian Dior Haute Couture 

Paula Patton is lovely in a Pink Custom Vera Wang and Lorraine Schwartz Jewelry

-diamond & pink sapphire dome ring 

-diamond & pink sapphire mesh earrings.

-OFIRA gold and diamond bracelet

-diamond and citrine earrings. 

Jessica Biel looks classically beautiful in Prada wearing 

$2 Million in Lorraine Schwartz Jewels 

     -325-carat emerald, white and yellow diamond earrings

Heidi Klum is fresh faced in an Esada Lace Dress and Lorraine Schwartz Jewelry

-185-carat black diamond tassel choker 

-197-carat 3-row black diamond mesh necklace

-3 black rose-cut diamond bangles-2 black diamond stud bracelets-black diamond tassel bracelet-rose-cut diamond ring-black diamond ring.She completed her look with Christian Louboutin shoes and clutch.
Emma Roberts was gorgeous in Escada with Bulgari jewels -platinum earrings with 4 cushion cut sapphires (21.57 cts)-2 pear shaped diamonds (1.80 cts) and 8 diamonds (2.06 cts) -ring in yellow gold 1 cushion shaped sapphire (14.22 cts) and pavé diamonds (1.39 cts) …and a white gold and diamond Serpenti bracelet. Escada dress and belt, Christian Louboutin shoes, and a sparklySwarovski clutch!
Jaime King was red hot in Custom Topshop and Bulgari Jewels-Serpenti necklace in white gold with diamonds-Serpenti bracelet-watch in white gold with diamonds and blue sapphires…both from Bulgari’s High Jewelry Collection.She also carried a Serpenti minaudière in gold, black and white enamel with a snake head closure to finished off her Custom Topshop Gown and Christian Louboutin shoes.

Kirsten Dunst in Rodarte chose Van Cleef & Arpels 

-“Charms” pave diamond timepiece set in rose gold on a black satin strap.

Karlie Kloss in Jason Wu chose Van Cleef & Arpels 

-1957 Estate emerald, diamond and ruby earrings set in yellow gold

-1962 Estate carved emerald and diamond ring set in yellow gold The model was also escoted to the Gala by designer, Jason Wu.

Kristen Bell in Tommy Hilfiger chose Van Cleef & Arpels 

-VCA 1970 Estate “St. Thomas” bracelets set in yellow gold

-VCA 1968 Estate “Feu d’Artifice” diamond earrings set in yellow gold.

Cate Blanchett in Alexander McQueen chose Van Cleef & Arpels

Tim Tebow the 24-year-old NFL quarterback wore Ralph Lauren-Ralph Lauren Purple Label tuxedo, shirt and bowtie,-silver cufflinks and stud set-Ralph Lauren Slim Classique white gold timepiece 

Camilla Belle sparkled in Ralph Lauren Collection -ivory tulle beaded dress-Ralph Lauren Vintage Collection jewelry 
English model Rosie Huntington Whiteley wore Burberry and Irene Neuwirth Earrings.A gorgeous copper and black draped-back tulle Burberry dress with hand embroidered glass beads and Harlow 1960 clutch.J/Hadley oval tiger ring with pave border,Pink Opal and Peach Moonstone triple drop earrings with rose cut stonesThese are available at Capitol in Charlotte.

Ivanka Trump was a sizzling blond bombshell in a formfitting  Peter Pilotto gown. 

Wide Cuff from the Bubble Collection, 

Ivanka Trump Fine Jewelry

 Actress Julianne Hough, rocked a Carolina Herrera dress, Jacob & Co jewels.

Jacob & Co. Platinum Chandelier Diamond Earrings Jimmy Choo shoes and a Christian Louboutin bag finished her look.Ashley Greene is gorgeous in a Donna Karan Atelier white grecian gown at the 2012 Met Ball  
-Jacob & Co. Cluster Diamond Ring -Jacob & Co. Platinum Tassel Design Chandelier Earrings. 

Resident Evil Actress Milla Jovovich stunned in Prada at the Met Ball wearing Jacob & Co.

-Jacob & Co. Spiral Design Dome Ring -Jacob & Co. Black and White Diamond Band. 

She paired her Red Satin Prada Shredded Skirt dress with a Prada clutch and shoes.

Actress and swimsuit model, Brooklyn Decker looked gorgeous in Tory Burch 

-Multi Gem Drop Earring

House of Lavande jewels.

Brooklyn looked stunning in the knife-pleated slate blue silk tulle and crepe gown with hand-embroidered floral appliqués and was joined on the red carpet by designer Tory Burch herself.Solange Knowles dazzled in a bright yellow strapless Rachel Roy gown and Lady Grey Jewelry-two arms full of stacked Lady Grey BanglesThe 25-year-old singer and DJ, walked the red carpet with the designer (Rachel Roy) herself. She finished off her look with Sergio Rossi shoes and a silver and gold “Flavia” clutch by Edie Parker.

Trend setting collections or one-of-a-kind masterpieces, you’ll find it all among the over 200 companies who exhibit at Couture. 

The Couture experience is unrivalled during the Las Vegas Jewelry Market Week. No other event encompasses the emotional and professional landscape like Couture. From the opening night reception to epicurean fare to evening retreats at poolside, Couture is committed to making every minute at Couture an unforgettable experience.

For more than 16 years Couture has welcomed the best of the best through its doors.  Couture attracts the top 300 Couture jewelry retailers who are recognized by the community for their progressive business mindset and leadership position and 4,000 additional retailers who aspire to become a true Couture Jeweler. Couture offers all retailers an opportunity to source collections from more than 200 international designers. At Couture you will find the names who have trailblazed the industry and names that will redefine the future of jewelry design. 

Couture 2012 - May 31-June 4, 2012 - Wynn Las Vegas

Schedule ( follow the Couture Facebook page or check their website for changes and updates):

Couture will be providing continuous transportation between the Wynn and Mandalay during show hours, May 31- June 4.  
From Wynn – 9am – 6:30pm – outside – Alsace room at Registration 
From Mandalay – 8:30am – 6:30pm – by the Shark Reef entrance
(last pick up is 6:30pm at both hotels)  

Thursday, May 31st

9:00 AM – 5:30 PM – Show Open
Show Floor features include:
•    All day beverages in Latour and Lafite
•    The Niche Lounge on the Stage in Lafite: Open 9am – 5:30pm; from 3:30pm -5:30pm 

7:00 PM – 10:00 PM – Couture’s Opening Night Party, Sunset Pool Deck *(invitation only)
For the past several years, Couture has brought you memorable and dynamic Opening Nights featuring an endless flow of food and drink and the most contemporary talent. This is the perfect way to open your week and wrap up your first day with old and new friends. 

Friday, June 1st
9:00 AM – 5:30 PM – Show Open
Show Floor features include:
•    All day beverages in Latour and Lafite
•    The Niche Lounge on the Stage in Lafite: Open 9am – 5:30pm; from 3:30pm -5:30pm 

Saturday, June 2nd

9:00 AM – 5:30 PM – Show Open
Show Floor features include:
•    All day beverages in Latour and Lafite
•    The Niche Lounge on the Stage in Lafite: Open 9am – 5:30pm; from 3:30pm -5:30pm 

6:00 PM – 8:00 PM – The Couture Design Awards, The Encore Ballroom
One of the highlights of our event, and a great source of editorial coverage, the Couture Design Awards have always served to introduce the community to some of our most inspiring designers.  For the 2nd year in a row, the Design Awards will be a juried event.  Voted on by a panel of designers (for technical merit), retailers (for look and salability) and editors from the consumer and trade press (for newness and “edginess”), the winners in these categories will know that they have made it through a rigorous process and intense competition to truly deserve the title of “Award Winner.”  The “People’s Choice Award” brings the voice of the retailer into the competition as well.

Sunday, June 3rd 

9:00 AM – 5:30 PM – Show Open
Show Floor features include:
•    All day beverages in Latour and Lafite
•    The Niche Lounge on the Stage in Lafite

Monday, June 4th 

9:00 AM – 4:00 PM – Show Open
Show Floor features include:
•    All day beverages in Latour and Lafite

•    The Niche Lounge on the Stage in Lafite

American Craft Retailers Expo™  Produced By Wholesalecrafts.Com

Wholesalecrafts.com, founded and privately owned by Nancy Vince since 1998, is the only successful wholesale web service of its kind. Members include over 1,200 juried artists and 20,000 registered retailers.

Wholesalecrafts.com has moved to the next phase by enhancing their online trade show with “real time” shows held annually in Orlando and Las Vegas. The American Craft Retailers Expo (ACRE) shows are truly the newest revolution in trade shows.

Spanning 50,000 square feet with hundreds of exhibitors, ACRE features American and Canadian made products in a full range of price points for every buyer’s budget. Product lines include stationery, tabletop, jewelry, furniture, decorative accessories, seasonal and garden, toys, clothing, fashion and fashion accessories, green products and more.

SHOW HOURS:  

        Saturday, JUNE 2

           9:30am – 7pm

   (in-hall reception 5-7pm)

         Sunday, JUNE 3

           9:30am – 5pm

        Monday, JUNE 4

          9:30am – 4pm

Follow ACRE Las Vegas on Twitter …and on Facebook!Register today at:  http://www.acrelasvegas.com

American Craft Retailers Expo™  Produced By Wholesalecrafts.Com

Wholesalecrafts.com, founded and privately owned by Nancy Vince since 1998, is the only successful wholesale web service of its kind. Members include over 1,200 juried artists and 20,000 registered retailers.

Wholesalecrafts.com has moved to the next phase by enhancing their online trade show with “real time” shows held annually in Orlando and Las Vegas. The American Craft Retailers Expo (ACRE) shows are truly the newest revolution in trade shows.

Spanning 50,000 square feet with hundreds of exhibitors, ACRE features American and Canadian made products in a full range of price points for every buyer’s budget. Product lines include stationery, tabletop, jewelry, furniture, decorative accessories, seasonal and garden, toys, clothing, fashion and fashion accessories, green products and more.

SHOW HOURS:  

        Saturday, JUNE 2

           9:30am – 7pm

   (in-hall reception 5-7pm)

         Sunday, JUNE 3

           9:30am – 5pm

        Monday, JUNE 4

          9:30am – 4pm

Follow ACRE Las Vegas on Twitter …and on Facebook!Register today at:  http://www.acrelasvegas.com

Leading fashion nonprofit Fashion Group International Inc. Los Angeles announced its first-ever business partnership. It will be involved with selecting Los Angeles–area designers who will sell their products at a proposed duty-free shop at Los Angeles International Airport.

On May 14, FGI-LA announced  it will work with Shilla-ARI to build a duty-free store at the Tom Bradley International Terminal at LAX.  Shilla-ARI is a partnership between Korean companies AerRianta International and The Hotel Shilla, a division of Samsung.

FGI-LA and the Shilla-ARI group are scheduled to submit their proposal to the city’s Board of Airport Commissioners later this month. The airport will make a decision later in the summer.

If it gets a green light, the store might open for business in early 2013, said Won Kim, who has served as the regional director of FGI-LA since January. He has served on the FGI-LA board since 2009. He also works as executive vice president for Laguna Beach, Calif.–based business software company AnaTango. Its fashion-industry clients include Los Angeles–based fashion label Voom by Joy Han.

“The FGI-LA mission is to get exposure for new designers,” Kim said. “We’re trying to get international recognition for L.A. designers at LAX.”

Shilla-ARI would build and operate the store and keep the profits, Kim said, and FGI-LA would be responsible for the buying and merchandising of the goods at the duty-free shop. It would regularly rotate design collections and sell accessories and fragrances. If FGI-LA makes any money from the venture, the revenue will be donated to a FGI-LA scholarship fund. 

A Shilla-ARI representative pitched the idea to Kim last fall. However, the project picked up momentum in April.

LAX has been working to boost its retail offerings at terminals 4, 5, 7 and 8 with 60 new concessions. Most of the new concessions scheduled to open at the airport this year are restaurants with a Los Angeles history, such as Cole’s and Homegirl Café. However, a few fashion retail shops are scheduled to open. Boutique chain Kitson opened a store in terminal 7 in April, and Kitson founder Fraser Ross said the airport store is doing well.

The Kitson airport store was forecast to earn more than $1,500 per square foot, and it has met its guidance, Ross said. “Traffic is sales,” he noted. “There is nowhere else where you can get greater-concentrated traffic than at an airport.”—Andrew Asch

Leading fashion nonprofit Fashion Group International Inc. Los Angeles announced its first-ever business partnership. It will be involved with selecting Los Angeles–area designers who will sell their products at a proposed duty-free shop at Los Angeles International Airport.

On May 14, FGI-LA announced  it will work with Shilla-ARI to build a duty-free store at the Tom Bradley International Terminal at LAX.  Shilla-ARI is a partnership between Korean companies AerRianta International and The Hotel Shilla, a division of Samsung.

FGI-LA and the Shilla-ARI group are scheduled to submit their proposal to the city’s Board of Airport Commissioners later this month. The airport will make a decision later in the summer.

If it gets a green light, the store might open for business in early 2013, said Won Kim, who has served as the regional director of FGI-LA since January. He has served on the FGI-LA board since 2009. He also works as executive vice president for Laguna Beach, Calif.–based business software company AnaTango. Its fashion-industry clients include Los Angeles–based fashion label Voom by Joy Han.

“The FGI-LA mission is to get exposure for new designers,” Kim said. “We’re trying to get international recognition for L.A. designers at LAX.”

Shilla-ARI would build and operate the store and keep the profits, Kim said, and FGI-LA would be responsible for the buying and merchandising of the goods at the duty-free shop. It would regularly rotate design collections and sell accessories and fragrances. If FGI-LA makes any money from the venture, the revenue will be donated to a FGI-LA scholarship fund. 

A Shilla-ARI representative pitched the idea to Kim last fall. However, the project picked up momentum in April.

LAX has been working to boost its retail offerings at terminals 4, 5, 7 and 8 with 60 new concessions. Most of the new concessions scheduled to open at the airport this year are restaurants with a Los Angeles history, such as Cole’s and Homegirl Café. However, a few fashion retail shops are scheduled to open. Boutique chain Kitson opened a store in terminal 7 in April, and Kitson founder Fraser Ross said the airport store is doing well.

The Kitson airport store was forecast to earn more than $1,500 per square foot, and it has met its guidance, Ross said. “Traffic is sales,” he noted. “There is nowhere else where you can get greater-concentrated traffic than at an airport.”—Andrew Asch

NICHE: The Show will return to the Planet Hollywood Celebrity Ballroom, June 1-3, 2012 during Jewelry Week in Las Vegas.  
The centerpiece show of Jewelry Week is JCK Las Vegas (June 1-4) attracting nearly 20,000 buyers from across the globe. Other concurrent shows include:

JCK Luxury (May 29-June 4)

Antique Watch & Jewelry Show (May 31-June 3)

GLDA Gem & Jewelry Show (May 28-31)

AGTA (May 31-June 4)

Couture (May 31-June 4)

NICHE: The Show adds handcrafted design to the show line-up on the Las Vegas Strip. ACRE (June 2-4) also takes place during concurrent dates at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

NICHE the Show Dates & Hours:

Friday, June 1: 9am-6pm

Saturday, June 2: 9am-6pm

Sunday, June 3: 9am-5pm

For the customer who doesn’t want to wear what everyone else is wearing, artisan-designed-and-produced collection of  fine handcrafted jewelry, glass, ceramic and wood objects, available to retailers from across the globe. Niche the Show is presented by the Buyers Market of American Craft…expect quality craftsmanship and exquisite design from the finest artisans in the United States and Canada.

Backed by nearly 30 years of experience in the craft industry…beyond jewelry, at Niche you will find handmade gifts, sculpture and art glass, hot categories that add beauty and elegance to your store, and are ideal wedding and anniversary gifts.  Consumers place a high value on handmade and one-of-a-kind objects that deliver style at an approachable price point.

Top Names in Gems & Jewelry to Speak with Aspiring Professionals

GIA New York Jewelry Career Fair is July 30

CARLSBAD, Calif. – May 14, 2012 – Renowned designer David Yurman, jewelry manufacturing executive Ann Arnold, retail jeweler Lex Graham and leading auction house executive Rahul Kadakia will be panelists at GIA’s (Gemological Institute of America) Jewelry Career Fair on July 30 at the Jacob Javits Center in New York. Aspiring jewelry professionals – including those in retail, design and manufacturing – will also be able to meet with job recruiters; attend an expert session on jewelry trends; and spend one-on-one time with volunteer career-coaches. This marks the return of the GIA Career Fair to New York for the first time since 2008.

The leading industry event is free and open to the public; anyone interested in attending is urged to RSVP prior to the event.

Donna Baker, president and CEO of GIA, will moderate a panel entitled “Job Success in Today’s Market.” Panelists David Yurman, founder of David Yurman Inc.; Ann Arnold, CEO of Lieberfarb; Lex Graham, a recent GIA graduate and retail jeweler at Betteridge; and Rahul Kadakia, jewelry department head of Christie’s New York will discuss the jewelry business today and their advice for newcomers. Later in the day Paola DeLuca, creative director of Trend Vision Jewellery + Forecasting, will present her fascinating findings on the socio-cultural phenomena of jewelry.

“Career Fair is a rare opportunity for people interested in a career in this dynamic industry to hear from seasoned leaders and new professionals – from David Yurman to a recent GIA grad paving his own way in retail,” said Kathryn Kimmel, GIA vice president, chief marketing officer and co-founder of the GIA Career Fair. “There are many opportunities right now in gems and jewelry, which is why we are back in New York. We encourage anyone with an interest and passion – no matter their background – to explore their options at Career Fair.”

GIA’s New York Jewelry Career Fair will take place from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on July 30 at the Javits Center. Recruiting will occur from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event is sponsored by JA New York.

About GIA

An independent nonprofit organization, GIA (Gemological Institute of America), established in 1931, is recognized as the world’s foremost authority in gemology. GIA invented the famous 4Cs of Color, Cut, Clarity and Carat Weight in the early 1950s and in 1953, created the International Diamond Grading System™ which, today, is recognized by virtually every professional jeweler in the world.

Through research, education, gemological laboratory services, and instrument development, the Institute is dedicated to ensuring the public trust in gems and jewelry by upholding the highest standards of integrity, academics, science, and professionalism. Visit www.gia.edu. 

For thousands of years-since man’s fascination with diamonds began-diamonds have been highly sought-after for every imaginable reason. They are steeped in history and intrigue, fact and fiction, and hold an unrivaled position as one of the most valuable of all things. Jewelers world-wide agree that diamonds are at the core of every successful jewelry business today. 

The story of diamonds, however, continues to unfold. It has seen many challenges and many changes: concerns about the depletion of natural diamond production; innovative high-tech treatments; new sources of colorless and fancy-color laboratory diamonds; and advances in technology for applications in other fields, from medicine and aerospace to the electronics industry.  

Come hear leaders from the gem and jewelry field — and from other fields in which diamond technology is essential – as they address the issues surrounding diamond demand and supply, innovative technology, and the impact on diamond treatments, synthesis, and detection. 

Alex Grizenko, CEO of Lucent Diamonds, will have you sitting on the edge of your seat as he sets the stage for a riveting exploration of the world of diamonds, guiding the expert panelists to address the future from their own set of experiences, and giving the audience a unique opportunity to envisionthrough a kaleidoscopic looking glass… the future of diamonds!

A renowned expert on new diamond technologies, Alex Grizenko is regarded today as one of the market leaders in laboratory-grown diamonds and treated natural diamonds.

Can We Really Rely On A Continuous Supply Of Diamonds Any More… 

For most of the 20th century, diamond “treatments” were superficial and easy to spot. By the end of the 20th century, gemology was having a hard time keeping up with technology. The gemological labs did catch up but now let’s fast forward to 2012, to expert panelist Sonny Pope, CEO, Suncrest Diamonds. He has been actively involved in the high pressure, high temperature field for twenty-five years, innovating and perfecting the process. 

And Will Fancy Color Diamonds Some Day Outnumber the Colorless…    

Satisfying the demand for color diamonds might prove possible with atechnology created by Jay Neogi, the Co-founder of Serenity Technologies that uses an ion induction color treatment to any natural or synthetic diamonds. Some have called it coating. Serenity states that their diamonds are stable under all normal use conditions including elevated temperatures, sonication baths and dilute acids/caustics used during jewelry setting, rhodium plating, repair and cleaning operations.

There are several ways to grow a diamond, from HPHT to CVD, and there aremany different types of growers. Labs are perfecting the science of diamondgrowth for applications that tend far beyond the gem and jewelry industries. Founder of Apollo Diamonds, Dr. Robert C. Linares is a co-developer of CVD Technology. His research allows electronics and optics technology to move beyond the limitations of silicon based devices.

Today the sophisticated grading labs can distinguish between natural and synthetic diamonds, and natural and treated color. But can all labs do it effectively? Dr. James Shigley is a Distinguished Research Fellow at the Gemological Institute of America. He continues to advance GIA’s gem research program to support the jewelry trade to meet the challenges of gem identification of natural, synthetic, and treated diamonds.

SOTHEBY’S GENEVA BRINGS $108,377,219

A WORLD RECORD FOR A VARIOUS OWNER JEWELLERY SALE

MAGNIFICENT JEWELS AND NOBLE JEWELS SALE

The Private Collection of Suzanne Belperron

Totals $3,459,307 - More Than Tripling the Pre?Sale Expectation

THE BEAU SANCY

One of the Most Important Royal Diamonds

Ever to Come to Auction Sells For CHF 9,042,500 / $9,699,618

Sotheby’s Geneva, 15 May 2012 – Tonight Sotheby’s Auction House set a new world record of $108,377,219 for a various owner jewellery sale, with the conclusion of its two?day Magnificent Jewels and Noble Jewels Sale, surpassing the record set by Sotheby’s Geneva in November 2010 of $105 million.

Over the two days 24 lots sold for over $1 million. The Beau Sancy, one of the most important royal diamonds to ever come to auction, sold for CHF 9,042,500 ($9,699,618). The result achieved by the celebrated jewel brought the total for the May Jewelleryauctions to an outstanding total of CHF 104,298,625 ($111,836,526), almost doubling the pre?sale low estimate of CHF 54 ?85 million*.

Speaking after the sale, David Bennett, Chairman of Sotheby’s Jewellery Department in Europe and the Middle East and Co?Chairman of Sotheby’s Switzerland commented: “The legendary Beau Sancy is a truly magical stone that has entranced generations of royal owners and continues to exert a powerful influence over all who see it. Its supreme historical importance was reflected tonight in the strength of the bidding and the remarkable result realized. The two days of sales of jewellery at Sotheby’s this week achieved a record total with 94% of lots finding buyers and doubling the pre?sale estimate: proof that privately sourced jewels, many with noble provenance are highly sought after.”

The Beau SancyNo less than five bidders competed for The Beau Sancy (lot 595), driving the price to an outstanding CHF 9,042,500 / $9,699,618 almost five times the pre?sale low estimate of CHF 1,850,000?3,650,000 ($2?4 million).

After a battle of nearly eight minutes, the celebrated jewel was finally bought by an anonymous buyer bidding over the telephone.

The Beau Sancy has been the privileged witness of 400 years of European history. Passed down through the Royal Families of France, England, Prussia, and the House of Orange, the celebrated stone was worn by Marie de Medici in 1610 at her coronation as Queen Consort of Henri IV. The 34.98 carat modified pear double rose cut diamond would have come from the area of Golconda in India, the sole source of diamonds until the discoveries in Brazil in the 1720s.

Noble JewelsContinuing Sotheby’s distinguished history of offering jewels with aristocratic provenance, Sotheby’s Geneva sixth annual sale of Noble Jewels brought a combined total of CHF 23,196,025 ($24,881,680), tripling the presale low estimate of CHF 7,022,500?11,705,000 ($7.532.825?12,555,602).

In addition to the Beau Sancy, the Noble Jewels section was highlighted by The Murat Tiara (lot 594) which realized CHF 3,610,500 (3,872,875), in an eleven minute bidding battle between three telephone bidders, more than double its pre?sale low estimate of CHF 1,375,000?2,285,000 ($1,500,000?2,500,000). This impressive pearl and diamond jewel was created in 1920 by Joseph Chaumet for the marriage of Prince Alexandre Murat (1889 – 1926) to Yvonne Gillois (1894 – 1961). The diadem boasts one of the largest natural pearls ever recorded, at 303.37 grains. As stated by the SSEF laboratory, “the main pearl in the center is outstanding in its size and one of the most important pearls certified so far at the SSEF” and “natural pearls of this size, quality and with a documented historic provenance are very rare and thus the described tiara with three large pearls represents a very exceptional treasure”.

Among the other gems of great historical significance which belonged to prestigious European families was a diamond brooch set with a 7.33 carat Fancy deep yellow diamond coming from the collection of Prince Filippo Corsini (lot 589) which fetched CHF 902,500 ($968,085), (est. CHF 275,000?460,000/ $300,000?500,000).  The central diamond was offered to the Corsini family by Charles Edward Stuart (1720 – 1788), commonly known as “Bonnie Prince Charlie” in the 1770s, most certainly in gratitude for their support during his years of exile.

From the Estate of the late Prince Kinsky, an Important natural pearl and diamond necklace made circa 1880 (lot 593) achieved CHF 1,142,500 ($1,225,525), quadrupling its pre?sale low estimate of CHF 275,000–460,000 / $300,000–500,000).

Enjoying a similarly illustrious provenance a selection of jewels coming from the collection of a member of the Princely Family of Thurn und Taxis was highlighted by a very fine emerald and diamond demi?parure (lot 592), composed of a necklace and a pair of earrings, which was purchased by Albert, 8th Prince of Thurn und Taxis around 1890. Estimated at CHF 200,000?300,000/ $220,000?330,000, these superb jewels were sold for CHF 962,500 ($1,032,445).  A fine sapphire and diamond brooch/pendant circa 1910 (Lot 588) which belonged to the Italian Countess Adriana Guillichini della Gherardesca was sold for CHF 386,500 ($414,587) (est. CHF 185,000?370,000/$200,000?400’000.

Magnificent JewelsThe Magnificent Jewels section was led by two necklaces from a royal collection. The first, a necklace suspending a detachable pear?shaped D colour diamond weighing 41.40 carats (lot 734) achieved CHF 4,050,000 ($4,344,314) against an estimate of CHF 2,750,000?4,550,000 ($3,000,000?5,000,000). The necklace was purchased by Amer Radwan who has named it “Dubai Vision”.The second, a magnificent emerald and diamond necklace designed by Bulgari circa 1970 (lot 733) sold for CHF 2,200,000 ($2,359,874) against an estimate of CHF 1,400,000?2,800,000 ($1,500,000?3,000,000).

The sale comprised a group of white diamonds which were D Colour ? the finest colour grading for white diamonds. An exceptional diamond ring by Harry Winston set with a 36.43 carat internally flawless diamond (lot 721) realised CHF 3,834,500 ($4,113,153) (est. CHF 3,200,000?5,000,000/ $3,550,000?5,500,000). This stone had been found to be part of the rare Type IIa subgroup comprising less than 2% of all gem diamonds. Diamonds of this group are chemically the purest of all diamond crystals and often have extraordinary opticaltransparency.

The offering of coloured diamonds included an important ring centering on a fancy intense purple?pink brilliant?cut diamond weighing 3.71 carats, between shoulders set with marquise?shaped rubies (lot 731) which fetched CHF 5,122,500 ($5,494,752 USD) against an estimate of CHF 1,850,000?3,650,000/ $ 2,000,000? 4,000,000).

A Superb Private Collection of Gems and JewelsAt the core of the sale was also a superb private collection of gems and jewels which brought a combined total of CHF 17,648,325 ($18,889,002) almost doubling the pre?sale low estimate of CHF 9,059,000?14,288,500 ($9,695,848?15,292,982). Comprising over 80 pieces, this exceptional collection has been assembled by two generations of a family, from the mid?1960s until present day.

Reflecting the passion for gemstones that animated the family for 50 years was a pair of impressive Kashmir sapphire clips (lot 674) which sold for CHF 1,482,500 ($1,586,720) (est. CHF 825,000?1,370,000/ $900,000?1,500,000), a ring set with a cabochon Burmese sapphire weighing 58.56 carats (lot 666) which made CHF 1,314,500 ($1,406,909) (est. CHF 730,000?1,275,000/ $800,000?1,400,000) and a very rare and highly important multi?coloured sapphire and diamond suite (lot 663) which surpassed its estimate of CHF 50,000?910,000 and sold for CHF 1,482,500 ($1,586,720).

“White Glove” Sale for the Personal Collection of Suzanne BelperronOn May 14th all 60 Jewels from the Personal Collection of Suzanne Belperron (1900?1983), one of the most important jewellers of the 20th Century, sold for the outstanding total of CHF 3,224,950 ($3,459,307), more than tripling the pre?sale expectation of CHF 902,000?1,365,000. The sale – the most significant collection of jewels by Suzanne Belperron ever presented at auction ? was a “white glove sale”, with 100% sold by lot and value. Demand for seminal pieces from Belperron’s oeuvre was intense with international bidding driving priceswell above estimates.