GENEVA.- Phillips announced inaugural auctions of jewellery in Geneva on 6 November. Phillips’ Jewellery department achieved historic annual sales totals in 2021 and 2022, with an impressive +185% increase in value during Fall 2022 compared with Spring 2022. The decision to hold jewellery auctions in Geneva follows in the wake of the strong results achieved in Phillips’ jewellery auctions in 2022, and further affirms Phillips' international investment in the category, now spanning across the Americas, Europe, and Asia. With its rich heritage and reputation as a global hub for luxury and collectibles, Geneva serves as an ideal location for these prestigious auctions, attracting discerning collectors from around the world.
The inaugural Geneva auctions will take place on 6 November and the presale exhibition will go on view in the week preceding the sale from 31 October to 5 November. These highly anticipated auctions will include a various owner auction and the auction of a remarkable private collection. The various owner auction will feature splendid diamonds and gemstones and an impressive selection of vintage and modern jewels by renowned houses such as Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels. The private collection includes an array of exquisite and precious Art Deco objects featuring renowned names and beautifully showcasing the exceptional craftsmanship and diverse aesthetics of the period. The collection will be exhibited alongside other auction highlights in several locations, including Paris, London, New York, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Taipei, inviting collectors and enthusiasts to witness these remarkable pieces firsthand.
The private collection of Art Deco objects included in the Geneva auction this November features over 120 lots, meticulously assembled over time and highlighting the splendor of the Art Deco era. The rarity and significance of this collection cannot be overstated, as it encompasses a remarkable array of boxes, vanity cases, timepieces, and objects from prestigious names such as Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Raymond Templier, Sandoz, Ostertag, Lacloche Frères, Marchak, Tiffany & Co., Janesich, Jean Després, Black Starr & Frost, Boucheron, and more. The estimates for these pieces range from no reserve to CHF 100,000, offering a broad spectrum of price points for collectors.
Benoît Repellin, Worldwide Head of Jewellery, Phillips, said, "We are privileged to bring such a rare and comprehensive Art Deco collection to the market. This lovingly assembled collection pays homage to the discerning eye of the collector, who thoughtfully selected the finest jewellery houses and designers of the Art Deco period, capturing the diverse styles and trends of the era, from elaborate and bejewelled designs to those with clean lines and geometric forms by Jean Després and Raymond Templier. We are excited about the continued growth and expansion of our Jewels department, and we look forward to presenting these extraordinary pieces to collectors and connoisseurs."
The lead highlight of the collection is an exquisite Tiffany & Co. Onyx, enamel, rock crystal, jade, and diamond desk timepiece from the 1920s. This remarkable piece exemplifies the artistry and opulence of the Art Deco period, showcasing the impeccable craftsmanship for which Tiffany & Co. is renowned.
Asian Elegance: Exploring the Chinese and Japanese Influence
The collection showcases the captivating allure of Chinese and Japanese aesthetics, and includes many exotic materials such as jade, onyx, coral, and amber. Departing from traditional gemstones, these precious treasures feature motifs of dragons, chimeras, pagodas, Buddhas and breathtaking Chinese or Japanese landscapes. These pieces demonstrate how the fusion of cultures transcended boundaries, inspiring a new wave of artistic expression.
Eastern Allure: Persian and Islamic Inspirations
Inspired by the grandeur of Persian and Islamic influences, this collection unveils the interplay between simplicity and opulence in Art Deco design. While dresses embraced a minimalist cut, the fabrics danced with rich patterns, reminiscent of the enchanting motifs found in Persian art. Stars and geometric themes create a mesmerising tapestry of Eastern allure, inviting one to indulge in a world where elegance knows no boundaries.
Precision in Form: Geometric Marvels and Architectural Delights
A selection of pieces in this collection celebrate the geometric designs and architectural marvels that defined the Art Deco movement. Inspired by the development of innovative modern industrial machines, these creations encapsulate that streamlined elegance. Symmetrical patterns, clean lines and bold shapes pay homage to the harmonious fusion of art and technology during this transformative era.
Blooming Beauty: Art Deco's Flourishing Floral Motifs
Delicate and resplendent, jewels by Boucheron, Ostertag and Strauss, and Allard & Meyer showcase the floral motifs that graced the Art Deco landscape, creating a world of intricate blossoms, where nature intertwines with modernist aesthetics. From vibrant petals to sinuous vines, this collection encapsulates the romance and elegance of Art Deco's love affair with the botanical realm.
