GENEVA.- The Aga Khan emerald was sold today at Christie’s in Geneva for CHF7,765,000 | US$8,859,865, 55 years after it was originally offered at the first Christie’s Jewellery auction to be held in Switzerland. It was formerly part of the Collection of Nina Dyer, the British socialite who was briefly married to Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan, sold in 1969 to benefit animal welfare. The highlight of the Collection at the time, the emerald was offered as lot 106 and made CHF 900,000 | US$205,486.

Francois Curiel, now Chairman Christie’s Europe but then Christie’s intern to be, remembers the sale: “The emerald was breathtaking 55 years ago and is even more admired today. It is so rare to see a jewel of its size and quality and I feel privileged to have had the winning bidder on the phone 55 years later, here in Geneva in 2024.”

The emerald was the highlight of today’s Magnificent Jewels auction which totaled CHF47,940,450 | US$54,700,053 and was sold 92% by lot with 64% of lots selling above their high estimate. Registrants came from 37 countries.

The five unrecorded Sassoon Cartier jewels from the Art Deco period sold for CHF6,805,100 | US$7,764,620 highlighted by the very important 1935 Art Deco diamond necklace selling for CHF4,461,500 | US$5,090,571.

Max Fawcett, Head of Jewellery Europe commented: “The Magnificent Jewels auction was a huge success with bidding activity on every lot from collectors all over the world. The market for signed vintage jewels and coloured gemstones of the highest quality is as strong as it has ever been, and we are very proud to have set a world record for the most expensive emerald ever sold at auction. We now look to New York, London and Paris to finish what has been an extraordinary year in a challenging macroeconomic environment.”

Jewels Online: The Geneva Edit remains open for bidding until 19 November