GENEVA.- Sotheby’s Geneva announced a landmark single-owner sale of beautiful and highly important jewels from the collection of Dimitri Mavrommatis. This fine collection brings together very rare precious stones and avant-garde jewellery designs, reflecting the unerring instinct of this consummate collector, and placing it among the most important ensembles of jewels and gemstones. The sixteen treasures, to be presented on the occasion of Sotheby’s Magnificent Jewels and Noble Jewels sale on 12th November 2014, are estimated to bring more than CHF 17 million (in the region of $20 million).

Describing the jewels, David Bennett, Chairman of Sotheby’s Jewellery Division for Europe and the Middle East, said, “This outstanding collection presents exquisite gemstones, such as the sensational Graff Ruby, alongside stunning jewellery creations by JAR. It is a testament to Dimitri Mavrommatis’ discerning eye and impeccable taste, and presents a rare opportunity to acquire gems and jewels of exceptional quality.’’

Dimitri Mavrommatis: A Consummate Collector
Inspired in 1982 by the galleries of New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art, Dimitri Mavrommatis began a lifelong interest in the fine and decorative arts. Twenty-four years later, in 2006, the French government made him a Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres. A defining trait among the most discerning collectors is the ability to exercise their connoisseurship across different categories, and Mr Mavrommatis demonstrates this perfectly, combining contemporary art with 18th century furniture and exquisite porcelain.

In 2008, art lovers were given the rare opportunity to acquire works selected by Mr Mavrommatis during Sotheby’s highly successful sale of property from his London residence on Chester Square. Highlights included a magnificent large gilt-bronze-mounted Chinese black and gold porcelain pot pourri vase and cover, Louis XV, circa 1755, the Porcelain Qianlong, (1736-1795), which achieved the sale’s highest price of £2,169,250. Another exciting piece in the selection was a stunning gilt-bronze-mounted kingwood, sycamore, amaranth, marquetry and parquetry writing table stamped J.H. Riesener Louis XVI, circa 1780 (£1,721,250).

Gemstones from the Dimitri Mavrommatis Collection
This autumn, in celebration of Mr Mavrommatis’ exceptional vision in an impressive range of fields, this stunning selection of jewels will be presented in counterpoint with other remarkable pieces from his collection. Connoisseurs will be invited to discover an enchanting world of outstanding pieces united by strong design, supreme quality and vivid colour.

Leading this unique jewellery collection is the exceptionally important and exquisite “Graff Ruby”, weighing 8.62 carats. The cushion-shaped Burmese stone possesses the rare vivid red hue known as ‘pigeon’s blood’, according to a report from the Swiss Gemmological Institute (SSEF), and is also of outstanding purity and superb brilliance. The SSEF states further that the ruby “with its combination of outstanding characteristics is a very exceptional gemstone”. The piece carries an estimate of CHF 6,385,000 – 8,445,000 / $6,800,000 – 9,000,000.

Among the other standout pieces which will be offered in November is a rare and exceptional sapphire, weighing 27.54 carats (estimate CHF 2,815,000 – 5,630,000 / $3,000,000 – 6,000,000). The stone, which is certified of Kashmir origin, exhibits a very attractive and saturated velvety blue colour, combined with a very high purity. These features elevate Kashmir sapphires above all others and the appearance of such a fine example weighing over 20 carats is an extremely rare event.

Spectacular Jewels by JAR and Graff
Illustrating Mr Mavrommatis’ remarkable eye for the finest craftsmanship and inventive design, the selection will feature three exquisite jewels by JAR, widely acknowledged as being the most talented jeweller of his generation. Admirers of his work will delight in a pair of superb sapphire, ruby and diamond earrings, each of circular form, pavé-set with sapphires and featuring a delightful stylised cage – one set with a ruby, the other with a diamond. The earrings are estimated between CHF 380,000 and 660,000 / $400,000 and $700,000.

Creations by the celebrated jeweller Graff will also be among the stunning pieces offered. Of note, a very fine diamond brooch of floral design is certain to turn heads. With the flower head set en tremblant and featuring a brilliant-cut diamond weighing 3.31 carats, it is expected to achieve a price between CHF 95,000 and 145,000 / $100,000 and $150,000.