November in Geneva is the Hottest Ticket in the Fine Jewelry World
From royal pieces at Sotheby’s to rare colored natural diamonds at Phillips, Geneva is the place to be for diamond jewelry auctions this November.
Geneva, Switzerland, is set to be the epicenter of the jewelry world this November as four major auctions converge to showcase some of the rarest and most historically significant diamond jewels ever brought to market. The lineup is nothing short of extraordinary, with Sotheby’s, Phillips, and Christie’s each presenting unique collections that span centuries of craftsmanship, history, and unparalleled rarity.
Sotheby’s Magnificent Jewels & Royal and Noble Jewels
Sotheby’s kicks off its offerings with the Magnificent Jewels sale on November 13, featuring a breathtaking array of natural-colored diamonds. Notable among them is a natural Fancy Red Diamond ring, weighing 1.44 carats, estimated between CHF 900,000 and 1.8 million, and a 16.73-carat light pink diamond expected to fetch CHF 1.1 million to 1.8 million. Adding historical intrigue, the Royal and Noble Jewels sale on the same day includes A Tsar’s Treasure: Ferdinand of Bulgaria, a collection of over 100 pieces tracing the lineage of the Bulgarian royal family. Among these jewels, a stunning yellow gold tie pin featuring a 2.08-carat Fancy Gray-Blue diamond, accompanied by four other rare colored diamonds, stands out.
Additionally, an exquisite 18th-century diamond necklace connected to the “Affair of the Necklace” scandal involving Marie Antoinette is expected to garner intense interest. Its provenance and ties to European royalty, as well as its 300 carats of natural diamonds from Golconda, make it a standout piece in an already remarkable sale.
Phillips Geneva Jewels Auction
Phillips, known for offering extraordinary gems, presents its Geneva Jewels Auction on November 11. The 3.24-carat Fancy Vivid Blue diamond ring leads the sale, an internally flawless Type IIb diamond that is expected to command significant attention and is estimated to sell between CHF 4,100,000 – 5,100,000. Another headliner is The Red Miracle, a 1.21-carat Fancy Red diamond, a shocker as red diamonds over one carat seldom come to market, let alone two red diamonds in Geneva in the same month. The Red Miracle is expected to auction between CHF 420,000 – 680,000. Another highlight is a staggering 40.54-carat Fancy Intense Yellow diamond ring, a spectacular gem for connoisseurs expected to sell between CHF 850,000 – 1,290,000.
Christie’s Magnificent Jewels Auction
On November 12, Christie’s delivers its Magnificent Jewels Auction, featuring five exceptional jewels from the Sassoon Family, including a stunning Cartier Art Deco Indo-Persian Diamond Necklace. With diamonds totaling 130 to 140 carats, this necklace is a testament to Cartier’s 1920s fusion of Eastern and Western design influences and carries an estimated CHF 900,000-1,500,000. Christie’s will also auction the Maharaja Necklace, a Van Cleef & Arpels masterpiece transformable into multiple configurations and includes diamonds up to 25 carats. This masterpiece is expected to fetch up to CHF 5,000,000. Among other highlights are a 20.55-carat Fancy Vivid Yellow diamond ring and a 2.70-carat fancy intense pink marquise-shaped diamond, both expected to get bids at or above CHF 1,000,000.
Why November in Geneva Matters
Each of these auctions is an extraordinary event on its own, showcasing some of the most rare and historically significant jewels ever seen. However, the fact that they all happen in the same city during the same month is nothing short of astonishing. From Sotheby’s offerings of royal treasures like the jewels of Tsar Ferdinand and the stunning colored diamonds in their Magnificent Jewels sale to Christie’s showcasing of legendary Sassoon family pieces and the Maharaja Necklace and Phillips’ exceptional fancy-colored diamonds, each event offers a unique opportunity to witness the pinnacle of jewelry craftsmanship and history and the exceedingly rare gifts of Mother Nature.
These auctions collectively spotlight particularly rare natural-colored diamonds. The excitement for the vibrant natural pinks, reds, yellows, and blues—gems that are increasingly scarce with the closure of historic diamond mines like Argyle—shows their neverending allure and unmatched rarity. Geneva this November is not just hosting auctions; it is bringing together a celebration of jewelry that caters to collectors, history buffs, and diamond enthusiasts alike. It’s a historic convergence of beauty, craftsmanship, and legacy, ensuring something truly special for everyone.
