Jewels and gemstones have fascinated and enchanted since time immemorial. Both children and kings alike have succumbed to the allure of shining jewellery. Historically, collections of jewels, gemstones and diamonds served primarily to demonstrate influence, power and wealth. The upcoming major jewellery auction at Dorotheum in Vienna on 1 December 2022 will present an exclusive selection for collectors and investors alike. The auction is an El Dorado for jewellery lovers, including high-carat and rare diamonds crafted to perfection into extraordinary pieces of jewellery, gems from renowned jewellers such as Tiffany & Co, Cartier, Bulgari, and Boucheron, as well as pieces from venerable European aristocratic estates.

Some jewellery lovers focus on the alchemical and scientific aspect of gemstones. Diamonds and coloured stones are collected for the purity of their colour spectra and for the rarity of their occurrence. For example, this auction includes a brilliant-cut diamond necklace with an untreated sapphire of 22 ct (€ 60,000 – 80,000). A pair of earrings from the early 20th century contains 13.7 ct old-cut diamonds in total (€ 100,000 – 150,000). Dorotheum expects 40,000 to 70,000 euros for a diamond necklace with c. 20 ct untreated rubies and c. 30 ct. baguette-cut diamonds, which can also be worn as a bracelet. A diamond necklace (44.40 ct) set with 32.30 ct sapphires has been entered into the auction with an estimate of 130,000 to 200,000 euros.

International brands have a large following in collectors' circles. A Cartier bracelet valued at 70,000 to 110,000 euros with a total of c. 30 ct diamonds epitomises Art Deco chic, as well as a diamond bracelet with gemstones from the Jade group (€ 24,000 – 40,000).

A brooch with 32 ct diamonds by Boucheron from around 1950/60 is likely to fetch at least 40,000 to 70,000 euros. No less coveted are pieces of jewellery by Tiffany & Co, such as the Lace Sunburst brooch with a 2 ct old-cut diamond and other brilliant-cut diamonds totalling c. 8 ct from the first third of the 20th century (€ 20,000 – 24,000).

Many people’s passion for collecting lies rooted in childhood. Dr. Carl Ludwig Fuchs’s, a well-known art historian and jewellery enthusiast on German television, interest in art and jewellery originated in his parents' house and the splendid surroundings in Aken an der Elbe and is focused primarily on objects from the 18th and 19th centuries up to the Belle Époque and Art Nouveau. Craftsmanship and fabrication were decisive for him. Execution and design, which reflect the goldsmith's high level of skill, received his special attention. 30 pieces of jewellery from the estate of the collector, who died in 2019 and who also made a name for himself as co-author of "The Queen's Diamonds", are offered at this auction, including a brooch with two pink topazes, total weight c. 23 ct, and c. 6.30 ct of old-cut diamonds (estimate € 20,000 – 30,000).

JEWELS
Live auction with live bidding
Date | Thursday, 1 December 2022, 1 pm
Viewing starts | 5 November 2022, Mon - Sat, 10 am - 5 pm
Venue | Palais Dorotheum, Dorotheergasse 17, 1010 Vienna
Specialist | Astrid Fialka-Herics, Tel. +43-1-515 60-567, astrid.fialka-herics@dorotheum.at