Fine Jewels Sale Features Important Pieces by Graff, Michele della Valle, and Van Cleef & Arpels

A ruby and diamond ‘Cuori’ necklace designed by Michele della Valle is among the key lots of the upcoming Fine Jewels sale, presented by Sotheby’s. A costume jewelry designer, della Valle purchased his first stone on a trip to Burma in 1976 at the age of 16. It proved to be the motivating factor that mapped della Valle’s career as a precious stone dealer and jewelry designer. He opened his own workshop and jewelry line in 1978; since then, his clients have included ballet dancer Rudolf Nureyev, Katharine Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, James Dean, and various Italian opera singers.

Another leading lot of the event is a diamond charm bracelet from Graff. In 1960, London-born, self-taught gemologist Laurence Graff founded Graff Diamonds and later became the first jeweler to receive the Queen’s Award. Today, Graff is synonymous with rare diamonds and colored gems. Also highlighted is a GIA-certified deep yellow diamond ring. The available ring features a central deep yellow round diamond, surrounded with pavé-set round diamonds. Interested collectors can view the auction catalog and register to bid on Sotheby’s.