Magnificent Jewels

Christie’s presents the upcoming Magnificent Jewels auction in December, featuring jewelry and loose gems from several notable museums and private collections. From the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts comes “The duPont Ruby,” a stone that lies in the center of an emerald, diamond, and natural pearl brooch. The color of this ruby is described as “pigeon blood,” a quality standard inspired by the first few drops of blood lost by a wounded bird. The brooch available in this sale is heart-shaped with the ruby placed in the middle. The saltwater pearls hang from the emerald-and-diamond heart. 

Other key lots available in this auction include diamond rings by Harry Winston. Founded in 1932, the House of Harry Winston helped popularize a new model of jewelry design. The designer’s style allowed the structure of a piece to be dictated by the stone’s shape and cut rather than the metal setting. Also of interest in this auction is a necklace and cuff set by Suzanne Belperron, a noted female jeweler of the 20th century. Amethyst, ruby, and diamonds are featured in these pieces, set on gold to resemble leaves. View the full catalog for this auction and register to bid by visiting Christie’s.