Christie’s to Auction JAR Jewelry Collection

Geneva—Christies will offer a selection of jewels by JAR in its Geneva jewelry auction next month. 

It's one of the largest and most important private collections of works by designer Joel Arthur Rosenthal, the auction house said. 

“A Bouquet of Gems: A Superb Collection of Jewels by JAR” will be offered as part of its Geneva Magnificent Jewels sale, set to take place May 14 at the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues Geneva. 

It comprises 21 pieces, each acquired for the collector in the early 2000s and 2010s, and boasts a combined low estimate of $3 million. 

None of the pieces have appeared on the market or at auction, said Christie’s. 

The collection is led by the “Apricot Blossom” bracelet, pictured at the top of the article, which is estimated to sell for $340,000 to $570,000. 

Together with the multi-gem chain necklace ($285,000 to $400,000) and “Semainier” bracelets ($140,000 to $200,000), both also on offer next month, these pieces appeared in JAR's 400-piece exhibition at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in 2013.  

Rosenthal is the only living jeweler to have been honored with such a comprehensive retrospective, the auction house said.  

JAR produces 70 to 80 pieces per year, said Christie’s, and its jewelry is highly exclusive, with each piece uniquely crafted for specific clients.

The designs in “A Bouquet of Gems: A Superb Collection of Jewels by JAR,” which feature unique color combinations often pave-set in the JAR signature style, are a tribute to Rosenthal’s innovative style and the elegance of the owner, said Christie’s. 

The first JAR jewel ever sold at auction took place at a Christie’s New York sale in 1984; it was a pair of ear pendants with amethysts, sapphires, natural pearls and diamonds.

Since then, the auction house has sold approximately two-thirds of all JAR pieces coming to market, according to Christies.

In a charitable auction at Christie’s Geneva in 2012, the auction house sold the piece which currently holds the record price for any JAR jewel sold at auction—a ruby and diamond “Camelia” brooch made in 2003. It sold for $4.3 million, four times its low estimate.

The auction house said it has also sold the top 10 JAR jewels at auction by value to date.

At its upcoming Geneva auction, Christie’s will also offer the 23.24-carat “Golconda Blue,” a fancy vivid blue diamond that could fetch up to $50 million.

More information about Magnificent Jewels is available on Christie’s website.