PHILLIPS UNVEILS HIGHLIGHTS FROM
THE GENEVA JEWELS AUCTION: VI
Celebrating Phillips’ 230th Anniversary, the Geneva Jewels Auction Introduces a
New Section, ‘Collections & Provenance’, Featuring Historic Jewels and Objects
from The Vanderbilt Family, the Kings of Bavaria and European Noble Houses
Alongside Signed Jewels from Renowned Maisons
Van Cleef & Arpels, Coral, chrysoprase and diamond necklace/bracelet combination, ‘Zip’
Estimate: USD 320,000–600,000 / CHF 260,000–480,000
GENEVA – 8 APRIL 2026 – Phillips is delighted to reveal highlights of The Geneva Jewels Auction: VI, taking place
on 11 May 2026. This season’s sale introduces a new section titled ‘Collections & Provenance’, placing a special
emphasis on period jewels, signed pieces and objects of distinguished provenance. This will include historic objects
and jewels from The Vanderbilt Family, the Kings of Bavaria, and further noble jewels from prominent European
families.
Leading the sale is a Burmese Sapphire Ring weighing 19.93 carats, alongside a selection of iconic designs from
the world’s most celebrated maisons, including a rare Van Cleef & Arpels ‘Zip’ necklace, and pieces by Cartier,
Boucheron, Bulgari, Graff and Sterlé. Highlights from the auction will tour internationally to Singapore, Taipei, NewYork and London, before concluding in Geneva, where the full exhibition will be on view at the Hôtel President from
6 to 11 May ahead of the sale.
Benoît Repellin, Phillips’ Worldwide Head of Jewellery, said, “We are immensely proud to present The Geneva
Jewels Auction: VI, where the spotlight falls on both rare jewels of historical provenance and exceptional signed
creations. Marking Phillips’ 230th anniversary, we are particularly pleased to introduce our new section, ‘Collections
& Provenance’, inspired by Phillips’ long-standing legacy. Following the success of The Vanderbilt Family Jewels,
which was 100% sold in November last year, we are delighted that members of the family have once again entrusted
us with pieces from their collections. This curated offering tells stories of heritage, craftsmanship and legacy, coming
to market at a time of strong global appetite for period and signature jewels.”
Exceptional Gemstones
The sale presents a refined selection of exceptional gemstones, distinguished by their
rarity, size and remarkable natural qualities. Leading this group is a superb Burmese
sapphire ring weighing 19.93 carats, unheated and of impressive scale, alongside a
pair of Ceylon sapphire earrings of similarly exceptional character, also free from heat
treatment. Further highlights include a magnificent ruby and diamond necklace and a
striking Colombian emerald ring of 14.69 carats.
Sapphire ring weighing 19.93 carats, Burma, no heat
Estimate: USD 395,000–600,000 / CHF 320,000–480,000
Pair of sapphire earrings weighing 12.31 and 12.69
carats, Ceylon, no heat
Estimate: USD 185,000–240,000 / CHF 175,000–
190,000
Ruby and diamond necklace
Estimate: USD 300,000–500,000 / CHF
240,000–400,000
Emerald ring weighing 14.69 carats,
Colombia, no indications of clarity
modification
Estimate: USD 280,000–350,000 / CHF
230,000–280,000
Also on offer is a pair of Burmese pink sapphire and diamond
ear clips by M. Gérard, notable for their vivid colour (estimate:
USD 110,000–150,000 / CHF 90,000–120,000), and a Paraiba
tourmaline and diamond ring/pendant combination weighing
14.15 carats (estimate: USD 70,000–100,000 / CHF 60,000–
80,000). Renowned for its electrifying neon hues and extreme
rarity, Paraiba tourmaline ranks among the most sought-after
gemstones by collectors today.
Iconic Jewels from Renowned Jewellery Maisons
The sale brings together a selection of signed jewels spanning the 20th century to the present day. Alongside the
iconic Van Cleef & Arpels ‘Zip’ necklace, the Maison is further represented by exceptional creations showcasing its
celebrated craftsmanship, including a vibrant ‘Les Jardins’ necklace set with sapphires, coloured sapphires, garnets
and diamonds, as well as refined ruby and diamond jewels employing the iconic Serti mystérieux technique.Van Cleef & Arpels
Coral, chrysoprase and diamond necklace/bracelet
combination, ‘Zip’
Estimate: USD 320,000–600,000 / CHF 260,000–
480,000
Van Cleef & Arpels
Sapphire, coloured sapphire, garnet and
diamond necklace, 'Les Jardins'
Estimate: USD 120,000–240,000 / CHF
95,000–190,000
Van Cleef & Arpels
Pair of ruby and diamond earrings
Estimate: USD 80,000–120,000 /
CHF70,000–95,000
Cartier contributes both elegance and versatility, from a pair of natural pearl and diamond earrings to a striking gold,
amethyst, turquoise and diamond demi-parure from the 1940s, while a rare ruby and diamond ring by Chaumet,
dated 1904, exemplifies early 20th-century Parisian refinement. Further highlights reflect the breadth of design
across leading maisons, from the bold colour combinations of a Bulgari coloured sapphire, rock crystal and diamond
demi-parure to the sculptural creativity of Sterlé, represented by a whimsical mother-of-pearl and diamond ‘Bird’
brooch and a gold and diamond ‘Leaf’ brooch created for Chaumet in the 1960s. Also included are creations by
Mauboussin and Boucheron.
Bulgari
Coloured sapphire, rock crystal and diamond demi-
parure
Estimate: USD 120,000–180,000 / CHF 95,000–
140,000
Monture Cartier
Pair of natural pearl and diamond earrings
Estimate: USD 110,000–150,000 / CHF
90,000–120,000
Sterlé for Chaumet
Gold and diamond brooch, ‘Leaf’, circa 1967
Estimate: USD 22,000–35,000 / CHF
18,000–28,000
Collections & Provenance
Objects from the Vanderbilt Family
Evoking the grandeur of the Gilded Age, Objects from the Vanderbilt Family
reflect a moment when the American elite looked to 18th-century European
nobility when it came to furnishing their homes. This transatlantic dialogue is
embodied in a group of silver-gilt objects, many of which were used at The
Breakers, the Vanderbilt family’s celebrated Newport residence.
Set of 12 silver-gilt dessert plates, Paul de Lamerie, 1746-1747
Estimate: USD 16,000–20,000 / CHF15,000–20,000The offering includes a refined group of 18th-century
objects: silver-gilt plates by Paul de Lamerie, London,
circa 1746–1747; a pair of silver-gilt flasks by Pierre
Harache, circa 1700; a pair of silver-gilt candelabra by
Edward Wakelin, London, 1751–1752; and an enamel
and gold French snuff box dated 1752. Together, these
objects exemplify the taste and collecting vision of the
Vanderbilts, who sought to recreate the ceremonial
splendour of European courts within their American
residences. Complementing this group is an elegant
Cartier vanity case from the 1920s, formerly belonging
to Gladys Vanderbilt, Countess Széchényi.
Pair of silver-gilt candelabras, Edward Wakelin, 1751-1752
Estimate: USD 40,000–45,000 / CHF 32,000–36,000
Gold and enamel box, 1752
Estimate: USD 24,000–28,000 / CHF
22,000–26,000
Pair of silver-gilt flasks, Pierre Harache,
circa 1700
Estimate: USD 17,000–24,000 / CHF
16,000–22,000
A Royal collection: Jewels and Objects from the Kings of Bavaria
A remarkable group of jewels and objets d’art from the Kings of
Bavaria offers a rare glimpse into the artistic patronage and refined
tastes of the 19th-century Bavarian court, closely intertwined with
figures such as King Ludwig I, King Ludwig II and the composer
Richard Wagner. The selection includes finely crafted gold, enamel
and diamond boxes, as well as jewels bearing royal monograms
and portraits. Among the highlights is an exceptional enamel,
diamond and gold pocket watch featuring a miniature portrait of
King Ludwig II, traditionally presented to Wagner on the occasion
of the premiere of The Ring of the Nibelung at Bayreuth in 1876.
Together, these pieces embody the cultural and personal
exchanges of a royal circle where art, music and craftsmanship
converged at the highest level. Cartier, Gold, enamel diamond and sapphire vanity
case, 1920s
Estimate: USD 8,000–12,000 / CHF 7,500–11,000
Enamel, diamond and gold pocket watch, 19th century
Estimate: USD 40,000–60,000 / CHF 32,000–48,000Gold and diamond snuff box, 19th century
Monogramed with two intertwined Cs set with
diamonds, under a royal crown
By tradition, this box was given in 1860 by King
Ludwig II of Bavaria to Richard Wagner
Estimate: USD 50,000–60,000 / CHF 40,000–45,000
Gold, gem-set and enamel purse, 19th
century. Bearing a miniature portrait of
King Ludwig I of Bavaria in military dress
wearing the Order of the Golden Fleece
Estimate: USD 30,000 – 40,000 / CHF
24,000 – 30,000
Gold and enamel box from Hanau, bearing
the monogram of King Ludwig I of Bavaria
(1830-1848)
Estimate: USD 20,000–25,000 / CHF 16,000–
20,000
A Royal Provenance
A jewel imbued with both personal and dynastic significance, the
present brooch was previously offered in the landmark Royal
Jewels from the Bourbon Parma Family sale and was gifted to
Archduchess Maria Anna of Austria, later Princess Elie of Bourbon
Parma, by her brother, Archduke Albrecht of Austria, on the
occasion of her 17th birthday. The brooch appeared in a 1913
photograph of the Princess, from which the order of the Starry Cross
was suspended.
Diamond brooch, late 19th century
Estimate: USD 26,000–38,000 / CHF 20,000–30,000
Noble jewels, coming from European noble families
Further enriching the Collections & Provenance section is a refined
selection of noble jewels and objects from European noble families.
Among the highlights is an elegant ruby and diamond necklace from
the 1870s, originally part of the wedding basket of a French noble
bride. Also featured is a Cartier desk clock, presented by the Duke
de Talleyrand to the Count and Countess Eltz on the occasion of
their marriage, to mention a few.
Ruby and diamond pendent necklace, circa 1877
Estimate: USD 40,000–60,000 / CHF 32,000–48,000
AUCTION
11 May 3pm CEST 2026
Auction viewing: 6–11 May 2026
Location: Hotel President Wilson, Quai Wilson 47, Geneva, 1211
Click here for more information: https://www.phillips.com/auction/CH060226/overview
HIGHLIGHTS TOUR
Singapore: 10 – 11 April
The St. Regis Singapore, 29 Tanglin Rd, Singapore 247911
Taipei: 18 – 19 April
Taipei Marriott Hotel, 199 Lequn 2nd Road, Zhongshan District, Taipei
New York: 23 – 24 April
432 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10022
London: 27 – 28 April
30 Berkeley Square, London, W1J 6EXGeneva: 6 – 11 May 2026
Hôtel President, Quai Wilson 47, Geneva, 1211
ABOUT PHILLIPS
Phillips: where the world’s curious and bold connect with the art, design, and luxury that inspires them. As a
leading global platform for buying and selling 20th and 21st century works, Phillips offers dedicated expertise
in the areas of Modern and Contemporary Art, Design, Photographs, Editions, Watches, and Jewels. Auctions
and exhibitions are primarily held in New York, London, Geneva, and Hong Kong, with representative offices
based throughout Europe, the United States, and Asia. Phillips offers a regular selection of live and online
auctions, along with items available for immediate purchase. Phillips also offers a range of services and advice
on all aspects of collecting, including private sales and assistance with appraisals, valuations, and financial
planning.
*Estimates do not include buyer’s premium; prices achieved include the hammer price plus buyer’s premium.
PRESS CONTACTS:
LONDON – Katie Carder, Head of Press and Corporate Communications, Europe kcarder@phillips.com
NEW YORK – Jaime Israni, Head of PR and Corporate Communications, Americas jisrani@phillips.com
Paul Lerner, Consultant plerner@optimistconsulting.com
HONG KONG – Ingrid Hsu, Head of PR and Corporate Communications, Asia ingridhsu@phillips.com
PHILLIPS NEW YORK – 432 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10022
PHILLIPS LONDON – 30 Berkeley Square, London, W1J 6EX
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