Imelda Marcus Legendary Jewels, $1 Million Watch, Angelina Jolies 177.11cts Citrine Necklace

A new year, a fresh beginning. The Auction houses were bustling during the last few weeks of December. Sothebys, Holiday Treasures auction had quite the assortment of glittering gems of a royal provenance and a large selection of well known designers jewels as well.

The Queen of Egypt wearing the matching necklace and tiara that was commissioned by Van Clef and Arpels 1939

One of the most spectacular items at the auction was a superb diamond necklace that was commissioned by the Queen of Egypt on the event of her daughters weeding to the future Shah of Iran.

The incredible necklace featuring a 6ct round diamond, totaling 217 carats

The pre auction estimate was $3.6Million - $4.6Million but sold for $4.2 Million. With the carat size and the royal provenance you would think the winning bid would of been higher.

Some of the other items winning bids went many times over the actual winning amount. along with Van Clef and Arpels gorgeous vintage pieces were stunners. A bombe bracelet previously owned by New York's Brooke Astor ( her jewelry collection was beyond legendary and the sizes were dreamy) created by Van Clef and Arpels in 1965 that is set with 11 cushion-cut emeralds weighing approximately 21.00 carats, accented by round emeralds weighing approximately 36.75 carats, completed by round diamonds weighing approximately 58.00 carats, gross weight approximately 104 dwts all in 18k f course. The pre auction estimate was $100,00 -$150,000 but the winning bid was an impressive $466,000!

Anotehr beauty that sold for almost double the pre auction estimate was an 18k yellow gold and carved jade necklace titled the "Ru-Yi" necklace, by David Webb. The carved mushroom releif represented longevity and the pendant could also be detached and the chain could also be worn as a belt. Came with a signed box 1971. One of my personal faves, he has a strong following still to this day many years after his untimely death.

The pre auction estimate was $80,000 - $120,000 but sold for $225,000. There were several lots in this auction created by David Webb.

Robert Procop is a well known jeweler that collaborated with Angelina Jolie on her line of jewelry where 100% of the proceeds benefited her children's charity "Education Partnership for Children of Conflict".  Angelina is well known for her good work, this time she has donated, yes donated a necklace from her line "Style of Jolie' to the Smithsonian. The 64 graduated bezel-set cushion cut citrine gems feature a 177.11cts citirne drop all set in 18k yellow gold.

The 18k yellow gold necklace features 64 graduated bezel-set cushion-shaped citrine gems highlighted by a 177.11-carat pear-shaped citrine drop.

Angelina Jolie wearing the necklace, it gives an idea of the scale, HUGE!

“We are thrilled to receive this important piece for the Smithsonian,” said Jeffrey Post, curator of the National Gem Collection. “It is the first piece of citrine jewelry in the collection. The fact that it was personally designed by Angelina Jolie Pitt and Robert Procop makes it all the more significant.”

Jolie added, “Robert and I are honored to have this great institution feature one of our jeweled creations. As the Smithsonian has educated so many of us, this jewel is a symbol of our efforts to help educate underprivileged children in conflict areas of the world.”

Robert had stated, “I am honored and also humbled to have our citrine necklace placed among the great jewels of the permanent collection of the Smithsonian Institution,” said Procop. “From one endeavor, Angelina's creative vision draws two equally impressive outcomes: to transform the finest gems into works of art, and ultimately, improve the lives of many that are in need.”

As of now this is the only item from the jewelry line to be donated to the Smithsonian. What  a beautiful gesture, for the world to be able  to view this remarkable piece of jewelry.

Where the necklace will be showcased is at "The National Gem Collection in the Janet Annenberg Hooker Hall of Geology, Gems and Minerals"  It is one of the most visited exhibitions at the Smithsonian with a mineral and gem collection that consists of approximately 350,000 mineral specimens and 10,000 gems, making it one of the largest of its kind in the world.

Floyd Mayweather in Dubai after his historic purchase

 loyd Mayweather is a sportsman best known for his boxing skills. But hes known for a fabulous sparkling reason. Actually $1 Million worth~ Mayweather  was in the most lucrative fights in boxing history when he fought Philippine boxer Manny Pacquiao in May. "Money" Mayweather hung up his boxing gloves in September his defeat against Andre Berto.  Floyd has a love affair with spectacular jewelry , watches chain etc. while enjoying his retirement he has been traveling to Italy, Monaco and Dubai. Where he purchased a sparkling diamond encrusted Hublot watch for a cool $1 Million dollars.

 The watch is titled the "Big Bang Unico Haute Joallerie watch". And it lives up to its name. It is encrusted with numerous blinding diamonds. There haven't been any reports to the carat weight, but one can only imagine that it must be jaw dropping!

Decadent in diamonds... any guesses on the carat weight? Photo courtesy of Hublot

Imelda Marcos, the name conjours up the worlds largest collection of shoes. Imelda Marcos jewelry collection came to light recently when it was announced that her rather extensive collection of jewels were being appraised in november of 2015. The Philiphone government is trying to decide if they should be auctioned or if they should be put on display. The priceless gems  were found taped to pieces of paper in ziploc bags. They jewelry was stored in trunks and suitcases. Thats alot of jewelry!

30.76cts Diamond Bangle from Bulgari, 1986 price tag attached $1 Million

 The items were seized from 3 separate locations in in 1986. At the time of the seize the collection was thought to be valued from $5 Million - $7 Million in 1988 and 1991. One diamond bracelet alone still has the price tag attached, it is a $1 Million dollar diamond bangle by Cartier. A 25ct pink diamond cut in the 18th century is expected to get $5 Million dollars.  It is absolutely breathtaking and difficult to imagine that it has never been worn!

86cts Yellow Canary Diamond Brooch, the size is fascinating!

 The jewels have been stored since 1986 Ferdinand Marcos and his family fled to Hawaii during a revolt. During his 20 years as president he amassed billions of dollars while the people of his country lived in poverty. During that time she bought many large items of jewelry and an impressive collection of shoes.

One of the necklaces being appraised by Christies Appraiser

Examinng one of the yellow diamond necklaces from Imeldas collection photo courtesy of Diana Limjoco

Imelda Marcos in 2009, she is now a member of Congress

 David Warren of Christie’s said the collection, which has been stored by the Philippine central bank for close to 30 years, is comparable to a collection of jewels owned by royalty. “If I didn’t know where the collection came from, I would probably say it could have come from a royal person,” said Warren, who was among a Christie’s team that inspected the jewelry on November 24th 2015.  I'll be following the story closely~

                                                        Keep sparkling, until next time!