$55 Million Dollar Watch, BaselWorld Jewelry & Royal Jewels!

  Pablo Picasso was a world renown artist, sculptor, painter and little was known that he was also a jeweler. An auction was held at Skinners auction on March 18th with jewelry items that were created earlier in his career.  The prices are much higher than they had anticipated. I had written a post about the auction this month. Here's the run down on the final hammer prices and they are head spinning!  The original estimates for each piece was $15,000 - $20,000. Lovely pieces that were made earlier in his long career.

A silver brooch depicting Picasso’s son Claude as a boy in profile sold for $92,250

A sterling sun pendant sold for $140,000!

A silver pendant, featuring the familiar Picasso satyr motif, sold for $153,000!

  Hailed as the most expensive watch in the world Graff unveiled a watch at Art Basel in Switzerland that contains 110 carats of colored diamonds that come from Laurence Graffs personal diamond collection. Its taken thousands of hours to create this amazing timepiece. It is stunning!  But I'd love to see it on a wrist to see the actual size.  No mention if its for sale or who would be interested in purchasing the watch. But it is breathtaking~

The world most expensive watch 110cts of colored diamonds

Just superb!!

   And on the topic of watches at Baselworld in Switzerland Louis Vuitton showcased their watches for men and women. In 2011 Louis Vuitton acquired the La Fabrique du Temps manufacture intent on creating complex watches. The Louis Vuitton Escale Worldtime watch is hand painted and can give you the time in many countries.
"The dial itself is comprised of a series of rings integrated into the movement. These rings are hand-painted with the names of the cities and corresponding emblems inspired by the monograms used on vintage Louis Vuitton trunks. There are 38 colors used on the dial and it takes over 50 hours for an artisan to hand-paint and fire the various rings. The Louis Vuitton logo and the yellow arrow are actually applied to the underside of the sapphire crystal and they sit suspended over the dial rings."  This stunner is priced at $67,000 and comes only in white gold. But this timepiece is truly a conversation starter!

Different countries enables the wearer to tell time anywhere in the world

Back of this superb timepiece

  Other diamond encrusted watches also made their appearance at Baselworld. Enough diamonds to make a girls head spin also by Louis Vuitton. These incredible watches take hundreds if not thousands of man hours to compete. I adore that Louis Vuitton calls the watchmakers, watchmaking aeteliers. True because it is such an art to create the movements and to set the diamonds.  they are truly extraordinary~

 

The watchmakers setting the diamonds in the dial of the Dentelle de Monograme

This has to be the most incredible watch in the entire collections. This lovely creation is the white gold Damier Absolue Riviere watch. Diamonds on the band, on the bezel and the dial. a true masterpiece!~

The sparkle from this watch must be blinding~

 A simpler watch that is just as striking in a more subdued way. Diamonds, Tahitian mother of pearl and satin band.

Dentelle de Monogram diamond and white gold watch

With auctions always a popular event when historic and or large diamonds are on the market, the excitment can build! A remarkable and historic emerald and diamond brooch is being auctioned at Christies April 16th in New York. This brooch by Van Clef and Arpels features an emerald that was a part of Marie Louise, (Napoleons second wife) jewelry set that was given to her by Napoleon on the event of their marriage in 1810.  After passing thru who knows how many hands the stone was sold to Van Clef in 1953. 

Center stone belong to Marie Louise, Napoleons second wife

  A few other spectacular diamonds will also be showcase at the same auction on April 16th.  This exceptional pair of D Internally flawless circular cut ear pendants with a total weight of 44.91cts. One stone weighs 22.60cts and 22.31cts.  Round diamonds of this size are extremely rare.  The estimate is from wait for it, $7 - $10Million!!! Just spectacular diamonds that must be divine when worn. 

D Internally flawless diamond ear pendants 44.71cts

   A mind blowing D Flawless 50.50cts diamond briolette is also up for auction and is expected to fetch $5.5 - $7.5Million.  It would be interesting to know where the stones came from, there history and who owned them. But what a beauty~

50.50cts D Flawless Diamond Briolette

   April is shaping up to be a month for some great auctions. An auction that always has beautiful quality items for sale is London based Phillips Auction house. The items they have are extraordinary and unique!  Here's a few of the ones that had caught my attention~

The highlights of the auction on April 30th at Phillips in London

Art Deco Emerald and Diamond Pearl Earrings, Diamond and emerald bracelet

Unheated Burma Ruby Bead and Diamond Dangle earrings

Diamond Engagement Ring and an Intense fancy vivid yellow diamond ring

 India has some of the most beautiful, ornate jewels that were created for the maharajahs .  There is a new exhibit featuring 300 sparkling jewels that span 500 years. Created just for the royalty of India. The gems are valued over $3.0 Million dollars and some of the items date back to the 17th century. They are going to be on display at the State Museum of Moscow Kremlin from April 12th - 27th.

Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patialahe was one of Cartiers top clients

Historic diamond and pearl necklace worn by the Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala

Polki diamond and gesmtone bib necklace~ the back is supposed to trail down the back

 If you are fortunate to be in Moscow or live there this is a once in a lifetime chance to see these historic jewels.  Here is a link to the museum http://www.kreml.ru/en/museums-moscow-kremlin/

 An ad of all things had caught my eye while reading  the latest trade magazines. The owner of a 17.48cts pear shaped natural fancy purplish/pink internally flawless diamond was stolen from its own in Switzerland  in 2012.  The stone is GIA certified and has significant value.  There is also a $1.0Million dollar REWARD. Since this stone has been missing for 2 years any guess its been recut and set and sold already.  But for the owners sake, I hope that they find their stone.  Here is the link if anyone happens to know any information~ http://www.stolenswissdiamond.com/

17.48cts Fancy natural Internally flawless diamond

   
                                                  Until next time, keep sparkling!!

Oscar Red Carpet Jewelry Runddown & Pablo Piccaso A Jeweler?

 The Oscars, most anticipated event by movie goes, fashionistas and jewelery around the globe.  With an estimated audience of 95 million people it is one of the most watched programs on television.

There was a wide range of looks and jewelry. A few actresses raised the bar on size of jewelry and the dollar amount worn. But in total, the actresses sparkled and shined in a variety of colors and styles.

 The always stunning Charlize Theron wore a magnificent one of a kind diamond necklace from Harry Winston.  The 31cts Cluster Diamond Pendant  from the "Incredibles Collection" and is set with a completely flawless 31ct emerald-cut diamond. and the cost was $15 Million dollars! With a price like that, I'm sure it was one of the costliest jewelry ensembles on the red carpet~

Charlize Theron wearing 31cts Cluster Diamond Pendant  from the "Incredibles Collection"

 

  Sandra Bullock was nominated for best actress in a drama for the movie "Gravity".  She was wearing diamond cluster earrings by Lorraine Schwartz with a cost of $1.8Million dollars. She looked every inch a glamour girl!

 And what can you say about Angelia Jolie?  She is always perfect on the red carpet and this red carpet in support of her fiance Brad Pitt was no exception.  She was breath taking in a  long beaded Ellie Saab Haute Couture dress and was wearing blinding diamond earrings by Robert Procop that weighed a hefty 42.0carats. She has collaborated with Robert for her line of jewelry. The beading detail on her dress teamed with the simple and rather large diamond earrings complemented each other.  It was wonderful to see her happy and truly glowing~

Angelina wearing 42cts Robert Procop Diamond Earrings

Angelina Jolie wearing beaded Ellie Saab

 

Robert Procop 42.0cts Diamond Earrings

  It was clearly a tie between Angelina Jolie and the golden girl Kate Hudson who ravished on lookers on the red carpet. Kate was wearing a silver beaded Atelier Versace and her jewels were by Neil Lane. The hair, makeup, combined with the jewels = a smoldering look!  She was definitely having a fashion MOMENT~

Kate Hudson wearing silver Atelier Versace dress and Neil Lane Jewels.

The back of her dress was fabulous, great look~

Jennifer Lawrence in her glory~

 Hollywood's sweetheart Jennifer Lawrence choose to wear a bold red Christian Dior Couture gown ( she is Diors new spokesmodel) and with $2 Million dollar Neil Lane necklace that she had worn to the back.  Shes always a stunner~

 Cate Blanchett who usually surprises us wore a delicious beaded gown by Armani and dangling custom 62 white opals that weigh 33.0cts and a beautiful 49.0cts brown diamond bracelet both by Chopard.

Cate backstage after her Oscar win

Chopard custom 33.0cts opal earrings

 And who can forget Lupitas touching acceptance speech?  not only did she look amazing and just effortless in her "Nairobi" blue Prada dress but her simple accessories were a favorite among many. Her headband was gold with diamonds, fan shaped diamond in rose gold earrings a 19th Century yellow gold and diamond coiled snake bracelet, an 18k yellow gold Frog ring, a 19th Century yellow gold, pearl and diamond ring, a 19th Century yellow gold and opal ring, and finally a 1960s 18k gold, turquoise, and diamond ring.

Lupita Nyon'go in Prada and Fred Leighton jewels

  An important 29.6 carat blue rough diamond sold at auction for a record breaking 25.6 million dollars. That is $867,400/carat. That is a high amount, but considering this a blue diamond and one of the rarest colors (next to red and orange) then we can understand the price. This stone was mined at the Cullinan mines in South Africa.  This is also the same mine that has produced many diamonds that are currently part of the Queens collection at the Tower of London.  The diamond was bought for Cora International NY through South African company Golden Yellow Diamonds. 

“This sale result affirms this stone as one of the most important blue diamonds ever recovered,” said Johan Dippenaar, CEO of Petra, in a statement.

  Petra had purchased the Cullinan mine from  DeBeers in 2007. According to miners this stone has the ability to be of great value and of importance. After this stone is cut and polished it's going to be a stunner.

 On the same topic as the rough blue, not only one but TWO large rough diamonds were mined at the Lesotho mines in South Africa.  I have written about this particular mine in the past. Gem Diamonds is a London based jeweler that has mined the two rough diamonds weigh 162.06 ct. Type II diamond and a 161.74 ct. Type I diamond.

Rough diamond 162.0cts

"

Another angle of the rough diamond

"Gem Diamonds acquired Letšeng, which was operated by De Beers from 1977 to 1982, in 2006. It is currently run as a joint venture between Gem Diamonds, which owns 70 percent of the project, and the Government of the Kingdom of Lesotho, which owns the remaining 30 percent".

 As of March 5th, both rough stones have sold at auction ( that was FAST!) for a combined $13 Million dollars.  The 162.02cts rough is a type II 2 diamond and has the potential to be a top yielding diamond.  The rough sold for $11.1 million, or $68,687 per ct!  The 161.31cts rough sold for $ $2.4 million, or $14,636 per carat! No mention as to who bought the diamonds. 

 A rather large and highly anticipated pink diamond aka 'Pink Star" at Sothebys in November of last year was purchased for an incredible $83 Million dollars. Sothebys is stating that the purchaser of the diamond by new York based diamond cutter  Isaac Wolf has defaulted on the sale of this stone for a potential loss of $72 Million for Sothebys. 

 "We are currently in discussions with the buyer, while also considering other alternatives," Patrick McClymont, Sotheby's CFO said on the call with analysts. "In the meantime, we are quite comfortable with our valuation, and see real value in owning the diamond at this price."

 My guess is that they are going to auction it again later, maybe the end of this year or next? But in reality who really knows~

Pablo Picasso gold face pendant

  Pablo Picasso is known for his amazing cubism paintings, etchings and simple drawings  But what most people don't realize is that he also created jewelry!  How did we miss that one? Picasso had may loves and lovers in his life.  His great love affair with Dora Maar in Paris lasted a stormy 6 years, from 1937-1943.  These pieces were discovered in her home in Paris after her death in 1997. It was reported that she had so many pieces of jewelry that he had made for her that they were in every hiding spot and box and under the bed even.  She kept every item he made for her along with the memory of him.  After he had left Dora he had started a relationship with Francoise Gilot, who had bored him 2 children ( one of them being Paloma)

 A year after she had died Marc Blondeau (founder of Sothebys) had created a catalog of the pieces he had made for Dora. Skinner Auctioneers located in New England is auctioning Pablo Picasso jewelry on March 18th in Boston. 

 As with is painting the estimates are low for his work. Since they are rare pieces, the prices can sky rocket quickly~

Silver “Satyr” Pendant, Pablo Picasso, from the collection of Carole Mallory (Lot 184, Estimate $15,000-$20,000)

Silver “Claude” Pendant, Pablo Picasso, from the collection of Carole Mallory (Lot 185, Estimate $15,000-$20,000)

Silver “Sun” Pendant, Pablo Picasso, from the collection of Carole Mallory (Lot 186, Estimate $15,000-$20,000)

   
                                                         Keep sparkling until next time~

Rough Diamond Find & Fashion Week for Watches

 What would be better for Valentines Day than your own personal 95 carat rough diamond?  Well you're in  luck! The Lucapa Diamond Company has just found a 95 carat rough diamond in Angola. Lulo is situated about 750km from Angola’s capital city of Luanda and ~150km from Catoca, which is ranked the third biggest kimberlite diamond mine in the world.  The stone has been classified as a D color diamond. Which will add additional zeros to the auction price of this stone. This is the second large rough diamond that has been mined at this location. The first rough diamond was 131.45cts and a type ll a mined in 2012.   By the time is cut and polished the whole process can take 2 years or more. I'm looking forward to seeing the new ownerset this stone in a piece of jewelry~

95 carat rough diamond, Lucapa Diamond Company, Angola

Compilation of rough diamonds that have been mined at Lulo, Angola

   Timepieces have come a long way since Charles Lindbergh had sent his friend a letter who also happened to be a director at the Longine watch company.  Charles had an idea for a watch that would help a pilot navigate with longitude.  He successful flew from Roosevelt Field,  long island New york to Le Bourget Paris in May 20-21 1927. he was the first people to be in new York City one day, and then Paris the next. It was the first transatlantic solo flight on a single seat plane. His design was created in  the exact detail Charles had described.  Its a watch design that they still make to this day. 

Charles Lindbergh and a copy of the Longine watch he created

 Watches have long been a form of expression for men and women. Last week the 24th Salon International de la haute Houralagie was held in Geneva and 16 designers revealed their timepiece collections. Watchmaking just like jewelery making is such an amazing talent and skill that has improved with technology thru the years.  Here is a list of the 16 designers~

  Vacheron Constatine has unqiue and highly decorated and blinged watches. The Métiers d’Art – Fabuleux Ornements watches now invite women to rediscover the beauty of the ornaments of the world, beating to the rhythm of a precious calibre. China and its ancient embroideries, India and its colorfully illustrated manuscripts, the Ottoman Empire and its architecture, France and its famous lace: all are sources of inspiration.

The Patrimony Traditionnelle Haute Joaillerie petit modèle watch  in a shiny satin wristband and 10.06cts of diamonds, this is a fav already!

  Ralph Lauren a name synonymous with American style and culture is getting involved in the luxury watch business.  His watch is reminiscent of an art deco watch from the 20's. Beautiful design with diamonds.  His home goods and clothes are incredible but a little difficult to justify paying for a Ralph Lauren watch, I associate his name with towels and linens.

 Cartier had a spellbinding watch with a glorious 106 carat stone tat serves as the watches crystal ( just brilliant!)  It took 1700 man hours to create this watch  But its truly a work of art and makes a statement.

The L’Heure Envoûtée de Cartier collection

 And speaking of watches a sad bit of news , Mr. Raymond Weil a well known Swiss watchmaker and jeweler passed away on January 26th at the age of 87. He was a pioneer in the 70's stating that watches could be a luxury item. The luxury brand that bears his name is still run by his two sons and is one of the last independent brands in the Swiss watch industry.

 Valentines Day is just around the corner and the Super Bowl was last weekend, the relation? if you are a woman and were watching the game you more than likely saw an ad for Alex and Ani.  Alot of people asked after the game who exactly are Ani and Alex and why do they have a commercial.  Who they are is a Rhode Island based jewelry store that is targeted the core audience of 20 -30 somethings with a main stream style of more is more. The jewelry is fun and they try to pass on a message of peace, goodwill, and positive energy. They have quit the following now.  The prices are low ranging mostly in the 20- 30's with nothing over $350 ( a silver plated stack of bracelets) and their items are silver and gold plated.  Here is the link to their website, but be careful 30,000 people crashed their site during the game~ http://www.alexandani.com

                                                       Keep sparkling until next time!