Christie’s is proud to present Splendor & Style: Jewels from the Collection of a Distinguished Lady, an exceptional single-owner collection offered across multiple sale platforms this December. The series begins with Magnificent Jewels on December 10, followed by Handbags Online: The New York Edit, concluding December 11, and a dedicated jewellery online sale, closing December 12. Together, these sales celebrate over a century of artistry, innovation, and personal style.
Curated by a woman of bold taste and discerning eye, the collection reflects a lifetime devoted to beauty, color, and fearless individuality. From storied houses such as Bulgari, Buccellati, Cartier, Tiffany & Co. and Van Cleef & Arpels, to impressive diamonds, colored diamonds, and colored stones, each jewel tells the story of a connoisseur who traveled the world in pursuit of excellence and self-expression.
The collection also features a remarkable selection of contemporary designers including Belperron, Dior, and Chanel, alongside one of the largest offerings of Verdura jewels ever to appear at auction. Highlights from Magnificent Jewels include a Verdura Ruby and Diamond 'Wrapped Heart' Brooch (Estimate: $30,000–50,000) and a Verdura Black Jade, Emerald and Diamond 'No. 93' Cuff Bracelet (Estimate: $30,000–50,000). The online sale features several iterations of the iconic Garbo bracelet, including a Verdura Diamond and Gold 'Curb Link' Bracelet (Estimate: $12,000–18,000).
Beyond her passion for jewels, the collector’s appreciation for design extended into another realm of luxury—her remarkable array of handbags, to be featured in Handbags Online: The New York Edit from November 26 to December 11. From classic Hermès to rare limited editions, her selections reflect the same refined eye and commitment to artistry that define her jewelry. Together, these treasures embody a life shaped by elegance, confidence, and style. Notably, average prices for leather Hermès Kelly Pochettes at auction have nearly tripled over the past decade, rising from $5,900 in 2016 to $16,600 in 2024. Special materials such as Doblis Suede command a premium, as do rare editions like the So Black—an example of which set a record at Christie’s in June 2024, achieving $52,920.
Christie’s is honored to present this extraordinary collection, continuing the timeless tradition of collecting with passion, purpose, and personal flair.
Sale Highlights:
Magnificent Jewels
VERDURA RUBY AND DIAMOND 'WRAPPED HEART' BROOCH
Estimate: $30,000-50,000
Magnificent Jewels
CHANEL DIAMOND, CULTURED PEARL AND GROSGRAIN RIBBON BROOCH
Estimate: $30,000-50,000
Magnificent Jewels
VERDURA BLACK JADE, EMERALD AND DIAMOND 'NO. 93' CUFF BRACELET
Estimate: $30,000-50,000
Splendor & Style: Jewels from the Collection of a Distinguished Lady
CHANEL CITRINE, DIAMOND AND GOLD LION BROOCH
Estimate: $20,000-30,000
Splendor & Style: Jewels from the Collection of a Distinguished Lady
VERDURA ENAMEL, MULTI-GEM AND DIAMOND CUFF BRACELET
Estimate: $20,000-30,000
Splendor & Style: Jewels from the Collection of a Distinguished Lady
CARTIER DIAMOND AND ONYX 'PANTHÈRE' RING
Estimate: $20,000-30,000
Handbags Online: The New York Edit
A ROUGE VIF VEAU DOBLIS KELLY POCHETTE WITH PALLADIUM
HERMÈS, 2004
Estimate: $10,000-12,000
Handbags Online: The New York Edit
AN ORANGE H CHÈVRE LEATHER SELLIER KELLY 25 WITH GOLD HARDWARE & ORANGE H CHÈVRE LEATHER NOTEBOOK COVER WITH PALLADIUM HARDWARE
HERMÈS, 2005
Estimate: $10,000-12,000
Handbags Online: The New York Edit
A FAUVE VEAU DOBLIS KELLY POCHETTE WITH PALLADIUM HARDWARE
HERMÈS, 2005
Estimate: $10,000-12,000