Sotheby's Geneva to auction Russian imperial jewels

Sotheby's Geneva is to auction two rare and prestigious diamond necklaces with connections to the imperial Russian rulers, Peter the Great and Catherine the Great. The pieces will go under the hammer at the "Magnificent Jewels and Noble Jewels" sale to be held by Sotheby's on November 16.

The glamour of the Russian imperial court will be in the spotlight at the next auction to be organized by Sotheby's Geneva, where bidders will be competing to obtain two historic jewelry pieces: a diamond necklace linked to the Empress Catherine II, also known as Catherine the Great, and a diamond parure thought to contain stones offered by Catherine I, the wife of Peter the Great, to Sultan Ahmed III.

The first of the two lots is a diamond necklace that was commissioned by Empress Catherine II and originally designed as two separate pieces before being adapted in the late 18th century. Part of the Russia's imperial treasure during centuries of upheaval, the necklace was stored in the strongroom of the Kremlin during World War I. This historical piece is estimated at 3 to 5 million dollars.

Collectors will also be keen to acquire the second lot, presented as "one of the most important parures of antique jewels to appear at auction in the last 50 years." Comprised of a necklace, earrings and a brooch dating from the 19th century, it is thought to be made of gems offered by Catherine I to Sultan Ahmed III to end the siege of Pruth in 1711. Here again the piece has been valued at between 3 and 5 million dollars .

The "Magnificent Jewels and Noble Jewels" sale will also feature a 17.07 carat fancy intense pink diamond ring, and a ring mounted with diamonds and a Burmese ruby with a total weight of 8.37 carats.

"Magnificent Jewels & Noble Jewels" takes place at Sotheby's Geneva, November 16 at Hôtel Beau-Rivage.