AUCTIONS – Christie’s to auction world’s largest and most valuable jewellery collection – The World of Heidi Horten

Christie’s presents THE WORLD OF HEIDI HORTEN, the exquisite jewellery collection of the late Mrs. Heidi Horten (1941-2022).

With a pre-sale estimate of more than $150 million, this unparalleled private jewellery collection is the largest and most valuable ever to come to auction, poised to join and eclipse the previous record sales at Christie’s for The Elizabeth Taylor Collection (2011) and the Maharajas & Mughal Magnificence auction (2019), which are the only two jewellery collections to date to achieve more than $100 million.

Consigned by the Heidi Horten Estate, and offered this May in Geneva, the Collection will be devoted to philanthropy, per Mrs. Horten’s wishes: all of the Estate’s proceeds will benefit The Heidi Horten Foundation, established in 2020 to support the museum of modern and contemporary art she founded in Vienna, Austria — The Heidi Horten Collection as well as medical research and other philanthropic activities, which has been supported by her for many decades.

Highlights include:

• The stunning 90 carat Briolette of India Diamond Necklace by Harry Winston, originally sold by Cartier in 1909 (estimate on request)
• A Three Strand Natural Pearl Necklace also by Harry Winston, highlighted by a cushion shaped pink diamond clasp of 11 carats (estimate US$7-10 million)
• The Sunrise Ruby and Diamond ring of 25 carats by Cartier, pigeon blood in colour and of exceptional purity (estimate US$15-20 million)
• A very important selection of Bulgari creations from the 1970s to present day, retracing more than five decades of the firm’s signature Italian craftsmanship
• An exceptional Diamond Bracelet by Harry Winston (estimate US$5-7 million)
• The Great Mughal Emerald Pendant Necklace by Harry Winston (estimate US$500,000-700,000).Anthea Peers, President Christie’s EMEA, said: “This is a historic moment for Christie’s to have the privilege of offering one of the world’s finest and most important jewellery collections originating from Europe. Furthermore, to witness a philanthropic effort of this scale is as rare as it is remarkable. Today, with the establishment of The Heidi Horten Foundation, the late Mrs. Horten has created an important framework to secure the operation of her museum for decades to come, ensuring the enjoyment of the arts for enthusiasts around the globe.” Rahul Kadakia, Christie’s International Head of Jewellery, said: “The World of Heidi Horten is the collection of a lifetime. From Bulgari to Van Cleef & Arpels, from a small personal memory piece to the Briolette of India, this is a collector’s dream. Building from extraordinary early pieces she acquired in the 1970’s and 1980’s, Mrs. Horten continued to grow and curate her sophisticated collection, eloquently combining vintage and modern designs from the leading jewellery houses of the world that today represent some of the finest examples ever to come to market.”
  

  From left to right: Lot 54 a fancy pink diamond of 20.06 cts | Lot 63 a natural black pearl necklace | Lot 88-Bulgari diamond brooch | Lot 45-Harry Winston-three strand natural pearl necklace – all estimates on request

• Christie’s will present 400 of the 700 jewels across two live auctions at The Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues in Geneva during Luxury Week this spring, in addition to one online sale in May, followed by another online sale in November 2023. Part 1 of the auction series will begin on Wednesday 10 May, followed by a Part II live auction on Friday 12 May 2023. The first online sale will open 3 May, running until 15 May, to be followed by a second online sale in November offering the remaining jewels from the collection.