By David Brough
Several top-quality natural pearl jewels outperformed in the Geneva Magnificent Jewellery auctions earlier this month, comfortably surpassing pre-sale estimates, underscoring a combination of very tight supplies and robust demand.
An outstanding result was achieved by an important pair of natural, saltwater pearl and diamond pendent earrings, featuring detachable drop shaped natural pearls, accompanied by an SSEF report, which were sold by Sotheby’s on November 10, 2021, for 927,500 CHF, by far outstripping their 190,000-280,000 estimate.
Picture courtesy of Sotheby’s
Christie’s on November 9, 2021, achieved an exceptional result when a natural, saltwater pearl, emerald and diamond necklace, accompanied by an SSEF report, fetched 512,500 CHF, soaring above an estimate of 200,000-270,000 CHF.
Picture courtesy of Christie’s
Kristian Spofforth, who heads Sotheby’s London jewellery division, told Jewellery Outlook that the extreme rarity of exceptional natural pearls underpinned demand from collectors.
Max Fawcett, head of Christie’s jewellery business in Geneva, said the most magnificent and high-quality natural pearl jewels were likely to continue to outperform in future sales, buoyed by resilient demand by high-end retailers and collectors.
