Sotheby’s to auction jewels belonging to Gina Lollobrigida
GENEVA, May 2013 – On 14 May 2013, Sotheby’s Geneva auction of Magnificent Jewels and Noble Jewels will present over 650 lots, led by a group of 23 outstanding pieces from the collection of international screen legend Gina Lollobrigida.
Many of these jewels are seminal Bulgari pieces which accompanied the iconic actress at landmark moments of her career.
Also taking centre stage this spring will be a remarkable selection of gems of aristocratic provenance and great historical significance, such as a 74.53 carat fancy yellow diamond which belonged to Ahmed Shah Qajar – Shah of Persia from 1909 to 1925 and the last ruler of the Qajar dynasty.
In addition to exceptional gemstones, diamonds and signed jewels, the sale will feature a collection of 34 jewels designed by Suzanne Belperron – the most talented and influential female jeweller of the 20th century – for her long-standing friend Cécyle Simon.
David Bennett, Chairman of Sotheby’s Switzerland and Chairman of the Jewellery Department for Europe and the Middle East, said: “It is an immense privilege for Sotheby’s to handle the sale of these magnificent jewels from the Collection of Gina Lollobrigida.
“Not only are they evocative of an extraordinary woman and one of the greatest stars of the 20th century, but they are among the finest designs created by Bulgari in the 1950s and 1960s.
Gina Lollobrigida wearing the diamond necklace/bracelet combination (est. CHF 285,000-470,000/ $300,000-500,000) as a tiara & the pair of emerald and diamond earclips (CHF 145,000-240,000/ $150,000-250,000) by Bulgari
“Continuing Sotheby’s long tradition of bringing the finest jewels of aristocratic provenance and supreme historical importance to auction, the May sale also offers a fascinating selection of Noble Jewels, alongside exceptional gemstones, period and signed jewels.
“A year after the tremendous success of the sale of jewels from the personal collection of Suzanne Belperron, we are thrilled to present more of her stunning creations and hope that this will further contribute to highlight her immense talent and her unique contribution to jewellery”.
Jewels from the Collection of Gina Lollobrigida
The centerpiece of the auction is a group of 23 outstanding jewels from the Collection of Gina Lollobrigida.
Many of these pieces are important Bulgari jewels from the 1950s and 1960s, worn by Miss Lollobrigida at key events of her professional and personal life.
Gina Lollobrigida wearing the diamond necklace/bracelet combination, Bulgari, 1954 as a tiara (est. CHF 285,000-470,000/ $300,000-500,000) & the natural pearl and diamond pendant earrings (est. CHF 565,000-940,000/ $600,000-1,000,000)
These masterpieces were highlights of the international touring exhibition, Bulgari – 125 Years of Italian Magnificence in 2009-2012.
Part of the proceeds from the sale will benefit stem cell research.
Highlights comprise a pair of natural pearl and diamond pendant earrings (lot 664, est. CHF 565,000-940,000/ $600,000-1,000,000).
Miss Lollobrigida was informed when she purchased these exceptional pearls that they were formerly in the collections of the House of Habsburg.
Among the Bulgari jewels from the collection are a 19.03 carat diamond ring, circa 1962 (lot 662, est. CHF 375,000-750,000/$400,000-800,000), a 1954 diamond necklace/bracelet combination (lot 663, est. CHF 285,000-470,000/ $300,000-500,000 and three stunning jewels in emerald and diamond created in 1964: a pair of emerald and diamond earclips (lot 659, est. CHF 145,000-240,000/ $150,000-250,000), a brooch set to the centre with a step-cut emerald weighing 27.57 carats (lot 661, est. CHF 145,000-190,000/ $150,000-200,000) and a ring with a step-cut emerald weighing 16.62 carats, framed by two rows of brilliant-cut diamonds (lot 660, est. CHF 115,000-170,000/ $120,000-180,000).
