Aga Khan emerald sets new Christie's record

55 years after its initial sale in Geneva, the sublime Aga Khan emerald was sold in mid-November for almost 8 million Swiss francs, or 8.3 million euros. This exceptional stone was part of Christie’s Magnificent Jewels collection.

On November 12, Christie’s held an auction for its Magnificent Jewels line. The jewelry collection, which sold 92%, generated revenues of almost 48 million Swiss francs ( 51 million euros). With active participants from 37 countries, 64% of lots sold exceeded their high estimate. Among this magnificent line-up were Cartier pieces, including five jewels, notably a diamond necklace, from the Sassoon family from the Art Deco period, which sold for 6.8 million Swiss francs (7.2 million euros). But the highlight of the auction was the famous Aga Khan emerald.

Max Fawcett, Head of European Jewelry Auctions, commented: “The Magnificent Jewels auction was a huge success, with bids on every lot from collectors all over the world. The market for signed vintage jewelry and colored gemstones of the highest quality is stronger than ever, and we are very proud to have set a world record for the most expensive emerald ever sold at auction. We now look to New York, London and Paris to finish what has been an extraordinary year in a challenging macroeconomic environment.”