adminIn her private life, Audrey Hepburn’s love of jewelry was well known, as was her oft-quoted belief that “elegance is the only beauty that never fades.” More than 30 years after her death, interest in the late style icon remains high, and fans around the globe will soon have the opportunity to bid online for one of the most famous pieces of jewelry ever associated with the actress.
The elegant cultured pearl, diamond and sapphire necklace worn by Hepburn in the final scene of William Wyler’s 1953 classic Roman Holiday headlines Christie’s Jewels Online: The Geneva Edit, which will be held from Nov. 3-16. The sale will include an assortment of rarities and iconic designs by renowned jewelers including Van Cleef & Arpels, Graff, and Boucheron, as well as a private collection of gold nuggets.
“From spectacular creations by Cartier to fabulous gold nuggets in their original and magical form, the Geneva online sale represents the very best that the jewelry market has to offer,” says Max Fawcett, Christie’s head of jewelry, Geneva.
Spread across more than 200 lots, bidders will find everything from antique jewels to bold contemporary designs and vibrant gemstones, but it’s the Hepburn necklace—which is expected to sell for between US$21,000 and US$29,000 (CHF 18,000 and 26,000)—that is getting the headlines.
For her Academy Award-winning role as a headstrong princess in Roman Holiday, Hepburn donned a variety of regal tiaras, jewelry, and accent pieces that elevated her natural elegance. But it was the opulent collier necklace from the final scene that has left the greatest impression on the public.
Coming in at a gross weight of just under 100 grams, the necklace features two strands of round cultured pearls, round and oval-shaped cabochon sapphires, round diamonds, and 18k white gold. According to the auction house, the necklace, which is fitted with a secure clasp, “shows minor signs of wear with a few light scratches,” and “is in very good condition.”
The wide, choker-style necklace was created by Fürst, an Italian design house that dates back to the 1850s and became better known to Americans last century through its custom designs for well-heeled clients and Hollywood royalty.
“Throughout her life Audrey Hepburn was very much in favor of pearls and when Fürst showed her several necklaces to choose from for the final scene of the film, it makes sense that Audrey’s choice was a two strand pearl necklace,” says Alexandra Kindermann, a Christie’s spokesperson.
Also sure to draw interest is a rare collection of Cartier jewels and objects from the Art Deco period that have remained in a private collection for nearly 50 years. According to the auction house, the collection comprises “a wide variety of the Maison’s best work,” from jeweled travel clocks to charm bracelets, and exquisite brooches.
Gold collectors will have the rare opportunity to bid on a collection of seventeen nuggets which were formed around the world, from California to Australia. Still in perfect condition, the nuggets feature a refined honeycomb lattice and rich bright yellow patina. The highlight of this selection is the Golden Aussie nugget from Western Australia, weighing 18 pounds (8.2 kg) and carrying an estimate of USD$ 775,000 to USD$ 1.1 million (CHF 700,000 to 1 million).
The online sale is part of Christie’s Luxury Week, a jam-packed program taking place in Geneva; live auction highlights include Passion for Time—An Important Private Collection of Watches and Timepieces on Nov. 6 and Magnificent Jewels including The Bleu Royal on Nov. 7.
The public can view these rare treasures during the pre-sale exhibition, taking place at the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues from Nov. 2-7.
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