Three exceptional solitaires from the collection of Lily Safra.
THE jewellery collection of Mrs. Lily Safra will be sold at Christie’s, Geneva on May 14. Mrs. Safra is a major philanthropist and a connoisseur. The jewellery collection reflects her refined taste in evolution through five decades from the 1970’s. The three solitaire rings illustrated here share some exceptional characteristics. They are each the best colour of their type and weigh over 30 carats. The 34.05 carat rectangular-cut diamond ring (D/VVS1 potentially flawless, Type IIa) is a perfect stone estimated at US$3,600,000-5,000,000. Formerly in the collection of Luz Mila Patiño, Countess du Boisrouvray, the famous 32.08 carats cushion-shaped Burmese ruby and diamond ring by Chaumet is offered with an estimate of US$3,000,000-5,000,000, while a 31.21 carats rectangular-cut Burmese sapphire and diamond ring, mounted by Boucheron, is estimated at US$450,000-550,000.
Mrs. Safra and a ruby and diamond flower brooch by JAR estimated at $1.2-$1.5 million.
The sale includes the largest single owner selection of jewels by JAR – the elusive Paris based Bronx born jewellery design trendsetter – ever seen at auction. JAR creations rare come to auction and the sale represents a singular opportunity for JAR lovers to purchase some of his best jewels.
Mrs. Safra, a London based Brazilian born billionaire, is the widow of Lebanese banker Edmond J. Safra who died in a fire at his Monaco apartment in 1999. She is a prominent art collector. The sale, which will feature 70 lots, is estimated to bring in more than $20 million. All proceed are to be donated to 20 different charitable institutions.
(See post on antiquesandartireland.com for July 10, 2011)