Auctions

JAR Jewels Smash Auction Estimate at Christie’s New York

AuctionsJun 09, 2022

JAR Jewels Smash Auction Estimate at Christie’s New York

“The Light of Africa” 103-carat diamond also went above its pre-sale estimate, garnering $20 million in the “Magnificent Jewels” auction.

20220609_JAR-Header.jpg
JAR’s “Parrot Tulip” brooch, featuring rubies, sapphires, garnets, tourmalines, and diamonds, was estimated to sell for $200,000-$300,000 but ended up garnering $831,600. (Image courtesy of Christie’s Images Ltd. 2022) (Image courtesy of Christie’s Images Ltd. 2022)
New York—The JAR jewels from the estate of Ann Getty were an undeniable hit at the Christie’s New York Magnificent Jewels sale Wednesday.

The 12 jewels that sold during the auction went for a total of $5.1 million, well outselling the $1.5 million Christie’s predicted the collection might garner. 

Joel Arthur Rosenthal—commonly known by his initials, JAR—is an American designer beloved by discerning collectors. Rosenthal opened his Parisian studio in 1977, crafting one-of-a-kind jewels that reference nature, historical architectural elements, and textile-like patterns.

Getty was a longtime JAR collector, and sometimes loaned pieces from her collection to exhibitions, including the JAR retrospective at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City in 2013, a JAR exhibition at London’s Somerset House in 2002, and the “Masterpieces of French Jewelry” exhibition at the San Francisco Legion of Honor Museum in 2007.

Married into the famed Getty family, Ann was a philanthropist, socialite, and publisher.

The top lot from her collection of JAR jewels that went under the hammer Wednesday was the “Parrot Tulip” brooch seen at the top of the page.

Featuring rubies, sapphires, garnets, tourmalines, and diamonds, the 1991 brooch was estimated to sell for $200,000 and $300,000 but ended up garnering $831,600.

20220609_JAR-1.jpg
(Image courtesy of Christie’s Images Ltd. 2022)

There were also the above three “Fleur Pompons” brooches from 1989 featuring diamonds, rubies, and sapphires. Originally estimated to earn between $200,000 and $300,000, the trio garnered nearly double that at $579,600.

A pair of “Oak Leaf” earrings featuring tourmalines, garnets, amethysts, sapphires, emeralds, and diamonds from 1998, predicted to fetch $100,000-$150,000, smashed that estimate at $504,000.

20220609_JAR-2.jpg
This brooch from 1990 features sapphires and spinels in 18-karat yellow gold and silver. It was estimated to earn between $80,000 and $120,000 but sold for $453,600 on Wednesday. (Image courtesy of Christie’s Images Ltd. 2022)

Of the 12 JAR lots on the auction block, there was only one final price that fell within the pre-sale estimate range rather than over it, with many going for at least twice the high amounts.

A portion of the proceeds from the Ann & Gordon Getty Collection sold will be given to a Ukrainian relief fund.

Other notable jewelry lots also shone brightly at Wednesday’s auction.

First off was the jewelry auction’s top lot, “The Light of Africa,” pictured below.

20220609_Light-of-Africa.jpg
Image courtesy of Christie’s Images Ltd. 2022)

The D-color, flawless, Type IIa emerald-cut diamond weighing 103.49 carats was estimated to sell for between $11 million and 18 million, but ended up garnering $20 million.

It was cut from a 299.3-carat piece of rough uncovered by Petra Diamonds at the storied Cullinan diamond mine in January 2021.

Petra sold the diamond to Dubai-based Stargems in March 2021 for $12.18 million.

Following that was a necklace featuring a heart brilliant-cut diamond weighing 76.46 carats, 46 heart brilliant-cut diamonds between 0.46 carats and 3.03 carats, smaller heart-shaped diamonds, pear brilliant-cut diamonds, and round diamonds in platinum and 18-karat white gold.

It sold for within its pre-sale estimate range with a final price of $4.9 million.

At No. 3 was a Carvin French bracelet comprised of diamonds weighing between 0.10 carats and 0.47 carats in various fancy pink and fancy red hues, cut-cornered rectangular modified brilliant-cut diamonds, 18-karat rose gold, and platinum. It went for just above its pre-sale high estimate, selling for $2.7 million.

20220609_Belle-Epoque-choker.jpg
(Image courtesy of Christie’s Images Ltd. 2022)

There was also a circa 1955 Harry Winston necklace made with round, baguette, and pear-shaped diamonds in platinum that nearly doubled its pre-sale high estimate when it garnered $970,200, and the circa 1910 Belle Epoque diamond choker necklace pictured above that obliterated its $60,000-$80,000 pre-sale estimate with a final price of $409,500.

The Christie’s New York Magnificent Jewels sale totaled $48.9 million on Wednesday. View the full results on Christies.com

 Related stories will be right here … 

The Latest

National Jeweler columnist Peter Smith
ColumnistsJan 21, 2025
Peter Smith: Sales Training’s Dirty Little Secret

Peter Smith pulls back the curtain on the often misinterpreted, and sometimes maligned, world of sales training.

Lord Jewelry brown and white diamond ring
TrendsJan 21, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Decadent Mocha Mousse

Pantone’s 2025 Color of the Year takes the form of jewelry through gemstones and enamel that look just as delicious as mocha mousse.

Charms from designer Jenna Blake
Policies & IssuesJan 21, 2025
These Designers and Retailers Are Raising Money for LA Wildfire Relief

From raffles to auctions to donations, the industry is working to aid charities in Los Angeles amid the raging wildfires.

Resolutions - 2025.jpg
Brought to you by
3 New Year’s Resolutions for Jewelry Lovers

The new year feels like a clean slate, inspiring reflection, hope, and the motivation to become better versions of ourselves.

Diamonds Do Good
SourcingJan 21, 2025
Diamonds Do Good Adds 2 Board Members

Julia Hackman Chafé and Monica Elias have joined the organization’s board of directors.

Weekly QuizJan 16, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Bucellati necklaces
FinancialsJan 17, 2025
Richemont’s Jewelry Sales Rise 14% in Holiday Quarter

The company, which owns Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels, had a record Q3, with sales topping $6 billion.

Picchiotti Classic Blue and Green Necklace
CollectionsJan 17, 2025
Piece of the Week: Picchiotti’s Transformable ‘Classic Blue and Green’ Necklace

The necklace features a sapphire drop weighing more than 9 carats that detaches to transform into a ring.

ride_or_die_1872x1052.png
Brought to you by
A Diamond Is Forever Celebrates "Forever Present" Holiday Campaign

A Diamond is Forever hosted a holiday celebration in honor of their new marketing campaign, ‘Forever Present.’

Jameel Mohammed
MajorsJan 17, 2025
Tiffany & Co., CFDA Name First Winner of Jewelry Designer Award

Jameel Mohammed, founder of Afrofuturist brand Khiry, will receive a cash prize and a one-year paid fellowship with Tiffany & Co.

Gold jewelry boxes with Lux Bond & Green logo
IndependentsJan 16, 2025
Lux Bond & Green to Open Sixth Location

The 127-year-old jeweler is planning to open a new store in Mystic, Connecticut.

Timex National Park Collection
WatchesJan 16, 2025
Timex Launches Collection of National Park Watches

The watches’ dials feature artwork celebrating the vibrant energy and unique landscapes of six of America’s national parks.

JCK open registration graphic
Events & AwardsJan 16, 2025
JCK Las Vegas 2025 Open for Registration

The jewelry trade show returns to The Venetian Expo and The Venetian Resort in Las Vegas from June 6 to 9.

Iris Apfel
EditorsJan 15, 2025
The Jewelry I’d Bid On in Christie’s Iris Apfel Auction

Associate Editor Natalie Francisco highlights her favorite fashion jewelry pieces from the upcoming “Unapologetically Iris” auction.

Macy’s Herald Square New York City store
MajorsJan 15, 2025
Macy’s to Close 66 Stores as Part of Turnaround Strategy

The closures are part of the retailer’s plan to close 150 locations over a three-year period.

Jewelers Vigilance Committee Americans with Disabilities Act guide cover
Policies & IssuesJan 15, 2025
JVC Debuts Guide to Americans with Disabilities Act Compliance

The online guide is available for free and written with the jewelry industry in mind.

Jose Hess Design Award Trophy
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2025
Jose Hess Design Awards Open for Submissions

The awards honor the late Jose Hess, a founding member of AJDC and an award-winning jewelry designer.

Susan Jacques
GradingJan 14, 2025
GIA CEO, President Susan Jacques to Retire at the End of 2025

The grading lab said the search for her successor is underway.

Jewelry designer and National Jeweler guest columnist Jules Kim
ColumnistsJan 14, 2025
Jules Kim: Building Bridges Between Creators and Industry

In this special op-ed, designer Jules Kim calls on big brands to collaborate with independent creators instead of copying their designs.

Henry A. Hänni
GradingJan 14, 2025
Former SSEF Director Henry A. Hänni Dies

A pioneering figure in gemology, he is remembered for his spirit of generosity, curiosity, and joy.

Woman wearing rings on both hands
FinancialsJan 14, 2025
Signet Jewelers Lowers Q4 Guidance After Holiday Sales Fall Short

The peak selling days leading up to Christmas did not meet the jewelry retailer’s expectations.

Edouard Schneider
MajorsJan 14, 2025
Edouard Schneider Joins Messika as Chief Brand Officer

Schneider brings over 20 years of luxury and fashion industry experience to his role as a key member of the brand’s global leadership team.

Gemfields emeralds
SourcingJan 13, 2025
Zambia Reinstates 15% Export Duty on Precious Gemstones, Shocking Gemfields

Gemfields said the Zambian government revoked the 2019 suspension of the tax with no warning.

Woman’s silhouette with smart ring on finger
TechnologyJan 13, 2025
Ultrahuman Unveils Luxury Smart Ring

With versions in 18-karat gold and platinum, the wearables company is blending health technology and fine jewelry.

Brandee Dallow
Policies & IssuesJan 13, 2025
Brandee Dallow Elected President of Ethical Metalsmiths

The executive brings more than two decades of industry experience to the role.

Camille Zarsky and curated necklaces
IndependentsJan 13, 2025
The Seven Pops Up in Palm Beach

The New York City-based retailer is bringing its curation of jewels to a pop-up shop at Love Binetti in Palm Beach, Florida.

Jewelers Relief Fund logo
Policies & IssuesJan 10, 2025
Jewelers Relief Fund Reopened to Aid Victims of LA Fires

Created by JA and DCA, the fund is collecting money for jewelry businesses damaged by the wildfires in Los Angeles County.

Elsa Jin Mozi Brooch
TrendsJan 10, 2025
Piece of the Week: Elsa Jin’s ‘Mozi’ Brooch

Adrien Brody received his first Golden Globe while wearing the “Mozi” brooch, which depicts a spill of traditional Chinese calligraphy ink.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy