Auctions

25 Jewels by JAR Coming to Auction at Christie’s

AuctionsApr 19, 2023

25 Jewels by JAR Coming to Auction at Christie’s

Christie’s says it is the largest collection of JAR jewels ever to be sold at auction.

20230419_JAR sapphire earrings.jpg
This pair of sapphire, gray diamond, and white diamond earrings by JAR is one of 15 pairs of earrings by the designer that Christie’s Geneva will offer at its May 17 jewelry auction. They are expected to garner nearly $400,000.
Geneva—Twenty-five pieces by famed designer Joel Arthur Rosenthal, or JAR, will go up on the auction block next month at Christie’s jewelry auction in Geneva. 
 
The auction house said it is the largest collection of JAR jewels ever offered at auction, amassed over a 15-year period by an “important art and jewels collector” who wishes to remain anonymous.
 
The collector, Christie’s said, first saw pieces by JAR during the “The Jewels of JAR, Paris” exhibition that took place in London in 2002 and 2003. 
 
Five years later, they were in a position to acquire their first piece and have decided now is the time to pass on the collection. 
 
“A Refined Eye—Fabulous Jewels by JAR” will be part of Christie’s “Magnificent Jewels” auction on May 17.
 

The collection includes 15 pairs of earrings, a third of which are nature inspired. 
 
There are a pair of the designer’s signature “Geranium” earrings crafted of carved nephrite jade (estimate $22,312-$33,468) as well as earrings depicting another flower JAR regularly used in his designs, the pansy, as well as a pair of diamond “Ivy Leaves” earrings (estimate $334,687-$557,803), all pictured in the gallery above. 
 
For those looking for something a little more off beat from the designer, who is known for walking the line between what is considered traditional “fine jewelry” and more sculptural and expressive “art jewelry,” check out JAR’s “Eye” bangle (below). 

20230419_JAR eye bangle.jpg
JAR’s sapphire, diamond, and spinel “Eye” bangle is estimated to sell for $150,000 to $250,000.

This 25-piece JAR collection may be the largest ever to come to auction, but it is not the first time Christie’s has sold a private collection of the designer’s work. 
 
It auctioned actress Ellen Barkin’s JAR jewels in 2006, the “Lily Safra Jewels for Hope Collection” in 2012 and, most recently, a dozen JAR jewels belonging to Ann Getty, which went for five times their pre-sale estimate last year. 
 
 Related stories will be right here … 
 
Christie’s Magnificent Jewels Geneva auction is part of what could be a record-setting spring for the industry’s major auction houses. 
 
The week prior, Christie’s will host the sale of “The World of Heidi Horten” in Geneva.
 
Horten was an Austrian billionaire who quietly amassed an impressive collection of jewels from Bulgari, Harry Winston, Van Cleef & Arpels, and more. It is expected to garner $150 million, breaking the auction record set by the sale of legendary jewelry lover Elizabeth Taylor’s collection.
 
On June 7 in New York, Christie’s is holding “The Magnificent Jewels of Anne Eisenhower” sale, which will include the ruby and diamond Van Cleef & Arpels “Jarretière” bracelet that once belonged to screen siren Marlene Dietrich, followed by its Magnificent Jewels New York sale. 
 
Rival Sotheby’s will follow with its own New York Magnificent Jewels sale on June 8 that will feature two potentially record-setting stones—the 55.22-carat Mozambican ruby dubbed the “Estrela de Fura” and “The Eternal Pink,” a 10.57-carat purplish pink diamond. 

The Latest

Dhaval Raja
MajorsJun 24, 2026
CaratLane Names New Chief Sales Officer

Dhaval Raja has been appointed to the role.

Francesca Villa On the Road Collection Race On Brooch and Long Road Necklace
CollectionsJun 23, 2026
Francesca Villa Goes ‘On the Road’

The capsule collection looks to vintage trunk pins that echo the spirit of speed, freedom, and the mythology of the American road trip.

A group of Paraiba tourmalines, two of which are possibly from Ethiopia
SourcingJun 23, 2026
New Paraíba Tourmaline Source Reportedly Discovered in Ethiopia

SSEF issued a notice about the potential new source of the sought-after gemstone, citing “credible reports” from trade sources.

Brought-To-By-Article-Top-Image.jpg
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center Stage

Colored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.

Etsy Shop Other Jeffs campaign on a truck
MajorsJun 23, 2026
Etsy Says ‘Shop Other Jeffs’ This Prime Day

As Amazon Prime Day kicks off, Etsy is encouraging shoppers to support small businesses.

Weekly QuizJun 17, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Cole Winward
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2026
AGA Announces 2026 Scholarship Winner

Cole Winward is the recipient of 2026 AGA Gemological Scholarship.

NeverNot Feel The Rhythm Boombox Pendant
EditorsJun 22, 2026
15 Pieces of Jewelry That Brought Us Joy in Vegas

Whether they evoked nostalgia, wonder, or laughter, these jewels put a smile on our faces.

DCA-NJ-article-1872x1052-060826.jpg
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce Solutions

DCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.

Picture from press conference in Basel for new trade show, Basilia
Events & AwardsJun 22, 2026
Plans Announced for New Trade Show in Basel

Scheduled for April 2027, Basilia will be the first watch and jewelry trade show held in Basel since the collapse of Baselworld in 2020.

Gem Awards 2027 Logo
Events & AwardsJun 22, 2026
Gem Awards Opens 2027 Nomination Period

Submissions for the milestone 25th annual Gem Awards will be accepted across three categories from now through July 31.

Engineer Master II Snoopy Flying Ace Ball watch
WatchesJun 22, 2026
Snoopy Inspires New ‘Flying Ace’ Ball Watch

The beloved beagle dons his aviator outfit for the new Engineer Master II Snoopy Flying Ace timepiece.

Almasika Le Cauri Endiamanté Drop Earrings
CollectionsJun 18, 2026
Michelle Obama Wears Almasika Earrings Symbolizing Feminine Power

She wore the “Le Cauri Endiamanté” earrings, our Piece of the Week, in the Obamas’ first dual portrait for the Obama Presidential Center.

Graphic for Episode 6 of My Next Question featuring Michelle Orman
PodcastsJun 17, 2026
Episode 6: Las Vegas 2026-Trends, Traffic, Broken Bathrooms

Couture’s Michelle Orman joins Amanda Gizzi and Michelle Graff for this special post-Market Week episode of My Next Question.

SSEF emerald with filler
GradingJun 17, 2026
SSEF Issues Warning on Refilled Emeralds

The lab is seeing emeralds with filler added post-testing enter the market, accompanied by reports that indicate little to no treatment.

Former Patek Philippe President Philippe Stern
WatchesJun 17, 2026
Patek Philippe’s ‘Visionary’ Leader Philippe Stern Dies at 88

The third generation of the Stern family to head Patek Philippe, he navigated the “quartz crisis” and preserved the brand’s independence.

James Avery Schertz Texas storefront
MajorsJun 17, 2026
James Avery to Revamp In-Store Retail Experience

The Texas-based jeweler is gradually rolling out a new experience-forward layout in its stores.

Seattle Seahawks Championship Ring by Jason of Beverly Hills
MajorsJun 17, 2026
Seahawks’ Super Bowl Ring Blends Meaningful Design, Technical Craftsmanship

The Super Bowl LX champions were honored with diamond and blue sapphire rings by Jason of Beverly Hills.

Marianna Smirnova
Policies & IssuesJun 17, 2026
Community for Ethical Jewelry Names New Executive Director

Marianna Smirnova previously spent a decade working with the Responsible Minerals Initiative, in addition to other relevant roles.

NBA Larry O'Brien Trophy
MajorsJun 16, 2026
5 Things to Know About the 2026 NBA Championship Trophy

The New York Knicks took home the Larry O'Brien Trophy crafted by Tiffany & Co.

Lionheart Cactus Pendant
TrendsJun 16, 2026
Post-Vegas Jewelry Trend Report: Big Beads, Western Flair, White Metals

Associate Editor Natalie Francisco lists the trends she spotted during Jewelry Market Week that will dominate the second half of 2026.

Oscar Heyman ruby ring
SourcingJun 16, 2026
GemGuide Updates Ruby Prices

Its app now reflects increased prices for Mozambique ruby, as well as changes to its Burma ruby charts.

Alicia Arnold
MajorsJun 16, 2026
Sasha Primak Hires New Design Director

The manufacturer has tapped Alicia Arnold, the former director of custom design at Tiny Jewel Box.

Boulle family in hard hats
IndependentsJun 15, 2026
DeBoulle Diamond & Jewelry to Renovate Dallas Flagship

The revamped, elevated space will feature a two-story Patek Philippe atelier and a rooftop patio for parties.

G Shock Coca Cola
WatchesJun 15, 2026
G-Shock, Coca-Cola Partner on Bottle-Inspired Watch

The special-edition piece marks the 140th anniversary of the iconic beverage brand.

Buddha Mama earrings
TrendsJun 15, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Tiny Charms Are Trending

Here are 13 small charms to inspire your layered looks this summer.

Chouette Designs Margaux Ring
CollectionsJun 12, 2026
Chouette Designs To Launch Collection Celebrating All Types of Love

Our Pride Month Piece of the Week, the “Margaux” ring, is part of the wife-and-wife team’s new “Lovestoned” collection.

CBG logo
Events & AwardsJun 12, 2026
CBG Announces Plans for Phoenix Show

The group has named the keynote speaker and announced a new pavilion for its next event, which is slated for September.

×

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