AuctionsMay 10, 2022
See the 12 JAR Jewels Headed to Christie’s New York 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.
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.
JAR crafted these “Geranium” earrings in nephrite jade. They are expected to sell for as much as $33,468 at Christie’s Geneva upcoming jewelry auction, “A Refined Eye—Fabulous Jewels by JAR.”
JAR’s pansy earrings are set with colored gemstones. They are expected to sell for between $167,306 and $278,843.
The pre-sale estimate on the designer’s “Ivy Leaves” earrings is $334,623-$557,705.
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).
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.
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.
More on Auctions
The Latest
Policies & IssuesMay 14, 2025
Here’s What Happened to Pope Francis’ RingBefore Pope Leo XIV was elected, a centuries-old procedure regarding the late pontiff’s ring was followed.
Lab-GrownMay 14, 2025
State of Diamonds: What’s Next for Lab-Grown Diamonds?While the product has entrenched itself in the market, retailers and consultants are assessing the next phase of the category’s development.
CrimeMay 14, 2025
Seattle Detectives Seek Public’s Help in Tiffany & Co. Robberies The police are trying to identify the man suspected of robbing two Tiffany & Co. locations in the area.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
MajorsMay 14, 2025
Jeff Corey Elected Chair of JBT Board The well-known Maine jeweler takes over for Brian Fleming and will serve a one-year term.
Weekly QuizMay 08, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Policies & IssuesMay 14, 2025
Foundrae Donates $11K to Ethical MetalsmithsThe donation was the result of the brand’s annual Earth Day Ingot event.
IndependentsMay 13, 2025
Eiseman Jewels’ Renovated Dallas Store Is Bigger and BetterLocated in NorthPark Center, the revamped store is nearly 2,000 square feet larger and includes the first Tudor boutique in Dallas.
Brought to you by
Watch: The Winston Red: GIA Examines the Smithsonian’s Newest AdditionSupplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
MajorsMay 13, 2025
DCA Announces New Learning Platform, Course UpdatesThe nonprofit has made updates to the content in its beginner and advanced jewelry sales courses.
MajorsMay 13, 2025
BIJC Launches New Education FundBIJC President Malyia McNaughton will shift roles to lead the new foundation, and Elyssa Jenkins-Pérez will succeed her as president.
TrendsMay 13, 2025
State of Jewelry Design: The Top 10 Jewelry Trends of the Past DecadeAs a nod to the theme of JCK Las Vegas 2025, “Decades,” National Jeweler took a look back at the top 10 jewelry trends of the past 10 years.
Lab-GrownMay 12, 2025
Lightbox to Go Dark by Summer, De Beers Says The company plans to halt all consumer-facing activity this summer, while Lightbox factory operations will cease by the end of the year.
Policies & IssuesMay 12, 2025
Tariffs on Chinese Imports Temporarily Slashed as U.S.-China Reach Deal Following weekend negotiations, the tax on Chinese goods imported into the United States will drop by 115 percent for the next 90 days.
Events & AwardsMay 12, 2025
Jewelry By Picasso, Dalí on Display at Florida Art Museum “Artists’ Jewelry: From Cubism to Pop, the Diane Venet Collection” is on view at the Norton Museum of Art through October.
Events & AwardsMay 12, 2025
CASE Awards Now Accepting Entries For 2025The deadline to submit is June 16.
IndependentsMay 09, 2025
Lugano Diamonds CEO Resigns Amid Internal InvestigationMoti Ferder stepped down Wednesday and will not receive any severance pay, parent company Compass Diversified said.
CollectionsMay 09, 2025
Pieces of the Week: Marie Lichtenberg’s Collaborations for Mother’s DayLichtenberg partnered with luxury platform Mytheresa on two designs honoring the connection between mothers and daughters.
SourcingMay 09, 2025
Gemfields Resumes Emerald Mining in ZambiaThe miner announced plans to recommence open-pit mining at Kagem.
CrimeMay 08, 2025
Former NYC Jewelry Store Employee Arrested in 2017 Choking Death of Boss Michel Desalles allegedly murdered Omid Gholian inside World of Gold N Diamond using zip ties and then fled the country.
EditorsMay 08, 2025
5 ‘Superfine’ Met Gala Jewelry MomentsAssociate Editor Lauren McLemore shares her favorite looks from a night of style inspired by Black dandyism.
Supplier BulletinMay 08, 2025
Instappraise Introduces Game-Changing Trifold Appraisal FormatSponsored by Instappraise
FinancialsMay 08, 2025
Brilliant Earth Notes an Uptick in Engagement Ring Sales in Q1CEO Beth Gerstein discussed the company’s bridal bestsellers, the potential impact of tariffs, and the rising price of gold.
IndependentsMay 08, 2025
Margot McKinney Lands in the U.S. With New BoutiqueThe brand’s first independent location outside of Australia has opened in Beverly Hills, California.
IndependentsMay 08, 2025
Verragio Announces New Regional Sales ManagerCathy Marsh will lead the jewelry company’s efforts in the upper Midwest and western United States.
FinancialsMay 07, 2025
Pandora Posts Strong Q1, Plans for TariffsThe company has multiple strategies for dealing with tariffs, though its CEO said moving manufacturing to the U.S. is not one of them.
ColumnistsMay 07, 2025
The Smart Lab: Building a Seasonal Marketing Strategy for Mother’s Day and BeyondConnecting with your customers throughout the year is key to a successful holiday marketing push.
SourcingMay 07, 2025
Gemfields Says Emerald Sales Improved in Latest AuctionIts commercial-quality emerald sale held last month totaled more than $16 million, up from about $11 million in September 2024.
