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.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Auctions
The Latest
SourcingJan 28, 2026
Ethical Gem Fair to Debut Designer Showcase in TucsonThe new addition will feature finished jewelry created using “consciously sourced” gemstones.
ColumnistsJan 28, 2026
Peter Smith: Setting the Next Generation Up for SuccessIn his new column, Smith advises playing to your successor's strengths and resisting the urge to become a backseat driver.
SurveysJan 28, 2026
Consumer Confidence Falls Below Pandemic Lows in JanuaryThe index fell to its lowest level since May 2014 amid concerns about the present and the future.
Brought to you by
The MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program: Attracting & Training the Next Generation of Bench JewelersLaunched in 2023, the program will help the passing of knowledge between generations and alleviate the shortage of bench jewelers.
IndependentsJan 28, 2026
Foundrae Heads to Aspen for Latest Store OpeningThe new store in Aspen, Colorado, takes inspiration from a stately library for its intimate yet elevated interior design.
Weekly QuizJan 22, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
FinancialsJan 28, 2026
Tiffany & Co., Bulgari Sales Resilient as LVMH’s 2025 Sales SlipThe brands’ high jewelry collections performed especially well last year despite a challenging environment.
CollectionsJan 27, 2026
De Beers London, GemFair Debut New Collection Highlighting Artisanal DiamondsThe collection marks the first time GemFair’s artisanal diamonds will be brought directly to consumers.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
SourcingJan 27, 2026
GemGuide Launches Pricing for Montana SapphiresThe initial charts are for blue, teal, and green material, each grouped into three charts categorized as good, fine, and extra fine.
TechnologyJan 27, 2026
Clientbook Launches Appointment Booking ToolThe new tool can assign the appropriate associate based on the client or appointment type and automate personalized text message follow-ups.
SourcingJan 26, 2026
Tucson Preview 2026: Earthy Tones and Innovative Shapes Buyers are expected to gravitate toward gemstones that have a little something special, just like last year.
SourcingJan 26, 2026
Angolan Diamond Cos. Join NDC as Rio Tinto, Murowa Exit Endiama and Sodiam will contribute money to the marketing of natural diamonds as new members of the Natural Diamond Council.
MajorsJan 26, 2026
Francesca’s To Close All StoresThe retailer operates more than 450 boutiques across 45 states, according to its website.
MajorsJan 26, 2026
BIJC Names 5 New Board MembersThe new members’ skills span communications, business development, advocacy, and industry leadership.
CollectionsJan 26, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Celebrates 189 Years of Love StoriesThe jeweler’s 2026 Valentine’s Day campaign, “Celebrating Love Stories Since 1837,” includes a short firm starring actress Adria Arjona.
GradingJan 26, 2026
DCA Updates Colored Gemstone CourseThe new features include interactive flashcards and scenario-based roleplay with AI tools.
MajorsJan 23, 2026
Watches of Switzerland Acquires 4-Store Jewelry Chain in TexasFamily-owned jewelry and watch retailer Deutsch & Deutsch has stores in El Paso, Laredo, McAllen, and Victoria.
WatchesJan 23, 2026
Damiani Group to Acquire Baume & MercierThe Italian luxury company purchased the nearly 200-year-old Swiss watch brand from Richemont.
TrendsJan 23, 2026
Martin Katz’s Earrings Call to Mind Wintry Weather Micro-set with hundreds of diamonds, these snowflake earrings recreate “winter’s most elegant silhouette,” and are our Piece of the Week.
MajorsJan 23, 2026
Rembrandt Charms Names New Director of Creative, Brand StrategyElla Blum was appointed to the newly created role.
Supplier BulletinJan 22, 2026
The Rise of Centralized Sourcing in the Colored Gemstone MarketSponsored by RapNet
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Lugano Diamonds Finds a BuyerInvestment firm Enhanced Retail Funding, a division of Gordon Brothers, was the successful bidder.
SourcingJan 22, 2026
De Beers To Release ‘A Diamond Is Forever’ BookIt explores the history of the iconic tagline and the company’s strategy to redefine the role of diamonds in society.
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Swarovski Appoints New North America PresidentRetail veteran Sindhu Culas has stepped into the role.
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Stuller Names New Chief Merchandising, Marketing, Sales OfficerTaylor Burgess, who has been at Stuller since 2013, was promoted to the newly created role.
PodcastsJan 21, 2026
Episode 1: High Gold Prices, the Diamond Dilemma, & What’s NextWas 2025 a good year for jewelers? Did lab-grown diamonds outsell natural? Find out on the first episode of the “My Next Question” podcast.
EditorsJan 21, 2026
6 Jewelry Designers Poised to Have a Breakout Year in 2026Whether you recognize their jewels or are just discovering them now, these designers’ talent and vision make them ones to watch this year.
