AuctionsNov 09, 2023
Sotheby’s ‘Vienna 1900’ a White-Glove SaleAuctionsNov 16, 2023
Audrey Hepburn’s ‘Roman Holiday’ Choker Pulled From Auction
Worn in the film’s final scene, the piece was expected to sell for nearly $30,000.
Christie’s withdrew Audrey Hepburn’s pearl necklace worn in the final scene of “Roman Holiday” from auction. Until Tuesday, the piece was part of the “Jewels Online: The Geneva Edit” sale, which ends today.
Geneva—The fine pearl collier Audrey Hepburn wore in the 1953 romantic comedy “Roman Holiday” was withdrawn from Christie’s online jewelry auction Tuesday.
The wide, choker-style necklace was part of the “Jewels Online: The Geneva Edit” sale, which started Nov. 3 and is set to end today.
The piece, created by Italian design house Fürst, was estimated to sell for 18,000-26,000 CHF, or $20,070 to $28,990.
When National Jeweler checked in on the auction Tuesday morning, the piece had seven bids, the highest being 28,000 CHF ($31,534), above the piece’s top estimate.
National Jeweler received an email late Tuesday from an individual registered to bid on the piece stating that Christie’s had sent an email stating the item had been pulled from the sale.
Christie’s did not give a reason for the item’s withdrawal, the bidder said.
“We can confirm that lot 234 from the sale ‘Jewels Online: The Geneva Edit’ closing on 16 November has been withdrawn from sale,” Christie’s told National Jeweler via email Wednesday morning.
“We are unable to share any further information as decisions relating to sales remain confidential between Christie’s and our consignors.”
Related stories will be right here …
The wide, choker-style necklace was part of the “Jewels Online: The Geneva Edit” sale, which started Nov. 3 and is set to end today.
The piece, created by Italian design house Fürst, was estimated to sell for 18,000-26,000 CHF, or $20,070 to $28,990.
When National Jeweler checked in on the auction Tuesday morning, the piece had seven bids, the highest being 28,000 CHF ($31,534), above the piece’s top estimate.
National Jeweler received an email late Tuesday from an individual registered to bid on the piece stating that Christie’s had sent an email stating the item had been pulled from the sale.
Christie’s did not give a reason for the item’s withdrawal, the bidder said.
“We can confirm that lot 234 from the sale ‘Jewels Online: The Geneva Edit’ closing on 16 November has been withdrawn from sale,” Christie’s told National Jeweler via email Wednesday morning.
“We are unable to share any further information as decisions relating to sales remain confidential between Christie’s and our consignors.”
Another notable piece also was pulled from a jewelry auction mid-sale this month.
A 94-carat Paraíba tourmaline known as “The Blue Lagoon” was withdrawn from Sotheby’s Geneva jewelry auction earlier this month.
The stone was set to be the largest top-quality Paraíba tourmaline ever to come to auction, according to the auction house.
It was estimated to sell for 1.3 million-2.5 million CHF, or $1.4 million-$2.7 million.
More on Auctions
The Latest
Supplier BulletinJul 02, 2026
Elevating Retail Showcases with Today's Necklace & Bracelet TrendsSponsored by Rio Grande Jewelry Supply
SourcingJul 02, 2026
London Diamond Bourse Elects First Female PresidentCharlotte Rose said her election is “a sign that this is an industry capable of change.”
TrendsJul 02, 2026
Oscar Heyman’s Flag Brooch Celebrates AmericaThe American jewelry house, founded by Latvian immigrants, has been creating American flag brooches since 1917.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
IndependentsJul 02, 2026
D. Geller & Son Partners with KSU Art Students on Store MuralThe artwork celebrates the Atlanta jeweler’s legacy and symbolizes its commitment to supporting local artists and its community.
Weekly QuizJul 01, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsJul 02, 2026
Stratus Estate Buyers Offers Jewelers Turnkey Buying EventsIts team can evaluate jewelry and watches, as well as luxury handbags, artwork, and collectibles.
SurveysJul 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Ticks Up in JuneFalling oil prices were a factor in the slight month-over-month improvement.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
CollectionsJul 01, 2026
Rio Grande Launches First Finished Bridal CollectionThe new offering comprises more than 120 bridal and engagement ring styles with natural and lab-grown diamonds.
WatchesJul 01, 2026
Rolex Unveils Clock at Rockefeller CenterThe clock is part of the celebration for the soon-to-open Rolex headquarters on New York City’s Fifth Avenue.
IndependentsJul 01, 2026
Kristen Cannon of Valobra Master Jewelers Dies at 49The public relations professional is remembered for her benevolent generosity and unwavering commitment to those around her.
WatchesJun 30, 2026
Pokémon Fans Will Want to Catch This New G-Shock WatchThe new watch commemorates Pokémon’s 30th anniversary.
MajorsJun 30, 2026
Saks Global Emerges From Bankruptcy With New NameThe luxury retailer is now called Exemplar Luxury Group.
CollectionsJun 30, 2026
Jade Ruzzo’s New Collection Embodies the Art of Being a LadyThe “Lady” collection is a new take on old beauty standards with gemstone-adorned hair pins and combs, a compact mirror necklace, and more.
SourcingJun 30, 2026
Blue Nile Introduces Montana Sapphire CollectionThe new line is included in the e-tailer’s curation of jewelry celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
GradingJun 30, 2026
AGS Opens 2026 Recertification ExamAll active members who earned their credential or designation before Dec. 1, 2025, are required to recertify.
CollectionsJun 29, 2026
Briony Raymond’s New Collection Is a ‘Carousel’ of Hard StonesThe new jewelry collection uses a colorful palette of onyx, malachite, tiger’s eye, mother-of-pearl, lapis, turquoise, and coral.
IndependentsJun 29, 2026
Look Inside Lee Michaels’ Revamped Mississippi FlagshipLee Michaels Fine Jewelry is celebrating 30 years in the Ridgeland, Mississippi community.
GradingJun 29, 2026
National Rarities Announces New Gemology ManagerSean Milliner has joined the company.
GradingJun 29, 2026
GIA to Open New London CampusClasses will begin in August at GIA’s new Canary Wharf location.
CollectionsJun 26, 2026
Strength Is Sharpened Into Beauty in Kris Averi’s ‘Prism Thorn’ RingThe rainbow version of the ring, our Piece of the Week, features angel-cut, octahedral lab-grown sapphires designed to be worn as armor.
MajorsJun 26, 2026
Rembrandt Charms Debuts ‘Charms That Give Back’The new initiative donates a portion of the proceeds from select charms to charitable causes.
TrendsJun 26, 2026
Bernard James Celebrates Knicks’ Win with RingThe Brooklyn-based jeweler created a limited-edition version of its “Aura” eternity band, set with gemstones in the team’s colors.
SourcingJun 25, 2026
ICA Names Brandee Dallow as CEODallow will lead the International Colored Gemstone Association, effective July 6.
EditorsJun 25, 2026
Out & About: How Jewelers Mutual, SCAD Are Tackling the Bench Jeweler ShortageSenior Editor Lenore Fedow headed to Savannah to learn more about the 10-year, $10 million partnership between JM and the art school.
CollectionsJun 25, 2026
Mejuri Experiments With SteelIts new capsule jewelry collection features gold-finished stainless steel pieces designed for a maximalist look without a luxury price tag.
Events & AwardsJun 25, 2026
Watches & Wonders Announces 2027 DatesThe week-long event in Geneva is slated for April 2027.
