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.
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“We can confirm that lot 234 from the sale ‘Jewels Online: The Geneva Edit’ closing on 16 November has been withdrawn from sale,” Christie’s told National Jeweler via email Wednesday morning.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A 94-carat Paraíba tourmaline known as “The Blue Lagoon” was withdrawn from Sotheby’s Geneva jewelry auction earlier this month.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.
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