CrimeDec 15, 2025
Men Receive Life Sentences in Home Invasion Murder of Jeweler Carlos Jose Hernandez and Joshua Zuazo were sentenced to life without the possibility of parole in the 2024 murder of Hussein “Sam” Murray.
TrendsDec 22, 2016
Love, Death and Intrigue, from the Christie’s Archives
A new book, Christie’s: The Jewellery Archives Revealed, tells the stories behind the auction house’s most iconic sales.
This tiara is featured on the cover of “Christie’s: The Jewellery Archives Revealed." Called the Cambridge Lover’s Knot, the tiara was created at the beginning of the nineteenth century, possibly in Germany, for Princess Augusta of Hesse Cassel, Duchess of Cambridge. (Christie’s Geneva)
New York--“This is the story of Christie’s and its 250 years as the world’s leading auction house, written in jewels, the most fascinating language of all,” says François Curiel, chairman of Christie’s Asia-Pacific, in the foreword to Christie’s: The Jewellery Archives Revealed, out this month.
True to this statement, the book’s author Vincent Meylan illuminates the lives of the original owners of the jewels that passed through, and ultimately helped to define, the auction house.
As the cliché dictates, Meylan’s well-researched histories illustrate how life can be stranger than fiction.
Take the Madam La Comtesse du Barry, an official mistress of Louis XV who amassed a fortune of jewelry from the king. During the French Revolution and after the king’s death, when the Comtesse was again referred to by her birth name, Jeanne Bécu, she was robbed of a large amount of jewelry.
She lost “30 or so rings with inserts of sapphires, emeralds and large diamonds,” as well as “64 loose diamonds,” among many other jewels, which totaled $1.5 million livres (the French currency of the day).
Bécu made a public fuss of the robbery, advertising a reward for the jewels’ safe return.
To flaunt wealth during the French Revolution, however, was to paint a target on one’s back.
News emerged of thieves in London who were trying to sell jewelry that matched the description of Bécu’s stolen jewels. Becu traveled back and forth between London and Paris several times in an attempt to retrieve the pieces, which were caught in a legal quagmire.
Despite advice from her attorneys to stay in London, away from the revolution, Bécu returned to France, remaining there until she was arrested by revolutionaries and sentenced to death.
Just as jewels were her demise, Bécu hoped they would offer her redemption.
She revealed the hidden locations of her staggering jewelry collection in an attempt to barter for her life; these jewels would go on to finance the revolutionary war effort. Ultimately, her efforts were in vain, as she was executed in 1793, only a matter of weeks after Marie Antoinette.
Two years later, Bécu’s stolen jewelry came into the possession of James Christie, who founded his auction business in 1766.
“The auction comprised 65 lots,” writes Meylan, “featuring 1,000 pearls; 150 brilliant diamonds, weighing between 1 and 12 carats; 1,200 smaller diamonds; and some stones of colour. Unfortunately, none of the stones were mounted.
The stolen jewels had been broken up by the thieves to avoid suspicion.”
The new book on Christie’s goes on to recount the fascinating provenances of many of the auction house’s lots throughout history, focusing on royalty, like Mary, Queen of Scots and HRH, Princess Margaret, and Hollywood actresses, such as Merle Oberlon and Elizabeth Taylor.
Ultimately, Christie’s sales history becomes a microscope through which to view human society, culture and socioeconomic situations. While the jewels may disappear into private collections, the records they leave behind become permanent in this fascinating tome.
Christie’s is available from ACC Publishing.
The new book on Christie’s goes on to recount the fascinating provenances of many of the auction house’s lots throughout history, focusing on royalty, like Mary, Queen of Scots and HRH, Princess Margaret, and Hollywood actresses, such as Merle Oberlon and Elizabeth Taylor.
Ultimately, Christie’s sales history becomes a microscope through which to view human society, culture and socioeconomic situations. While the jewels may disappear into private collections, the records they leave behind become permanent in this fascinating tome.
Christie’s is available from ACC Publishing.
More on Trends
The Latest
Policies & IssuesDec 15, 2025
Sara Yood Named Co-Chair of RJC Standards CommitteeYood will serve alongside Eduard Stefanescu, the sustainability manager for C.Hafner, a precious metals refiner in Germany.
IndependentsDec 15, 2025
M.S. Rau to Open Store in AspenThe New Orleans jeweler is also hosting pop-up jewelry boutiques in New York City and Dallas.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
AuctionsDec 12, 2025
13.54-Carat Paraíba Tourmaline Sets Records at Christie’sSet in a Tiffany & Co. necklace, it sold for $4.2 million, the highest price and price per carat paid for a Paraíba tourmaline at auction.
Weekly QuizDec 11, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsDec 12, 2025
David Webb Reveals Ice-Cold Holiday Window DisplayThe jeweler’s “Deep Freeze” display showcases its iconic jewelry designs frozen in a vintage icebox.
CollectionsDec 12, 2025
Piece of the Week: Oscar Heyman’s Sphene RingTake luxury gifting to new heights this holiday season with the jeweler’s showstopping 12-carat sphene ring.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
Events & AwardsDec 12, 2025
IGI Jewelry Design Contest Now Accepting SubmissionsThis year's theme is “Unveiling the Depths of the Ocean.”
GradingDec 11, 2025
GIA to Offer Origin Determination for 3 More GemstonesStarting Jan. 1, customers can request the service for opal, peridot, and demantoid garnet.
IndependentsDec 11, 2025
Look Inside Day’s Jewelers’ Ninth StoreThe 111-year-old retailer celebrated the opening of its new location in Salem, New Hampshire, which is its third store in the state.
MajorsDec 11, 2025
Americas Gold Releases New Gold Chain CatalogThe new catalog features its most popular chains as well as new styles.
AuctionsDec 10, 2025
Francis Ford Coppola’s Watch Sells for $10.8MThe filmmaker’s personal F.P. Journe “FFC” prototype was the star of Phillips’ recent record-setting watch auction in New York.
WatchesDec 10, 2025
There’s A New Rolex Boutique in MiamiThe new location in the Design District pays homage to Miami’s Art Deco heritage and its connection to the ocean.
SurveysDec 10, 2025
Consumer Confidence Drops in November Inflations, tariffs, and politics—including the government shutdown—were among consumers’ top concerns last month.
SourcingDec 10, 2025
NAJA Announces Details for 2026 ‘Ace It’ Winter Conference“Longtime favorite” presenters, as well as first-time speakers, will lead talks and workshops at the annual event in Tucson next year.
Events & AwardsDec 10, 2025
MJSA Names 2025 Responsible Design Challenge WinnerSilas Smith of Meridian Metalworks won the challenge with his pendant that blends Australian and American landscapes.
AuctionsDec 09, 2025
‘Desert Rose’ Diamond Sells for $8.8M in Abu DhabiThe sale of the 31.68-carat, sunset-hued stone was part of Sotheby’s first series of events and auctions in Abu Dhabi.
ColumnistsDec 09, 2025
Holiday Sales Happen in December, Most Decisions Don’tMost customers who walk into your store this month have made up their minds. Your job is to validate their choice, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
TechnologyDec 09, 2025
Gemvision Releases Updated MatrixGoldMatrixGold 3.11, the newest version of the jewelry design program, offers more flexibility, precision, and creative control.
Events & AwardsDec 09, 2025
MJSA Showcase Pavilion Returning to JA New York The pavilion will be part of the 2026 JA New York Spring show, scheduled for March 15 to 17.
MajorsDec 08, 2025
Juell Kadet, a ‘Lifelong Pillar’ of Rogers & Hollands, Dies at 96Kadet, a 1994 National Jeweler Retailer Hall of Fame inductee, helped grow the family-owned retailer in the Chicago area and beyond.
TechnologyDec 08, 2025
You’ve Heard of Smart Watches and Rings; Meet Smart EarringsBilled as the world’s smallest wearable, Lumia Health’s new smart earrings have a health tracker subtly embedded in the back.
TrendsDec 08, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Celebrating December’s BirthstonesDon’t let those with December birthdays feel blue. Help them celebrate their month with blue zircon, turquoise, and tanzanite.
CollectionsDec 05, 2025
Piece of the Week: Robinson Pelham’s ‘Tsar Star’ EarringsThe new pink sapphire version of the piece dances with its wearer in the brand’s “Icons After Dark” holiday campaign.
TrendsDec 05, 2025
Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2026 Is … WhiteA choice that’s generated a lot of commentary, Pantone says “Cloud Dancer” marks a fresh start and encourages relaxation and creativity.
MajorsDec 05, 2025
Stuller Releases ‘Wrapped in Wonder’ CampaignThe manufacturer’s holiday campaign features a gift guide filled with trending designs and jewelry that can be personalized.
