A jewelry collection lavish enough to rival royalty is poised to be sold in what is predicted to be a record-breaking auction after a weekend of glittering diamonds and ancient state treasures.
Austrian billionaire Heidi Horten, who passed away last year at the age of 81, collected the most exquisite collection of priceless jewelry, including a 90-carat Harry Winston "Briolette of India" diamond necklace, which was first offered for sale by Cartier in 1909; a three-strand necklace of natural pearls; and a 25-carat Cartier "Sunrise Ruby" and diamond ring, which is estimated to be worth US$15–20 million.
HEIDI HORTEN WEARING A 63-CARAT EMERALD NECKLACE
'The World of Heidi Horten: Magnificent Jewels Part I' is the first of a sale series featuring her items that is being held at the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues in Geneva today. A Part II auction will take place on May 12 and be followed by an online auction that is accessible for bidding from May 3 through May 15.
HARRY WINSTON ‘THE GREAT MUGHAL’ AN EMERALD AND DIAMOND PENDANT NECKLACE
Exceptional jewels from other illustrious jewelry firms, like Boivin, Cartier, Harry Winston, and Van Cleef & Arpels, are also included in the sale. Highlights include the Briolette of India, a 90 carat briolette-cut diamond by Harry Winston, the Sunrise ruby, a 25 carat Burmese ruby ring by Cartier, and the Van Cleef & Arpels sautoir in the Art Deco Egyptian revival style.
After the passing of her husband, Helmut Horten, the creator of the German department store company Horten AG, who she married when she was 19 and he was 51, Horten received her wealth. Forbes pegged Heidi's net worth at $3 billion in May 2020 (Helmut passed away in 1987). Heidi, a well-known art collector who got married twice more, also bought Picasso, Warhol, and Basquiat pieces of art and the 315-foot Carinthia VII yacht. She received $24 million for the 35.56-carat Wittelsbach Diamond in 2008, which was previously a piece of the Bavarian Crown Jewels.
HEIDI HORTEN WEARING THE BRIOLLETE OF INDIA (THE HEIDI HORTEN FOUNDATION)
As Horten requested, the collection's earnings will go toward charitable endeavors. The Horten Foundation, a nonprofit organization launched in 2020 to support the modern and contemporary art museum she founded in Vienna, Austria, will receive a large donation.
'This is a historic time for Christie's to have the opportunity of offering one of the world's greatest and most significant jewelry collections originating from Europe,' said Anthea Peers, president of Christie's EMEA. Furthermore, it is both unusual and surprising to see a charity endeavor of this magnitude. The late Mrs. Horten established The Heidi Horten Foundation in order to safeguard the functioning of her museum for many years to come, assuring the pleasure of the arts for enthusiasts all over the world.
Courtesy of Christie's - A Bulgari diamond, sapphire and emerald necklace. Estimate on request
'This is a historic time for Christie's to have the opportunity of offering one of the world's greatest and most significant jewelry collections originating from Europe,' said Anthea Peers, president of Christie's EMEA. Furthermore, it is both unusual and surprising to see a charity endeavor of this magnitude. The late Mrs. Horten established The Heidi Horten Foundation in order to safeguard the functioning of her museum for many years to come, assuring the pleasure of the arts for enthusiasts all over the world.
Some other jewellery on the auction:
Courtesy of Christie's - A unique Bulgari sapphire, coloured sapphire, emerald and diamond necklace. Estimate on request
Courtesy of Christie's - An exceptional Bulgari coloured diamond and diamond brooch in the shape of a comet. Estimate on request
Courtesy of Christie's - Natural, cultured and colored diamond necklace with light pink cushion modified brilliant-cut diamond of 11.15 carats by Harry Winston
OUR STORE: WWW.BEGONIABOUTIQUES.COM
0 Comments