A historic moment occurred at Christie’s Geneva, when the legendary Aga Khan Emerald broke world auction records for an emerald sold at auction, fetching a whopping CHF7,765,000 (US$8,859,865). This amazing 37-carat gemstone was originally owned by the legendary British socialite Nina Dyer, who was temporarily married to Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan. It first appeared on the auction block 55 years ago at the inaugural Christie’s Jewellery auction in Switzerland, where it sold for US$205,486.
The emerald, a tribute to nature’s artistry, grabbed bidders with its large size, high quality, and long history. It was the centerpiece of the Magnificent Jewels sale, which raised a total of CHF47,940,450 (US$54,700,053).
Francois Curiel, Chairman of Christie’s Europe, who saw the emerald’s first sale as an intern, voiced his awe: “The emerald was magnificent 55 years ago and is even more cherished today. It is extremely rare to come across a jewel of this size and quality, and I consider myself fortunate to have spoken with the winning bidder 55 years later, in Geneva in 2024.”
The sale also included a collection of five previously documented Sassoon Cartier gems from the Art Deco era, which brought in CHF6,805,100 (US$7,764,620). A particularly beautiful 1935 Art Deco diamond necklace fetched CHF4,461,500 (US$5,090,571).
Max Fawcett, Head of Jewellery Europe, commented on the sale’s success: “The Magnificent Jewels auction was a phenomenal success, with collectors from all over the world bidding on each lot. The market for signed historic jewels and high-quality colored gemstones is as strong as it has ever been, and we are really happy to have set a world record for the most costly emerald sold at an auction. We now look to New York, London, and Paris to cap an outstanding year in a hard macroeconomic context.”