Rare Imperial Russian jewels, including Catherine the Great’s diamonds, and a Faberge necklace from the reign of Nicholas II, are to be offered for sale by Sotheby’s New York.
“It is difficult to overstate their rarity and historical importance,” said the auction house as it announced its Artistic Luxury: Faberge, Gold Boxes, Silver & Ceramics Art sale, on 17 June.
“These jewels carry with them a fascinating window into the luxury and opulence of the Russian Imperial court.”
They were confiscated as part of the Russian State Jewels by the Soviet government after the 1917 revolution and have not been seen for over a century.
Three lots – all silver and diamond-set flower dress trimming by Louis David Duval of Geneva – belonged to Catherine the Great (1729 – 1796), with estimates between $30,000 and $80,000.
They were sold by Christie’s on behalf of the Soviet People’s Commissariat of Finance in 1927 to a noted dealer and are currently in a private European collection.
Also being offered for sale is a larger trimming, of diamonds and Ceylon sapphire, that belonged Catherine’s predecessor, Empress Elizabeth Petrovna (1741-1762). Estimate $40,000 – $60,000.
Highlight of the sale is an Imperial Faberge diamond and aquamarine necklace from the reign of Emperor Nicholas II (1868 – 1918) with an estimate of $400,000 – $600,000.
Source: DCLA
