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An emerald brooch that appeared at the inaugural Christie’s Geneva jewellery sale in 1969 is expected to hit the block for a second time in November. | Source: Christie's

Emerald brooch returns to auction block after 50 years

Posted October 29, 2024 | By Samuel Ord

An emerald brooch that appeared at the inaugural Christie’s Geneva jewellery sale in 1969 is expected to hit the block for a second time in November.

The Aga Khan emerald brooch will enter the Geneva Magnificent Jewels auction on 12 November with a presale estimate of $USD8 million ($AUD12.1 million).

The brooch features a 37-carat Colombian emerald and was commissioned from Cartier in 1960 by Prince Sadruddin Aga Kahn as a gift for his wife, Nina Dyer.

It was sold for $USD75,000 ($AUD113,700) in 1969. Christie’s Max Fawcett said it was a charismatic and eye-catching piece.

“The emerald brooch is not just a piece of jewellery; it carries with it the stories and charm of a bygone era,” he said.

“We are thrilled to present it once again, not only because of its history but also due to the increased interest in coloured stones the market has witnessed in recent years. We believe it will attract a high level of interest from clients globally.”

Christie’s will also feature five lots belonging to the Sassoon family, known as the 'Rothschilds of the East'.

Among the collection is an art deco Indo-Persian necklace by Cartier with antique cushion-cut diamonds totalling more than 130 carats. The necklace has a presale estimate of $USD1.5 million ($AUD2.2 million).

The Aga Khan Emerald. A Cartier emerald and diamond brooch, 1960. 37-carat square-shaped emerald featuring marquise-shaped diamonds set in platinum and 18-carat yellow gold.