This year marks 50 years of Sotheby’s in Geneva — five decades which have witnessed our passion and expertise in both fine arts and luxury transform into an outstanding legacy that continues to radiate at the heart of Europe. Over this remarkable half‑century, Sotheby’s has established itself as the definitive destination on the continent for luxury sales, consignments and valuations, trusted by collectors around the world. Sotheby’s Geneva has been the stage for many of the world’s most exciting and prestigious auctions having brought to the market the finest watches, jewels, Fabergé, wines and handbags, reinforcing our legacy as a global leader in the stewardship and celebration of exceptional objects.
Our international team has consistently delivered outstanding results for our Royal and Noble jewels sales, an area of expertise in which it enjoys an undisputed global leadership. Legendary jewellery sales, including single owner sales from illustrious personalities, range from the jewels of the Duchess of Windsor, to the sales of collections from the Von Thurn und Taxis family, Maria Callas and Gina Lollobrigida. Since their introduction in 2007, we have sold over 2,152 jewels with Noble provenance, with total sales exceeding $460 million. 68% of Noble jewels soared above their pre-sale high estimate, inspiring bidders around the world to compete to own a piece from treasured pasts.
Many world records have been set in Geneva including: the highest-ever total for any Jewellery auction ($175 million for our sale of Magnificent Jewels and Noble Jewels in May 2016); the Blue Moon of Josephine ($48.5m in November 2015 – a world auction record for any diamond at the time, and to this day the record price per carat at over $4 million per carat); the Graff Pink ($46.2m in 2010 – the world record for any pink diamond); and the record-breaking Sunrise Ruby ($28.3m in May 2015) and the Spirit of the Rose ($26.6m in November 2020).
Sotheby’s watch sales in Geneva continue to attract connoisseurs and watch-lovers alike from around the globe. Renowned for its longstanding expertise and exceptional results, Sotheby’s Geneva has become a global reference point for fine and important timepieces. Sotheby’s made history in Geneva in November 2014 with the sale of the ‘Holy Grail’ of watches, the Henry Graves Jr. Patek Philippe Supercomplication. The one-of-a-kind pocket watch shattered records for any timepiece sold, fetching $24m.
Sotheby’s Geneva provides estimates for all collecting categories. Our specialists are available to assist you with free and confidential valuations. Please do not hesitate to contact us.
