In association with Philipp Württemberg Art Advisory GmbH

Vienna 1900: An Imperial and Royal Collection

By Andres White Correal &amp; Vincent Meylan

Introduction to the Sale

Traditionally, Imperial and Royal weddings were the occasions on which significant jewellery gifts were bestowed on the happy couple. Many of the most important and historical items in the collection were originally received in this manner. Of particular significance are the wedding presents offered by Emperor Franz Joseph to his niece Archduchess Margarete Sophie of Austria in 1893 and his cousin Archduchess Maria Immaculata of Austria-Tuscany in 1900.

Imperial and Royal Wedding Gifts

In 1887, Prince Ferdinand of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha-Kohary was elected Prince of the newly independent Bulgarian state, in 1908 he adopted the elevated title of Tsar. He founded a dynasty which ruled over Bulgaria until 1946. The collection contains a number of highly significant jewels as well as smaller, touching tokens of affection with a provenance of the Bulgarian Royal Family.

The Bulgarian Royal Family

Bejewelled cufflinks, tie pins and dress studs were staples of every well-dressed gentleman's wardrobe at the turn of the century.

Gentleman's Dress Accessories

Before the days of the wristwatch, the time was read from exquisitely worked pocket watches, elegantly suspended from a chain. The collection includes a historical Patek Philippe pocket watch commissioned by Ferdinand I, Tsar of Bulgaria.

Pocket Watches  

Jewel-encrusted cigarette cases, hand seals and other objects for daily use testify to the highly refined and sophisticated lifestyle enjoyed by Europe's Royal Houses at the turn of the century.

Objects of Vertue

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                <h4>Session Information</h4>

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        </div><br><b>Session 1, Lots 1001 - 1090</b><br>Monday 6 November | 6:00 PM CET<br><br><b>Session 2</b>, Lots 1091 - 1207<br>Tuesday 7 November | 10:30 AM CET

Director, Head of Sale
Specialist, Jewellery

Marie-Cécile Cisamolo 

Senior Vice President, Head of Jewelry, Americas & EMEA

Quig Bruning

Chairman, Jewellery

Andres White Correal

Senior Vice President, Head of Magnificent Jewels, Geneva

Catharine Becket

Director, Senior Specialist, Jewellery

Jessica Wyndham

Deputy Director, Specialist, Jewellery

Jemima Chamberlain-Adams

Simon Giannini

Associate Specialist, Jewellery

Clarisse Mariotti Spilker

Sales Director, Jewellery, Switzerland

Mariana Penseyres

Meet our Specialists

This year, Sotheby’s Geneva is proudly celebrating ten years of dedicated sales of jewels with Noble and Aristocratic provenance, following the launch of biannual sales in 2007.

Noble jewels have a story to tell. 2017 marks the 30th anniversary of Sotheby’s legendary auction of the Duchess of Windsor’s extraordinary jewels, and the 10th anniversary of Sotheby’s dedicated Noble Jewels sales in Geneva. Take a look at impressive highlights from previous years and discover why now is an ideal time to consign with Sotheby’s.

Since pioneering dedicated Noble Jewels sales in Geneva in 2007, Sotheby's has offered jewels from the legendary collection of The Royal Jewels of the Bourbon Parma Family, the Duchess of Windsor, the historic jewels of the Princes von Thurn und Taxis, Doria Pamphilj, and from the glamourous treasures of Daisy Fellowes and the superb von Donnersmarck Tiara.

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For assistance with bidding and registration, please contact:<br><br>+41 (0) 22 908 48 00<br><br>enquiries@sothebys.com<br>bids.geneva@sothebys.com<br><br>

In association with Philipp Württemberg Art Advisory GmbH.