A nearly century-old diamond tie-necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels exceeded all expectations at Sotheby’s jewelry auction in New York, a testament to the excitement and significance of the event. Purchased by Catharine Becket, Sotheby’s Head of Magnificent Jewels, the stunning diamond-studded tie-necklace from circa 1929 went under the hammer for an impressive $3.6 million. Initially estimated to sell for $1.2 million, intense interest in this beautiful creation drove the final price to three times its pre-sale estimate. Seven bidders competed fiercely for over six minutes to acquire the necklace composed of graduated links, but Becket ultimately emerged victorious.
The timeless bejeweled tie-necklace is set with variously cut diamonds and features elongated tassels that partially rotate. It became the top-selling item at the June 7 Magnificent Jewels sale. The necklace, crafted skillfully to hold geometric-shaped diamonds, perfectly captures the Art Deco aesthetic. Such creations are rare, with only a handful ever made. The most expensive piece of Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry ever sold at auction was the Walska Briolette Diamond Brooch. The masterpiece that sold at Sotheby’s Geneva in 2013 for over $10.5 million, set a world auction record for the brand.
“Our clients seek jewels not just for adornment but as pieces of history and artistry, encapsulating the essence of their designers and eras, none more so than the Art Deco Van Cleef & Arpels diamond tie necklace, which sold for a staggering $3.6 million,” said Quig Bruning, Sotheby’s Head of Jewels for the Americas and EMEA. “Its appearance on the auction block perfectly demonstrates our unique ability to offer jewels of unparalleled rarity, exclusivity, and the best quality.”
The necklace is not only an exquisite example of Van Cleef & Arpels’ exceptional craftsmanship but also, with its serpentine silhouette, an ode to eternal femininity and grace. Coming in as the number two lot of the sale was a 53.04-carat pear-shaped internally flawless D-color diamond that fetched over $3.4 million, within estimates, as shared by Forbes. Third place was secured by a $1.9 million cushion-shaped Kashmir sapphire ring. The auction saw participation from over 30 countries, and no less than 7 out of 10 jewels crossed the million-dollar mark. With 90% of lots selling, the Magnificent Jewels sale achieved $30 million, nearing its $35 million high estimate.
