The impressive diamond and gem jewelry collection that belonged to Christina Onassis is to be auctioned off. Christina Onassis was the daughter of famous Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis. The auction will take place through Christie’s in London and is to be held in June. The auction will encompass more than 40 pieces of spectacular diamonds and jewelry from the personal collection of Onassis. The jewelry consists of many vintage pieces and is made by some of the most popular jewelers including Cartier, Chaumet, Harry Winston and Van Cleef & Arpels.
The most sought after piece in the collection is thought to be a pear-shaped diamond that Christina wore on a diamond pendant necklace. This diamond alone is estimated to bring more than 4 million dollars. Christina Onassis was the only daughter of Aristotle Onassis and Tina Livanos. Christina’s brother, mother and father all preceded her in death. Christina controlled her father’s shipping empire after his death until her own untimely death in 1987. The pear shaped diamond is 38 carats and is a potentially flawless diamond. The diamond is a D color which is the best color in the rating system. The diamond has a clarity rating of VVS1, which means that there is a small flaw that may be able to be removed.
The rating system for diamonds is based on many factors. One of these factors is clarity. Clarity refers to identifying characteristics on and in the diamond. Many of the clarity characteristics are inherent qualities from the rough diamond. This means that they have been present since the development of the diamond in the ground. Sometimes the clarity flaws occur as a result of the cutting process. Flaws in diamonds are called inclusions. Inclusions are scratches, air bubbles, blemishes or material that is either on the surface of the diamond or more often inside the diamond itself.
Diamonds that have fewer inclusions have higher values than those with less clarity. Those diamonds with fewer inclusions are more rare than other diamonds, which also makes them worth more money. Diamond clarity is checked using a 10x loupe magnifier. The pear shaped diamond that will be up for auction is a spectacular diamond and one of great rarity. It is one of the most important diamonds to be sold this year. It is believed that the necklace will attract competitive bidding. The jewelry of Christina Onassis is associated with the glamorous lifestyle of the wealthy. Lively bidding could bring the price even higher than anticipated.
Another piece of jewelry from the Christina Onassis collection that is coming up for auction is a diamond and sapphire necklace by Harry Winston. This piece is estimated to bring almost half a million dollars. Harry Winston was a famous American jeweler. He donated the famous Hope Diamond to the Smithsonian Institute in 1958 and later donated the Portuguese Diamond also. His jewelry is some of the most sought after and prestigious in the world. Celebrities and royalty wear his jewelry designs.
Another diamond piece in the auction will be a diamond and ruby necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels. Estelle Arpels and Alfred Van Cleef wed in 1896 and opened their first jewelry boutique in France in 1906. They soon became one of the premier jewelers in the world working with many famous designers. Many famous people around the world wear their jewelry.
A spectacular vintage piece of diamond jewelry coming up for auction is a corsage by Chaumet. Chaumet is a French jewelry boutique that was founded in the late 18th century. Chaumet is known the world over for exquisite quality and superb design. Chaumet has provided jewels for many of the historic figures and aristocrats such as the Duchesse de Berry and Napoleon. The Chaumet piece is a substantial diamond corsage ornament that dates to the first part of the 20th century. It is expected to be sold at auction for between $80,000 to $100,000 dollars.
Still more of the diamonds collection of Christina Onassis features a garland style jewel with a twin “L” monogram that was commissioned by Juan Antonio de Beistegui for his wife Dolores, also known as Lolita as well as La Belle Mexicaine. The jewel is part of the collection that was made for Lolita will be up for auction including many diamond pieces that were designed by Cartier and Chaumet in Paris in the early 20th century.
The auction is expected to bring many interested parties. Some of the smaller pieces give people an opportunity to get diamonds that bring memories of regal aristocracy. One unique aspect of this diamond jewelry auction is that it will be offered on real-time video online. People who cannot attend the auction in person will be able to attend and bid via telephone as well as online through the Christie’s Live website.
Other articles of interest:
