Geneva, Switzerland – On May 14, 2025, Christie’s will present one of the most exceptional private jewelry collections by legendary designer JAR (Joel Arthur Rosenthal) at its Magnificent Jewels auction. Titled “A Bouquet of Gems,” the collection comprises 21 unique pieces , all coming to market for the first time.
All of the jewels were acquired directly from JAR between 2000 and 2010 and have never been offered for sale or auctioned before. Their combined pre-auction estimate is at least $3 million .
The collection is headlined by the sculptural Diamond 'Apricot Blossom' bracelet, estimated at $340,000-$570,000 . Like most of JAR's work, this piece combines applied art with exquisite craftsmanship . The collection also includes a multicolored gemstone necklace and a set of "Semainier" bracelets, which can be worn together as a necklace.
These iconic pieces were previously loaned to JAR's groundbreaking exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York in 2013 , which showcased a total of 400 of his works. It's worth noting that JAR is the only living jeweler to receive such a comprehensive retrospective at this prestigious institution.
The collection stands out not only for its extraordinary colors and distinctive pavé technique, but also for its uniqueness – JAR creates only 70–80 pieces of jewelry per year , each dedicated to a specific client. This rarity, combined with exceptional artistry, makes JAR jewelry highly valued among collectors and commands exorbitant prices.
JAR's history in the auction house dates back to 1984 , when a pair of earrings with amethysts, sapphires, pearls, and diamonds was first sold at Christie's in New York. Since then , Christie's has sold two-thirds of all JAR pieces that have come to market, including its most expensive to date, the "Camelia" brooch with rubies and diamonds, which sold for over $4.3 million in 2012 at the "Jewels for Hope" charity auction.
Photo source: press.chrisiets.com
