The highly anticipated Maharajas & Mughal Magnificence sale at Christie’s New York took place on Wednesday morning. After a few hours of bidding, the collection of Mughal jewels achieved a sale total of over US$109m and was established the second highest auction total for a private jewellery collection. The record is held by Christie’s The Collection of Elizabeth Taylor: The Legendary Jewels, Evening Sale (I) in 2011 which totaled US$115.9m and generated a 100% sold by lot.
Maharajas & Mughal Magnificence sale achieved a sale total of over US$109m
Sheikh Hamad bin Abdullah Al Thani (right) is the owner of The Al Thani Collection
The auction presented a trove of nearly 400 Indian royal jewels, gemstone, daggers and decorate objects spanning over 500 years. Part of the collection was exhibited at prestigious museums around the world over the last five years, including The Victoria & Albert Museum, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the Grand Palais in Paris and the Palace Museum in Beijing. The collection was amassed by Sheikh Hamad bin Abdullah Al Thani, a member of Qatari royal family and CEO of the Qatari Investment & Projects Development Holding company QIPCO.
Out of 386 lots, only 27 went unsold, producing a sold by lot of 93%. Reigning the star lot of the sale is a Belle Époque Diamond Devant-de-corsage Brooch by Cartier from a hundred years ago which realised US$10.6m. Below are other exciting lots offered.
A Belle Époque Diamond Devant-de-corsage Brooch, 1912, Cartier ｜US$10,603,500
"Mirror of Paradise" Diamond Ring, 52.58 carats, D color, internally flawless｜US$6,517,500
The "Arcot ll", 17.21 carats, D color, internally flawless｜US$3,375,000
A Belle Époque Diamond Jigha, 1907, 152.6 carats ｜US$3,375,000
An Antique Diamond Rivière Necklace, late 19th century (largest diamond is 24.38 carats) ｜US$2,415,000
'The Nizam Of Hyderabad Necklace', An Antique Diamond, Emerald and Enamel Necklace｜US$1,935,000
'The Nizams Of Hyderabad Sarpech' An Antique Diamond, Spinel, Pearl And Enamel Sarpech ｜US$1,155,000
A five-strand Natural Pearl and Diamond Necklace, Bhagat, 2012｜US$1,695,000
A Natural Pearl and Diamond Necklace, Cartier｜US$1,095,000
An Ibex-headed Carved Jade Cup, North India, 1660-1680｜ US$1,095,000
'The Patiala Ruby Choker' An Art Deco Ruby, Diamond and Natural Pearl Choker Necklace, Cartier, 1931｜US$975,000
An Antique Diamond, Emerald and Enamel Sarpech, mid-19th century｜US$112,500
An Antique Ruby, Diamond and Enamel Bracelet, mid to late 18th century｜US$435,000
An Antique Ruby, Emerald and Gold Hawking Ring, mid to late 18th century｜US$162,500
A Pair of Antique Enamel and Multi-gem Paizebs, mid-19th Century｜US$52,500
Auction house
Auction house: Christie's New York
Sale: Maharajas & Mughal Magnificence sale
Date: 19 June 2019
Lots offered: 389
Sold: 359
Unsold: 27
Sold by lots: 93%
Sale total: US$109,271,875