CrimeMay 03, 2024
Second Suspect Arrested in Murder of Colorado JewelerWheat Ridge, Colorado police took a 50-year-old man into custody Wednesday following a two-month search.
AuctionsOct 26, 2017
Historic Donnersmarck Diamonds Go to Auction Next Month
Once owned by a famous 19th century French courtesan, the fancy intense yellow pair could sell for $14 million.
The Donnersmarck Diamonds--a cushion-shaped diamond weighing 102.54 carats and a pear-shaped diamond weighing 82.47 carats--are expected to sell for between $9 and $14 million when they are sold as one lot at auction next month.
Geneva--Two diamonds once owned by one of the most famous French courtesans of the 19th century will be up for auction next month.
The Donnersmarck Diamonds, a pair of fancy intense yellows consisting of one 102.54-carat cushion-shaped stone and an 82.47-carat pear, will be on the block at Sotheby’s Geneva on Nov. 15.
The diamonds will be offered as a single lot--in keeping with the wishes of the present consignor and the fascinating joint history of these two historic stones--during the Magnificent Jewels and Noble Jewels sale (the same sale as the “Raj Pink”). They are estimated to sell for between $9 and $14 million.
The diamonds’ backstory is an interesting one, having once belonged to a high-flying Russian-born prostitute and ending up in the collection of her third husband’s family after her death, where they remained for more than 100 years.
Countess Henckel von Donnersmarck, or “La Païva” as she eventually became known, lived from 1819 to 1884. She was, arguably, the most famous and successful of the 19th century French courtesans, starting from modest circumstances in Russia and rising to become European aristocracy.
But by the age of 18, she had left that life behind for Paris, where she was quickly brought into the city’s cultural and artistic circles by her lover, piano composer and pianist Henri Herz.
It was through this relationship that she was able to establish many friendships with composers and writers like Richard Wagner, Hans von Bülow, Théophile Gautier and Emile de Girardin.
In the late 1840s, she met Marquis Albino Francisco de Araújo de Païva, an heir to two important Macao wholesale fortunes. The two wed in 1851. The marriage lasted only one day but gained her the nickname she would have for the rest of her life, La Païva.
She then met her third husband, Count Guido Henckel von Donnersmarck.
The 22-year-old Peruvian industrialist and mining magnate was one of Europe’s richest men, and, according to Sotheby’s, was immediately captivated by La Païva’s “seductive charms, extraordinary mind and business acumen.”
The two became the talk of Paris high society with their relationship, marrying in 1871.
La Païva was, of course, a lover of fine jewels. Though she had already acquired some notable pieces before her marriage to the Count, he helped
build her collection to become one without equal, including the two yellow stones that came to be known as the Donnersmarck Diamonds.
He also provided the funds for her to purchase a plot on the Champs Elysées where she built “L’Hôtel de La Païva.”
The building was to be one of the most lavish mansions constructed on the city’s famous avenue, featuring a central staircase made of Algerian yellow marble, matching the yellow of the Donnersmarck diamonds. (It underwent a restoration in 2010.)
After La Païva died in 1884, the Count remarried, taking a Russian aristocrat as his second wife.
The diamonds remained in the Donnersmarck family for more than a century until they appeared at auction at Sotheby’s in 2007, at the same time the auction house introduced sales dedicated solely to jewels with aristocratic or royal provenance.
At that sale, they garnered nearly $8 million between them and have been in a private collection ever since.
He also provided the funds for her to purchase a plot on the Champs Elysées where she built “L’Hôtel de La Païva.”
The building was to be one of the most lavish mansions constructed on the city’s famous avenue, featuring a central staircase made of Algerian yellow marble, matching the yellow of the Donnersmarck diamonds. (It underwent a restoration in 2010.)
After La Païva died in 1884, the Count remarried, taking a Russian aristocrat as his second wife.
The diamonds remained in the Donnersmarck family for more than a century until they appeared at auction at Sotheby’s in 2007, at the same time the auction house introduced sales dedicated solely to jewels with aristocratic or royal provenance.
At that sale, they garnered nearly $8 million between them and have been in a private collection ever since.
More on Auctions
The Latest
CollectionsMay 03, 2024
A Sneak Peek Into PGI’s Couture Platinum Spotlight ProgramPGI partnered with four new and seven returning designers for its annual platinum capsule collection.
MajorsMay 03, 2024
Kristie Nicolosi Joins WJA Board AgainNicolosi, president and CEO of The Kingswood Company, previously sat on WJA’s board from 2011 to 2018.
Brought to you by
Rio’s Reimagined Podcast: For the Love of JewelersMeet Ben Claus—grand prize winner of For the Love of Jewelers 2023 Fall Design Challenge.
CollectionsMay 03, 2024
Piece of the Week: A “Bit of LUV” for the DerbyKarina Brez’s race-ready piece is a sophisticated nod to the horse-rider relationship.
Weekly QuizMay 02, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these seven questions.
CrimeMay 02, 2024
4 Indicted in Burglary Ring Targeting Indian, South Asian FamiliesThe men are allegedly responsible for stealing millions in jewelry and other valuables in 43 burglaries in 25 towns across Massachusetts.
CollectionsMay 02, 2024
Foundrae Launches ‘Horizon’ Collection“Horizon” invites individuals to explore the limitless possibilities that lie ahead, said the brand.
Brought to you by
The Blueprint for Success in Scalable, Personalized Jewelry RetailWith Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
FinancialsMay 02, 2024
Pandora Raises Guidance After Strong Q1The jeweler credits its recent “Be Love” campaign and ongoing brand revamp for its 17 percent jump in sales.
IndependentsMay 02, 2024
Oklahoma Jeweler Glenn Lewis Dies at 68The co-founder of Lewis Jewelers was also the longtime mayor of the city of Moore.
SurveysMay 01, 2024
Consumer Confidence Falls in AprilConcerns about rising prices, politics, and global conflicts continue to dampen consumer outlook.
TrendsMay 01, 2024
Amanda’s Style File: All Eyes on EmeraldsMay’s birthstone is beloved for its rich green hue and its versatility.
SourcingMay 01, 2024
Opsydia Names New Sales and Marketing Director Jacqui Larsson joins Opsydia with nearly two decades of experience in the industry.
CrimeMay 01, 2024
Grand Jury to Hear Case Against Jeweler Charged in Fatal Shove Following IJO ShowLast month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.
CollectionsApr 30, 2024
12 Otherworldly Pieces From Tiffany & Co.’s 2024 Blue BookThe “Tiffany Céleste” collection reimagines designer Jean Schlumberger’s interpretations of the universe.
MajorsApr 30, 2024
Zales Celebrates 100 Years With New CampaignThe brand also created a 100-carat lab-grown diamond necklace in honor of its centennial.
MajorsApr 30, 2024
Platinum Guild International Appoints New CEOTim Schlick has been promoted from his previous position as COO.
Events & AwardsApr 30, 2024
Canadian Jewellers Association Brings Back the Summit It’s the second year for the event, slated to take place in October in Toronto.
Recorded WebinarsApr 29, 2024
Watch: Diamond Identification and Evaluation - How to Protect your BusinessSupplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
SourcingApr 29, 2024
De Beers to Move Auction HQ from Singapore to BotswanaSales will be paused while the relocation takes place over the next few months.
CollectionsApr 29, 2024
Simone I. Smith Mixes Denim and Diamonds in New Collection“SIS x MISA Denim and Diamonds” is a collaboration between the designer and celebrity stylist Misa Hylton.
IndependentsApr 29, 2024
Venus Jewelers Relocating After 45 YearsThe retailer is moving to a newly designed space in the same shopping center.
SurveysApr 29, 2024
Mother’s Day Jewelry Spending to Reach $7B, Says NRFGifts that are unique and thoughtful are top of mind this year, according to the annual survey.
CollectionsApr 26, 2024
Piece of the Week: Jacquie Aiche’s Starry Galaxy NecklaceThe necklace is featured in the brand’s “Rebel Heart” campaign starring Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo.
Events & AwardsApr 26, 2024
AGS Conclave and GIA Symposium Are ConvergingThe two organizations will host a joint event, “Converge,” in September 2025.
SourcingApr 26, 2024
Anglo American Reportedly Shopping De Beers as BHP Eyes Anglo Big changes appear to be on the horizon for the diamond miner and its parent company, Anglo American.
