Record-breaking Aga Khan emerald dazzles at Christie’s Geneva auction

Rare Cartier brooch sells for nearly £7 million, eclipsing historic gemstone valuations

Geneva: In a landmark moment for gemstone collectors and connoisseurs, a remarkable 37-carat emerald once owned by the Aga Khan family has set a new world record, selling for nearly £7 million at Christie’s Geneva auction on 12 November.

The exceptional piece, originally commissioned by Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan in 1960 for his then-wife Nina Dyer, represents a pinnacle of jewellery craftsmanship. Designed by Cartier, the brooch transforms seamlessly into a pendant, featuring the square-cut emerald dramatically framed by 20 marquise-cut diamonds.

With its rich provenance, the gemstone has traversed some of the most prestigious names in the jewellery world. After Nina Dyer’s initial sale in 1969—with proceeds dedicated to animal welfare—the emerald passed through the hands of Van Cleef & Arpels before being acquired by Harry Winston, the legendary “King of Diamonds”.

Christie’s inaugural Swiss auction provided a fitting stage for this extraordinary gem. The sale not only surpasses the value of Elizabeth Taylor’s famous Bulgari emerald but also cements the stone’s place in gemological history.

The brooch’s intricate design and exceptional quality reflect a bygone era of haute joaillerie, where each piece tells a story of artistry, romance, and cultural heritage. Its journey from a royal commission to a record-breaking auction lot epitomises the enduring allure of rare gemstones.

Retail Jeweller ME News