(English) Sotheby's Geneva Launches a New Jewellery Auction Series: "Fine Jewels" - First Edition to be Held on 1 June 2017 Led by Jewellery Creations by Michele della Valle

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SOTHEBY'S GENEVA IS DELIGHTED TO ANNOUNCE A NEW DATE IN THE AUCTION CALENDAR: FINE JEWELS | 1 JUNE

Led by

JEWELLERY CREATIONS BY MICHELE DELLA VALLE SOTHEBY'S GENEVA

Rue François Diday

GENEVA, 28 April 2017 - Sotheby's Geneva is delighted to announce a brand new additional date to our Geneva sales calendar: an auction of Fine Jewels on 1 June 2017 to be held in Sotheby's gallery at 2, rue François-Diday. The auction will be the first in a new series of regular Jewellery sales.

The sale will be led by a captivating selection of jewellery creations by one of the most original and creative Jewellery designers of our time: Michele della Valle. Comprising 82 lots, the group of creations is a joyful and vibrant reflection of the Geneva-based Italian designer's unique and exuberant style. His unabashed celebration of colour and form provides the perfect accessories for the season ahead.

"His pieces celebrate the wonder of colour; gemstones are juxtaposed against each other in a mosaicked kaleidoscope of dazzling brilliance..." - Amber Michelle, Michele della Valle, Jewels and Myths

DOWNLOAD IMAGES OF THE COLLECTION HERE

Describing the collection, David Bennett, Worldwide Chairman of Sotheby's International Jewellery Division, said, "One of the most original and creative contemporary jewellery designers, Michele della Valle transforms stories, daydreams and fairytales into bold, imaginative creations. It is a great pleasure to be presenting a selection of his wonderfully evocative pieces in June, at the launch of Sotheby's Geneva's brand new auction series, Fine Jewels."

The sale of Fine Jewels on 1 June is the first of a new series of regular sales, to be held by Sotheby's in its location at 2, rue François-Diday in Geneva. Alongside the huge success of Sotheby's existing sales of Magnificent Jewels and Noble Jewels, our Fine Jewels sales will offer collectors new and exciting opportunities to acquire beautiful and rare pieces across a broad price range.

MICHELE DELLA VALLE: DISCREET CREATOR OF FABULOUS JEWELS

Italian-born Michele della Valle has been designing Jewellery since the age of 14 and began his formal career in Rome, with Fürst Jewellers - then representative of Harry Winston. He went on to open his own workshop 1978, collaborating, among others, with Bulgari on special commissions, cementing a reputation among the country's film stars and opera singers. In 1987, della Valle moved to Geneva and launched the line of Jewellery which now bears his name. Favouring discretion over personal notoriety, he lets his creations speak for themselves, saying "My designs are cheerful, never dramatic. I never forget that they are meant to bring joy, to beautify the wearer."

VIBRANT COLOUR

Arguably the defining characteristic of Michele della Valle's signature pieces is their rich and abundant colour. Daring to experiment, he combines precious stones with more unassuming yet visually arresting gems. His creations are renowned for their bold and bright hues, sometimes in unusual juxtaposition but always crisp and well-defined.

Gem set and diamond necklace, 'Palette'

Set with tourmaline, amethyst, aquamarine, heliodor and peridot

Estimate: CHF 25,500 - 35,500 / USD 25,000 - 35,000

"Perhaps the most important part of della Valle's design vocabulary - and where his creative genius is immediately recognisable - is his use of colour". - Amber Michelle, Michele della Valle, Jewels and Myths

Emerald, ruby and diamond bracelet Featuring a drop-shaped carved emerald and pavé-set with cabochon rubies within a frame of brilliant-cut diamonds Estimate: CHF 8,500 - 12,500 / USD 8,000-12,000

INSPIRED BY NATURE: FLORA AND FAUNA

Michele della Valle's distinctive style takes its inspiration from nature, and this is evident in many of his most delightful pieces. From the intricate detail of a brooch in the form of a saffron flower to the strong yet delicate petals of a floral-design necklace, his Jewellery captures the exuberance of nature.

Emerald, tsavorite and diamond necklace, 'Ivy'

Of foliate design, pavé-set with circular-cut tsavorites, alternating with gold motifs set with oval emeralds

Estimate: CHF 31,000 - 51,000 / USD 30,000 - 50,000

Purple sapphire, enamel and diamond brooch, 'Saffron' Pavé-set with purple sapphires, the pistils applied with red enamel and embellished with brilliant-cut diamonds of yellow tint Estimate: CHF 15,500 - 25,500 / USD 15,500 - 25,500

Gem-set, enamel and diamond necklace, 'Anemoni' Set with sapphires, pink sapphires and rubies, along with black diamonds Estimate: CHF 25,500 - 35,500 / USD 25,000 - 35,000

Coral, emerald, enamel and diamond bangle, 'Fragole'

Of strawberry design, the fruits carved in coral, the leaves pavé-set with emeralds, the flowers and stems set with diamonds

Estimate: CHF 15,500 - 20,500 / USD 15,000 - 20,000

The beauty of nature and Michele della Valle's ability to bring it to life is also evidenced by his pieces featuring animals, which often feature movement built into their intricate shapes. Bejewelled snakes, exotic birds and other bright, vivacious creatures reveal the playful side of this lover of opera who, having had early training as a dramatic tenor, has always had a keen eye for the theatrical.

"The delicate wing of a butterfly, the exotic shape of a saltwater fish and the sinewy snake all come alive from the play of light and colour brought forward by the gems."

- Amber Michelle, Michele della Valle, Jewels and Myths