Christie’s is all set to present an exceptional private jewelry collection of the late Mrs. Heidi Horten in a sale series. Estimated to raise more than $150 million, the auction is expected to set new marks for this extraordinary collection. The appeal and diversity of this lineup reflect the auction house’s penchant to present the finest and most exquisite jewels, and is testament to the philanthropic efforts of Mrs. Horten. An Austrian philanthropist, she is well known for amassing the most refined collection of art pieces and jewelry.
Mrs. Heidi Horten wearing the Harry Winston Briolette of India necklace.
Rahul Kadakia, Christie’s International Head of Jewellery, said, “The World of Heidi Horten is the collection of a lifetime. From Bulgari to Van Cleef & Arpels, from a small personal memory piece to the Briolette of India, this is a collector’s dream. Building from extraordinary early pieces she acquired in the 1970’s and 1980’s, Mrs. Horten continued to grow and curate her sophisticated collection, eloquently combining vintage and modern designs from the leading jewelry houses of the world that today represent some of the finest examples ever to come to market.”
The Harry Winston Great Mughal pendant necklace.
The auction house will present 700 jewels at the sale with proceeds benefiting The Heidi Horten Foundation, established in 2020 to support the museum of modern and contemporary art she founded in Vienna, Austria, The Heidi Horten Collection as well as medical research and other philanthropic activities, which have been supported by her for many decades.
Jewels by Van Cleef & Arpels and Boivin.
The collection includes the brilliantly bright 90 carat Briolette of India Diamond Necklace, a three-strand natural pearl necklace, and a splendid diamond bracelet, all by Harry Winston. A highlight of the collection is the Great Mughal emerald pendant necklace by Harry Winston which is estimated to achieve US$500,000-700,000.
A Bvlgari emerald, sapphire and diamond necklace.
The collection will be offered in a sale series beginning with Part I auction on May 10, followed by a Part II live auction on May 12, and two online sales. The first online sale will begin on May 3, running until May 15, followed by a second online sale in November offering the remaining jewels from the collection.