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Antiques

Antique discoveries, collecting guides, and auction results, with stories behind objects from the past.

Top 10 Micromosaics Through the Ages

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Detail of the Mosaic of the Deities, with mythological figures in geometric medallions.

Micromosaics were first made in Mesopotamia some six thousand years ago. In the late 18th century this long surviving technique became a decorative art and was often used in jewellery.

It has a large presence in Switzerland and GemGenève is on a mission to make it fashionable again. Which is why this autumn they dedicated an entire exhibition space to the Magnificent Art of Micromosaics!

From Switzerland to Italy, from Villa Boscéaz to the Gilbert Collection at the V&A Museum, from the Doves of Pliny to the The Dream of Karpa Koï bracelet by Maurizio Fioravanti, the exhibition “Micromosaics Through The Ages” offers visitors an overview of this lost art and expertise through unpretentious scenography.

Top 10 Jewelry Pieces from Igor Carl Fabergé to be Exhibited for the First Time at GemGenève

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Heart-shaped bell push in silver gilt, gold, enamel, pearls and chalcedony.

While the popular knowledge about the Fabergé is focused on the Imperial Easter Eggs, commissioned by the Russia Royal family and other famous patrons, the Igor Carl Fabergé Foundation decided to offer a different approach by presenting “New Finds” and little known items as a point of departure for this exhibition. By presenting more than 100 pieces from private collections, the Igor Carl Fabergé Foundation is offering a glimpse into the richness and versatility of the Fabergé workshops.

Many collected rarities have not been previously shown in Switzerland or Europe at large and some are being presented for the first time!

PIGUET HISTORICAL AUCTION: The World Swiss Foundation & The Minkoff Collection | Total $3-4 Million

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Decorative keys and medals arranged with a green sash and an oval portrait.

PIGUET HISTORICAL AUCTION – Total Estimate: 3-4 Million CHF

The World Swiss Foundation – over 500 lots.

The Minkoff Collection – over 300 lots.

Rare oil painting by Ferdinand Hodler.

Bronze by Rembrandt Bugatti from Alain Delon’s collection.

Many exceptional historical treasures are listed at auction for the First Time!

20 – 21 September, 2022 | Geneva, Switzerland

Igor Carl Fabergé Foundation to Celebrate 40th Anniversary

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Nephrite Egg I.C. Faberge Foundation

The Foundation of Igor Carl Fabergé, with headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, aims to raise awareness of the work and life of Carl Fabergé during his time as a jeweler at the Imperial Court in St. Petersburg, Russia.

It brings together many books, publications, memorabilia, and other historic objects relating to his professional artistic activity.

The same aim also extends to his grandson, Igor Carl Fabergé and his personal works of jewellery art.

The committee has decided to celebrate Foundation’s 40th anniversary as well as the date of passing of Igor Carl Fabergé by bringing together collectors and enthusiasts from all over the world to their headquarters, where a unique exhibition will be held.

The Most Expensive Gold Antique in the World – $35 Million Persian Necklace

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White-gloved hands holding the gold Star Crescent Necklace, set with red stones.

This stunning necklace is considered to be one of the rarest privately owned gold artifacts in the World!

Known as ‘The Star Crescent Necklace’ it is actually an ancient jewellery set that archeologists call ‘Parthian-Sarmatian Royal Gold Necklace and Amulet’.

This necklace is believed to have been first created in Parthia, an ancient Persian empire that existed from 247 BC to 224 AD, but eventually came into possession of the Sarmatians, the legendary nomadic Indo-Iranian warriors that spread throughout the Eurasian Steppe.

Now, in our exclusive art investigation, we’re going to unveil all the fascinating secrets about this Royal artifact!

PIGUET GREAT AUCTION: From Fine Art & Jewellery to Ferrari Memorabilia and more! Total $5 – 7.5 Million

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Dolorosa by Fernando Botero, a close-up portrait of a tearful woman in a veil

PRESS RELEASE – Geneva, 4 June, 2022

PIGUET is pleased to organize a Great Auction of:

Fine jewellery in aid of supporting young designers

Botero, Degas, Giacometti, Picabia celebrating the female figure

The incredible Charles-Edouard Duflon collection reflecting his unusual character

First Ferrari Memorabilia sale

The Château Le Rosey library of rare books and much more!

Rare Porcelain from Imperial Russia by Philip Batenin

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This small bell shaped tea cup, manufactured in 1830s by the famous Batenin Porcelain Factory that belonged to a wealthy merchant Philip Batenin, is a perfect example of valuable antique porcelain from the Imperial Russia. The cup features one of the rarest views ever depicted on Batenin’s creations, the Smolny Cathedral on the Neva River, which is painted completely by hand.

A similar cylindrical cup with a view of the Smolny Cathedral was sold at a Sotheby’s auction in June 2007 for £2400. Another is located in the world-famous Hermitage Museum. Nowadays, Batenin’s porcelain is quite rare and highly prized among collectors.

SOLD OUT: 2022 GemGenève International Jewellery Show

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Green enamel snake necklace with a jeweled head against a black background.

The 4th edition of GemGenève will take place from 5th to 8th May 2022 at Palexpo. GemGenève organizers, Thomas Faerber and Ronny Totah, have announced there will be 160 exhibitors from all four corners of the earth.

This new spring edition already looks extremely promising, this time with a taste of rediscovered freedom. Once again, GemGenève holds many surprises and previously unseen discoveries for both visitors and exhibitors.

The show offers a 360 degree foray into the heart of the world of jewellery, precious stones, rare and unique gems, antique jewellery, historic and contemporary creations. Past, Present, Future… bringing the best in jewellery design to GemGenève!

How Russian Czar’s Library Ended Up In America

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Open 1816 Imperial Russian Bible with worn endpaper and an illustrated title page.

Most people in the United States, Russia, and the World don’t know that more than 2,500 volumes from the personal library of the Russia’s Royal Family are in the possession of the Library of Congress of the United States.

This priceless collection was formed in the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg’s, Imperial Russia. It survived WWI, the 1917 Revolution as well as the Civil War that followed, eventually ending up in America.

This is the fascinating story of how it happened, told exclusively to the World Art News by a researcher who worked with these rare books.

The Most Expensive Sword in the World – $100 Million Samurai Tachi

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Close-up of a tachi hilt and guard with the graphic text “The most expensive sword in the world” and “$100,000,000”.

This Tachi sword belonged to one of the most famous warlords in Japanese history – the great Fukushima Masanori (1561–1624).

He is known as one of the Seven Spears of Shizugatake for his actions in the Battle of Shizugatake, where he had the honor of first blood.

Throughout his life, he fought in many campaigns, including the Battle of Ch’ungju during the Japanese Invasion of Korea in 1592.

The sword is currently in the Tamoikin Art Fund and is considered to be one of their most valuable assets. It has been appraised at over $105 million and was featured in the prestigious Forbes 400.