The incredible Aga Khan Emerald Sold at Christie’s jewelry auction in Geneva, setting a record
The Aga Khan emerald brooch is a remarkable piece of jewelry, featuring a 37.41-carat square-cut emerald that is surrounded by twenty navette-cut diamonds, collectively weighing approximately 12.04 carats. This exquisite brooch, crafted by Cartier Paris, is notable for its even green color and exceptional clarity, making it an extraordinary find among emeralds, which often have inclusions. The unique shape of the emerald, described as thin and flat, gives the illusion of a larger stone while maintaining a consistent hue throughout, further enhancing its desirability.
What sets this brooch apart is not just its stunning craftsmanship but also its rich history. Originally commissioned by Prince Aly Khan in 1960 for his wife, Nina Dyer, the brooch has a storied past. Nina Dyer, a British socialite and former model, was known for her elegance and taste in jewelry. After her marriage to Prince Aly Khan, she became Princess Nina Aga Khan and amassed a collection of exquisite jewels, including this emerald brooch. The piece was first sold at Christie’s in 1969 to benefit animal welfare and has since passed through the hands of prestigious jewelers like Van Cleef & Arpels and Harry Winston.
Nina Dyer's jewelry collection reflected her sophisticated style and was highly anticipated at the auction due to her social standing and the quality of the pieces. The emerald brooch was particularly awaited because it represented not only luxury but also a connection to a prominent figure in society and the history of high jewelry.
At the recent auction on November 12, 2024, the Aga Khan emerald brooch fetched an impressive CHF 7,765,000 (approximately US$8,859,865). This sale marked a significant moment as it not only highlighted the enduring allure of this exceptional gem but also set a record for the price achieved by an emerald brooch at auction.
