Magnificent and noble jewels is all I could dream of after trying on some of the exquisite lots from the recent Sotheby’s Geneva Auction! Epitomising the craftsmanship of early 20th century jewellery-making, these jewels were sold at Sotheby’s Auction on May 14th in Geneva. Read on to see my highlights!

Emerald is my birthstone, so I absolutely had to pay a visit to the auction preview to see the exquisite Art Deco necklace – it transforms into a bracelet – with 11 large sugarloaf emeralds for myself. Sold for $3,593,900, this significant row of emeralds has set a new benchmark for a necklace of this period!

Another significant lot form the auction confirmed the universal appeal of jewels with prestigious provenance – it was sold $137K above it’s high estimate. The diamond tiara of the last Prussian Princess Cecilie was a wedding gift from her Russian relatives sold at Sotheby’s Geneva auction for $434,346, and I can see why! This was one of my favourite lots due to my endless love for kokoshnik- style headdresses. You can see my legendary kokoshnik looks from London Fashion Week, Chatila Christmas Party and my talk at JCK Las Vegas here.

These two spectacular jewels were among 440 other unique vintage jewellery lots to find their new owners at the Sotheby’s 2019 Geneva auction! Stay tuned with @gemologue Instagram for more auction coverage and insights!

Thanks for stopping by! What is your opinion on second-hand jewellery? Let me know in the comment section below!

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? Diamond tiara of Prussian princess Cecilie, circa 1903 ? Sugarloaf cabochon #emeralds and diamond necklace, circa 1935 ? Floral emerald and diamond bracelet, signed Van Cleef & Arpels #vancleef ? Oval diamond bracelet, maker’s mark for Asprey & Garrard #garrard ? Step-cut 18.86 carat diamond ring, signed #HarryWinston ? Step-cut 5.03 carat #diamondring, signed Van Cleef & Arpels #vintagejewelry ?Claw-set step-cut 7.92 carat flawless diamond ring #diamond

A post shared by ????????? ?? ???? ???? ??? (@gemologue) on Apr 22, 2019 at 1:06am PDT

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??? I got to try on magnificent early 20th century tiara at @sothebysjewels auction preview in #London! My inner queen is beyond excited! ⁣#tiara ⁣ The list of favourite headdresses I’ve tried on has just added another treasure! Owner of this exquisite diamond tiara was Cecilie, the last crown princess of Prussia herself, who also happened to be half-Russian! ? She received it as a wedding gift from her relatives – if you noticed, it mimics traditional Russian headdress – kokoshnik! ⁣#russianjewelry #sothebysrealty #mayfairlondon ⁣ Are you excited to preview more of #SothebysJewels before May 14th auction in #Geneva? The more comments the sooner I’ll share another sneak peak on IGTV! ? @LizaUrla #jewelleryface #gemologue ⁣#jewelleryauction ? @gemkreatives ⁣@widesea_noanchor

A post shared by ????????? ?? ???? ???? ??? (@gemologue) on Apr 17, 2019 at 10:52am PDT

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??? You never know, what treasure you’ll discover at the next auction! This exquisite kokoshnik style #diamondtiara is just one example of magnificent 20th century jewels coming to #Sothebys auction in Geneva this May! ⁣ ⁣ Have you ever bought second-hand jewellery? Let me know in comments! ? I was surprised to discover how fun and convenient jewellery auction can be. If you love jewellery shopping as much as I do, give it a try. Just because you’re bidding on jewels from prestigious auction doesn’t mean you’ll be overpaying! ⁣ ⁣ Head to the link in my profile to learn how to bid at an online jewellery auction!? @LizaUrla #jewelleryface #gemologue #sothebysjewels #sothebysgeneva #magnificentjewels #onlineauction #jewelryauction #tiaras

A post shared by ????????? ?? ???? ???? ??? (@gemologue) on Apr 19, 2019 at 9:41am PDT

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??? Celebrated #EarthDay2019 with gorgeous second-hand jewellery! I am environmentally conscious and second hand jewellery with old mine diamonds and gold contribute to my desire to make the world a sustainable place.⁣ It is also a great investment opportunity – a jewel reflecting an époque in history! Seriously thinking about placing a bet for 14th May #SothebysJewels Geneva auction! ⁣ ⁣ And what’s your opinion on pre-loved jewellery? Please share with me in comments! ⤵️⁣ ⁣ If you love #vintagejewellery as much as I do, you might want to learn how to bid at an online auction. Just click the link in my Bio!? @LizaUrla #jewelleryface #gemologue #sothebysgeneva #jewelryauction #vintagebracelet #antiquejewelry⁣

A post shared by ????????? ?? ???? ???? ??? (@gemologue) on Apr 23, 2019 at 7:40am PDT

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??? If only my hands could sparkle with these diamonds 24/7! Which bracelet would you choose? 1, 2 or 3 from the top? Let me know in comments! ⤵️ #jewelryauction⁣ ⁣ 1. Finest 1930s Art Deco bracelet of baguette diamond framed bombé shaped links set with circular-cut and square diamonds #artdecojewellery⁣ ⁣ 2. Perfect oval diamond tennis bracelet with maker’s mark for Asprey & Garrard #garrard⁣ ⁣ 3. Exquisite floral emerald and diamond bracelet signed Van Cleef & Arpels #vancleef⁣ ⁣ All these gorgeous diamond bracelets coming to @sothebysjewels on 14th May! Head to the link in my profile and discover how to bid at an online auction!? @LizaUrla #jewelleryface #gemologue #sothebysjewels #sothebysgeneva #magnificentjewels⁣ ? @gemkreatives @widesea_noanchor

A post shared by ????????? ?? ???? ???? ??? (@gemologue) on Apr 25, 2019 at 7:50am PDT

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??? How many facets are in round brilliant diamond? I’ll share answer & your profile in stories if you guess right! ? #diamondcuts The most sparkly alphabet letter is definitely the “C”! An indispensable tool for determining quality and beauty of a diamond #certifieddiamonds 1. Carat is a measuring unit to estimate gemstone’s weight. Diamonds of larger carat weight are rarer and therefore worth more! #carat⁣ ⁣ 2. Clarity determines the number and nature of inclusions and blemishes. The fewer there are, the more light will pass through diamond facets, making it more beautiful! #diamondclarity⁣ ⁣ 3. Colour determines the value based on tint. Totally colourless diamonds are noted with a D are the most valuable #diamondbeauty⁣ ⁣ 4. Cut allows diamond to unleash the light in every angle and facet. Here the cutter’s skill is of utmost importance #diamondcut ⁣ Head to the link in my profile to learn more about the history of diamonds! ? @LizaUrla #jewelleryface #gemologue #carnetjewellery #carnetbymichelleong #diamondrings⁣

A post shared by ????????? ?? ???? ???? ??? (@gemologue) on Apr 27, 2019 at 8:05am PDT

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??? Helene Beaumont was a really lucky lady! Not only because of her mansion being at the forefront of roaring 1920s parties, but because she owned this spectacular #emeraldnecklace! Can you guess the total emerald carat weight? ⤵️ I’ll feature the winner in stories! Hint: the central stone is about 18 carats!⁣ ⁣ This is undoubtedly the most significant row of #Colombianemeralds I’ve tried on throughout my 10 years jewellery career! Circa 1935, set with hexagonal-shaped and #baguettediamonds and transformable into a bracelet it simply encapsulates the grandeur of the whole historical Art Deco époque! ⁣Estimate $3-4 million at Sotheby’s Geneva on the 14th of May ⁣ Tap the link in Bio to learn more about #emeraldgemstone? @LizaUrla #jewelleryface #gemologue #sothebysjewels #sothebysgeneva⁣

A post shared by ????????? ?? ???? ???? ??? (@gemologue) on May 5, 2019 at 7:28am PDT

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??? Sneak peak of the beautiful 1930s sugarloaf cabochon #emeraldnecklace coming to #SothebysGeneva May 14th! What do you like about emerald gemstone? Share with me in comments! ?⤵⠀ ⠀ Let’s get to know May’s birthstone! First discovered 5,000 years ago it was always praised for its incredible colour. Owing to chromium in its chemical make-up, the emerald appears to give off light. Just look at this photo!⠀⠀ In folklore, putting an emerald under your tongue could help you see the future. It was also thought to help decide whether a lover’s vows were true or false. Today it’s believed to inspire deep inner knowledge, broaden vision and aid eloquent expression. And I can definitely relate to the last one ?⠀ ⠀ Head to the link in my profile to win a book about emeralds! ? @LizaUrla #jewelleryface #gemologue #sothebysjewels #noblejewels #emeralds #jewellerydesign #jewelrydesign #jewelleryblogger #royaljewels #royaljewellery #jewels #jewelrylovers #vintagejewels⠀ ⠀

A post shared by ????????? ?? ???? ???? ??? (@gemologue) on May 10, 2019 at 4:05am PDT

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I am extremely happy to announce that my new jewelry book – GEMOLOGUE: Street Jewellery Styles & Styling Tips – is now on Amazon. I’m so excited. It’s the first book of its kind solely dedicated to jewellery. 

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GEMOLOGUE jewelry blog by Liza Urla is a celebration of fine, fashion and vintage jewellery featuring talented jewellery designers, trendy urban street style, exclusive interviews and rare jewellery reviews. This jewellery blog’s goal is to encourage and educate about jewellery online in a fresh and original fashion to inspire women and men across the globe in a fashion and travelling context.

Jewellery blogger, writer Liza Urla, the founder of GEMOLOGUE, is a London-based and NYC-educated gemologist, who has travelled to and lived in many countries. She is now one of the most influential digital jewellery tastemakers. Her jewellery influence has been acknowledged by Financial Times, The New York Times, Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar.

*Styling and Art Direction by Liza Urla. All photos belong to GEM Kreatives for GEMOLOGUE.

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