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Jewels by Michele della Valle at Christie's New York

Colorful Whimsy is the auction for 65 exquisite jewels by the Italian Artist, online from 3 to 17 March


After the very strong results achieved for the first jewels online sales of 2021, Christie’s presents Colorful Whimsy: Jewels by Michele della Valle. The online sale opens for bidding on 3 March and closes on 17 March 2021. The sale includes 65 fabulous jewels by Michele della Valle - all offered without reserve - highlighting the artist’s use of dazzling colored gemstones to bring whimsical designs to life. 

Michele della Valle, remarks, «I am delighted to collaborate with Christie’s to present this specially curated 65 lot online-only sale of my creations. My roots at Christie’s run deep —back in 1976, I brought the very first gemstone I ever purchased in Burma to Christie’s for sale, and soon after, seeking out fine gems, designing and creating jewelry became my life’s passion. Constantly inspired by my surroundings, whether that be in the country or in the middle of a metropolitan city, this selection celebrates earthly creations and love. For this very special sale offered from Christie’s New York, I created a brooch inspired by the iconic city skyline - complete with shimmering diamond and sapphire pavé, and a patinated copper Statue of Liberty. A brooch to represent the vibrancy of the city that never sleeps.»

Throughout his imaginative career, della Valle has stayed true to his love of colorful gemstones used in unexpected ways, and drawing inspiration from nature: carving pastel pink opals into billowing flower petals, using richly saturated red agate as cherries suspended from diamond stems, applying brilliant yellow sapphire pavé to enliven lemons as if fresh from a morning dew. We look forward to welcoming you into della Valle’s world of fine jewels and colorful whimsy with this dazzling online-only capsule sale. 

Caroline Ervin, Specialist for Christie’s Jewels, comments: «Christie’s is excited to present an online-only auction from one of the most vibrant names in jewelry, Michele della Valle. With a background in opera and the arts, della Valle’s aptitude for creative output knows no bounds. For decades, della Valle has delighted jewelry collectors and fans alike with his bold and colorful creations. Renown for sourcing interesting colored gemstones and using them in unexpected ways, the result is dazzling and whimsical creations, which we are pleased to present to usher in the spring season.»

Michele della Valle, who was born in Rome, began designing costume jewelry at the age of 16. Della Valle purchased his first gemstone during a trip to Burma in 1976 and on the advice of friends, he showed it to Roger Varenne, the legendary stone dealer, who suggested that he take the gem to Christie's. There he met Hans Nadelhoffer, who was running the jewelry department at the time. These events contributed to the significant development of della Valle's career as a precious stone dealer and jewelry designer. He went on to work for Fürst Jewellers in Via Veneto, Rome, the local representative for Harry Winston. In 1978, della Valle opened his own workshop in Rome's Piazza di Spagna and began travelling regularly to Asia sourcing more precious stones. He was quickly recognized as a reputable designer, acquiring famous clientele such as film stars and opera singers throughout Italy. His access to quality gemstones and keen design sense led to a collaboration with Bulgari on special orders. In 1987, he moved to Geneva and developed the line of jewelry which now bears his name.

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