PRESS RELEASE | ONLINE | 26 FEBRUARY 2021 | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

COLORFUL WHIMSY: JEWELS BY MICHELE DELLA VALLE

65 exquisite JEWELS EMBRACING SPRING 3 – 17 March 2020 | Online

Online - 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 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 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 and pavé, and a patinated copper Statue of Liberty. A brooch to represent the vibrancy of the city that never sleeps.”

MICHELE DELLA VALLE MICHELE DELLA VALLE MICHELE DELLA VALLE PINK , AND DIAMOND AND YELLOW SAPPHIRE RED , DIAMOND AND DIAMOND EARRINGS PENDANT TSAVORITE EARRINGS $4,000-6,000 $8,000-12,000 $4,000-6,000

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 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 MICHELE DELLA VALLE MICHELE DELLA VALLE , CULTURED AND , AND ENAMEL YELLOW SAPPHIRE, DIAMOND EARRINGS NECKLACE TSAVORITE AND $5,000-7,000 $15,000-25,000 DIAMOND EARRINGS $7,000-10,000

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. Press images can be downloaded here.

MICHELE DELLA VALLE MICHELE DELLA VALLE MICHELE DELLA VALLE MIXED METAL, SAPPHIRE AND MULTI-GEM AND DIAMOND NECKLACE AMETHYST AND EARRINGS DIAMOND BROOCH $15,000-25,000 $10,000-15,000 $6,000-8,000

______PRESS CONTACTS: Jennifer Cuminale | [email protected] Alexandra Kindermann | [email protected] About Christie’s

Christie’s is a name and place that speaks of extraordinary art, unparalleled service and international expertise. Founded in 1766 by James Christie, Christie's has conducted the greatest and most celebrated auctions through the centuries providing a popular showcase for the unique and the beautiful. Christie’s offers around 350 auctions annually in over 80 categories, including all areas of fine and decorative arts, , photographs, collectibles, wine, and more. Prices range from $200 to over $100 million. Christie’s also has a long and successful history conducting Private Sales for clients and online sales are offered year-round across all categories. Christie’s global presence is spread across a network of international salerooms and 61 representatives and offices. Christies.com provides detailed articles and videos on the objects offered for sale alongside the latest advances in digital viewing tools to make Christie’s accessible to all.

*Please note when quoting estimates above that other fees will apply in addition to the hammer price - see Section D of the Conditions of Sale at the back of the sale catalogue.

*Estimates do not include buyer’s premium. Sales totals are hammer price plus buyer’s premium and are reported net of applicable fees.

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Images available on request

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