The iconic 37-carat Aga Khan Emerald has shattered auction records for an emerald sold selling for $8.85 million at Christie’s Geneva..
The sensational Colombian emerald brooch that once belonged to the esteemed socialite Nina Dyer (1930-1969). Originally sold at Christie’s on 1 May 1969 for $75,000 at the house’s inaugural Magnificent Jewellery sale at Hotel Richemond in Geneva, this stunning piece once again took centre stage at an auction held on 12 November 2024, highlighting Christie’s 55 year-long jewellery auction track record in Switzerland setting a $9 million record to become the world’s most expensive green stone
The brooch was originally commissioned by Prince Aga Khan at Cartier Paris in 1960 and shortly after was gifted to his wife, Nina Dyer. A few years after the 1969 auction, the brooch passed through the hands of both Van Cleef & Arpels and Harry Winston.
Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the brooch is adorned with a 37.00 carat emerald and accentuated by a row of diamonds, epitomizing the elegance and sophistication of its era. Like many of the beautiful jewels commissioned by The Aga Khan for Nina Dyer, she wore this exceptional piece at numerous prominent events.
At the Hotel Richemond in 1969, 40 lots were offered, most of which belonged to Nina Dyer. The sale was a huge success, with the jewels selling for more than twice the estimates and the entire collection achieved over CHF 12.7 million. Dyer’s will stipulated that the proceeds from the sale of her jewels would benefit animal welfare causes in Africa, Asia, and Europe.
