After the important results obtained for the first online jewelry sales of 2021, Christie's presents Colorful Whimsy: Jewels by Michele della Valle. The online sale will open bidding on March 3 and close on March 17, 2021. The sale includes 65 of Michele della Valle's fabulous jewels, all offered without reservations, showcasing the artist's use of dazzling colored gemstones to bring life with extravagant designs.
Michele della Valle, notes: “I am delighted to partner with Christie's to present this specially curated 65-lot online sale of my creations. My roots at Christie's run deep: in 1976, I brought the first gemstone I ever bought to Burma to Christie's for sale, and soon after, gem-finding, jewelery design and jewelery making became my life's passion. . Constantly inspired by my surroundings, whether it's in the countryside or in the middle of a metropolitan city, this selection celebrates earthly creations and love. For this very special sale offered by Christie's New York, I created a brooch inspired by the city's iconic skyline, complete with sparkling diamonds and pavé sapphires 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 remained true to his love of colored 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 diamonds, applying brilliant yellow sapphire pavé to revive the lemons as fresh from the morning dew. We look forward to welcoming you to the Valley's world of fine jewelry and colorful fantasy with this dazzling online-only capsule sale.
Christie's Jewels specialist Caroline Ervin comments: “Christie's is thrilled to present an online-only auction of one of the brightest names in jewellery: Michele della Valle. With an operatic and artistic background, Della Valle's aptitude for creative production knows no bounds. For decades, della Valle has delighted jewelry collectors and aficionados alike with his bold and colorful creations. Renowned for sourcing interesting colored gemstones and using them in unexpected ways, the result is eye-popping and whimsical creations, which we are delighted to present to usher in the spring season.”
Michele della Valle, born in Rome, began designing jewelery at the age of 16. Della Valle bought his first gem on a trip to Burma in 1976 and on the advice of friends showed it to Roger Varenne, the legendary stone dealer, who suggested he take the gem to Christie's. There he met Hans Nadelhoffer, who was managing the jewelery department at the time. These events contributed to the significant development of Valle's career as a gemstone dealer and jewelry designer. He went on to work for Fürst Jewelers in Via Veneto, Rome, Harry Winston's local representative. In 1978, della Valle opened his workshop in Rome's Spanish Steps and began to travel regularly to Asia in search of more precious stones. He was quickly recognized as a reputable designer, acquiring a clientele as famous as film stars and opera singers throughout Italy. His access to quality gemstones and a keen sense of design led to a collaboration with Bulgari on special orders. In 1987 he moved to Geneva and developed the jewelery line which now bears his name.
