Sotheby’s Puts Spotlight on Michele della Valle Bold Jewelries
Creations by Michele della Valle will come under the spotlight at Sotheby’s June 1 Fine Jewelry sale, a new addition to the auction house’s Geneva calendar.
Emerald, tsavorite and diamond necklace, ‘Ivy’ Of foliate design, pavé-set with circular-cut tsavorites, alternating with gold motifs set with oval emeralds
Michele della Valle keeps such a low profile, it’s actually hard to find information about him though his jewelry pieces regularly come up at auction.
David Bennett, Worldwide Chairman of Sotheby’s International Jewelry Division, describes della Valle as “one of the most original and creative” contemporary jewelry designers, saying he “transforms stories, daydreams and fairytales into bold, imaginative creations.”
Sotheby’s will be offering a selection of 82 lots by the Geneva-based Italian jeweler that underline his exuberant style and love of colored stones.
Della Valle began his formal career in Rome, with Fürst Jewelers – then representing Harry Winston in Italy – before opening open his own workshop there in 1978.
Gem set and diamond bracelet, ‘Perroquet’ - designed as a line of parrots, their wings and tails set with cabochon sapphires, rubies and emeralds
He collaborated for years with Bulgari, creating the brand’s special commissions, which helped cement his reputation among the country’s celebrities. In 1987, della Valle moved to Geneva and launched the eponymous jewelry line, building a faithful clientele that loves his ability to juxtapose different colorful stones to create combinations of bold hues.
“My designs are cheerful, never dramatic. I never forget that they are meant to bring joy, to beautify the wearer,” the designer explains.
Della Valle’s distinctive style takes its inspiration from nature, and this is evident in many of the pieces on offer at Sotheby’s, from the intricate detail of a purple sapphire, enamel and diamond brooch in the form of a saffron flower (est: $15,500-25,500) to a sapphires, rubies, enamel and black diamond ‘Anemoni’ necklace (est: $25,000-35,000) and an elaborate Ivy foliate necklace with emerald, tsavorite and diamond (est: $30,000-50,000)
Several pieces feature animals, often in movement, such as an unusual sapphire, ruby and diamond ‘Blue Marlin.’ brooch (est: $3,000-5,500).
