Private Collection of JAR Jewels Included in Christie’s Upcoming Geneva Sale

By Annie Davidson Watson | April 22, 2025

Christie’s is sending one of the largest private collections of JAR jewelry to the auction block during its Magnificent Jewels sale in Geneva on May 14. The 21 pieces—which the owner acquired directly from Joel Arthur Rosenthal, the visionary designer known as JAR, in the 2000s and 2010s—are valued at $3 million total on the low end.

Showcasing JAR’s artistry and the allure of his highly coveted designs, this private collection has never before been seen on the market. JAR produces only 70 to 80 pieces a year, each one a bespoke creation for a specific client.

JAR necklace — *JAR multi-gem chain necklace in 18k rose gold and blackened silver, estimate $285,000–$400,000*

JAR jewels in the Christie’s sale feature the designer’s signature pavé setting and striking color combinations. The multi-gem chain necklace pictured above has round brown diamonds, emeralds, tourmaline, tsavorite and spessartine garnets, peridot, topaz, fire opals, rubies, pink and purple spinel, amethysts, aquamarine, and purple, orange, and pink sapphires.

The sculptural Apricot Blossom bracelet, pictured at top, exemplifies JAR’s approach to jewelry as wearable art. Versatility in JAR designs, as well as the jewelry-maker‘s mastery of color and form, is demonstrated by the Semainier bracelets below, which can be combined into a necklace.

JAR bracelets pair — *Pair of JAR Semainier bracelets (convertible to necklace) in 18k yellow gold with round rubies and diamonds, estimate $140,000–$200,000*

Some pieces in the collection were displayed in a 2013 JAR retrospective presented by the Metropolitan Museum of Art—an honor bestowed on no other living jeweler. Additional JAR highlights from the Christie’s sale are shown below.

*JAR pansy earrings in blackened silver and 18k yellow gold with round purple, orange and yellow sapphires, tsavorite and spessartine garnets, diamonds and black diamonds, estimate $160,000-$230,000*

*JAR ring (circa 2006) in platinum and 18k yellow gold with 6.36 cushion modified brilliant-cut diamond and round white and black diamonds, estimate $160,000–$230,000*

*JAR earrings (circa 2005) in blackened silver and 18k yellow gold with cushion-shape brown diamond, diamonds, spinel, and pink sapphires, estimate $140,000–$200,000*

Top: JAR Apricot Blossom bangle (circa 2009) in blackened silver, yellow gold, and bronze with round diamonds and enamel, estimate $340,000–$570,000 (photos courtesy of Christie’s Images Ltd. 2025)

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