Jewelry Highlights From First-Ever International Auction in Saudi Arabia

By Annie Davidson Watson | January 21, 2025

Sotheby’s will make history on Feb. 8 with the first international auction in Saudi Arabia’s history. The two-part “Origins” sale—to be held in Diriyah, outside Riyadh—will feature over 100 lots of fine jewelry, artwork, luxury goods, and sports memorabilia.

Leading the jewelry and watch sector is a Richard Mille wristwatch (pictured above) that was worn by world champion sprinter Yohan Blake when he ran the 100-meter final at the 2012 London Olympics, where he finished second to his training partner—and fellow Jamaican—Usain Bolt. The ultralightweight titanium watch, made uniquely for Blake, is expected to sell for $1 million to $1.5 million.

Another notable timepiece in the Sotheby’s Saudi Arabia sale is an 18k gold Cartier Crash (below) that was commissioned by and produced for one of the jeweler’s top private clients in 2007. Engraved with its production number, No. 1, on the back, it’s estimated to achieve between $130,000 and $260,000.

cartier crash

The Origins sale will also include watches by Audemars Piguet and Rolex, as well as Cartier diamond bracelets. Diamonds can even be found on a Hermès Birkin bag in the auction. It is pictured, along with a few jewelry highlights, below.

Cartier bracelet — *Cartier signed bracelet (circa 1927) with old European, single-cut, and baguette diamonds and cushion-cut sapphires, estimate $275,000-$325,000*

Harry Winston earrings — *Harry Winston earclips with diamonds, rubies, and turquoise, estimate $35,000-$55,000*

Hermes birkin — *Hermès white matte Niloticus crocodile Himalaya Birkin bag with 4.116 cts. t.w. pavé diamonds on clasp and 1.4 cts. t.w. pavé diamonds on padlock, estimate $200,000–$250,000*

Ahead of the auction, Origins lots will be on public display at Diriyah’s Bujairi Terrace from Feb. 1 to 8. The free exhibition coincides with Diriyah Season, an annual cultural festival. Diriyah is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with the 300-year-old At-Turaif district nearby.

(Photos courtesy of Sotheby’s)

Follow me on Instagram: @anniedavidsonwatson