Table of Contents

Introduction by Francois Curiel, Chairman of Christie's Asia-Pacific; 1. Guillotine Diamonds; 2. Murdered Queens; 3. Pomp and Circumstances; 4. Empresses in Exile; 5. The French Court; 6. From Christie's with Love; 7. Soft as a Pearl; 8. Bloody Revolutions; 9. Ladies of the Stage; 10. Gems from the East; 11. Diamonds are Christie's Best Friends; 12. Appendix: Prestigious Provenances.

About the Author

Vincent Meylan is a specialist in precious stones and high jewelry, and the author of several biographies and works on the history of precious stones, including Queens' Jewels (Assouline, 2005), Boucheron: The Secret Archives ISBN 9781851496679 (ACC, 2011), and of Van Cleef & Arpels: Treasures and Legends ISBN 9781851497706 (ACC, 2014).

Reviews

Several of the most significant pieces in the most important jewelry sale at Christie's, or anywhere for that matter, from Elizabeth Taylor are included in the publication. And there is one mouth-watering image at the very end of the JAR jewels from the Ellen Barkin collection that frankly leaves you wanting much more from that salein my opinion the greatest exhibition of the designer anywhere. The Adventurine Author Vincent Meylan delves into the stories behind both the gems and their ownersmany of the creations within are from the collections of the rich, famous, and powerful: Marie Antoinette, Elizabeth Taylor, Queen Victoria's granddaughters. Here, discover a few of the most impressive jewels from the book. Architectural Digest Get ready to pick your jaw up off the floor. The new book 'Christie's: The Jewellery Archives Revealed' (ACC Art Books, $95) explores the auction house's most exquisite jewels to be sold over the past 250 years. From Elizabeth Taylor's emerald and diamond Bulgari necklace to the tiara worn by Princess Margaret on her wedding day, there are certainly a number of breathtaking pieces... -- Rachel Swalin Veranda, January 20, 2017