Ann Getty, wife of a billionaire Gordon Getty, was born in 1941. She studied biology and anthropology at the University of California, Berkeley, which led to her lifelong interest in science, travel, and various cultures around the world. Though she passed away in 2020, Getty’s life and work helped shape her incredible jewelry collection—especially her pieces from Joel Arthur Rosenthal (JAR).
Head of Jewelry at Christie’s Americas, Daphne Lingon, said in a media release, “Ann Getty was a trained scientist whose personal collection of JAR reflected her innate curiosity and impeccable taste for jewelry that was both beautifully crafted and evoked memories of her family and research trips abroad. Her jewels tell the story of a woman pursuing ideal beauty and a lifelong appreciation of craftspeople.”
Starting June 8, Christie’s is offering 12 JAR jewels from the estate of Ann Getty as the highlight of their Magnificent Jewels live auction. Getty’s JAR jewel collection is one of the largest and most important private collections to ever appear at auction and is expected to fetch $1.5 million. Included in this collection are a tulip brooch, which is a nod to Getty’s Dutch heritage; a zebra brooch, which evokes her numerous anthropological digs across Africa; a fleur de lys brooch, which is a testament to her respect for craftsmen and artisans; and many flora-inspired pieces, which allude to Getty’s love of botany and her mother’s gardens.
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JAR jewels are special for several reasons. For starters, Joel Arthur Rosenthal only produces around 70 pieces each year, making them highly sought after by celebrities, tastemakers, and collectors around the world. JAR is known for pairing unusual gemstones and non-traditional materials and experimenting with daring colors, sculptural shapes, and varying proportions.
These collectable works of art are evocative of 18th- and 19th-century design, and influenced by history, architecture, textiles, art, and nature. While the pieces are defined by their signature pavé stones, JAR is also known for using single-cut diamonds, or diamonds cut with only eight facets on the table and eight on the pavilion. This type of old-fashioned cut creates a much softer brilliance and offers a subtle nod to the storied history of diamond-cutting.
Other pieces included in this auction include jewels from Van Cleef & Arpels, Tiffany & Co., Bulgari, Cartier, Harry Winston, and more. There is also a 103-carat, flawless, D color, “Light of Africa” diamond included in the auction. To view the full collection or learn more about how to bid on any of the items, visit Christie’s.
