Geneva – The fine pearl necklace worn by Audrey Hepburn in the 1953 romantic comedy “Roman Holiday” was withdrawn from Christie’s online jewellery auction on Tuesday.
The wide, choker-style necklace was part of “Jewels Online: The Geneva Edit” sale, which began on 3 November and ends today.
The piece, created by Italian design house Fürst, was estimated to sell for 18,000 to 26,000 Swiss francs, or $20,070 to $28,990.
When National Jeweler checked in to the auction on Tuesday morning, the piece had seven bids, the highest of which was CHF 28,000 ($31,534), above the piece’s high estimate.
National Jeweler received an email late Tuesday from an individual registered to bid on the piece, stating that Christie’s had sent an email stating that the item had been withdrawn from the sale.
Christie’s did not give a reason for withdrawing the item, the bidder said.
“We can confirm that lot 234 from the sale ‘Jewels Online: The Geneva Edit’, which closed on 16 November, has been withdrawn from the sale,” Christie’s told National Jeweler via email on Wednesday morning.
“We are unable to provide any further information as decisions regarding sales remain confidential between Christie’s and our consignors.”Another notable piece was also withdrawn from a jewellery auction mid-sale this month.
A 94 carat Paraíba tourmaline known as “The Blue Lagoon” was withdrawn from Sotheby’s Geneva jewellery auction earlier this month.
The stone was to be the largest top-quality Paraíba tourmaline ever sold at auction, according to the auction house.
It was estimated to sell for CHF 1.3-2.5 million, or $1.4-2.7 million.
