Record auction: sold out Hungary’s most expensive jewelry
The record auction was held by BÁV at the beginning of December at the MOM Cultural Center. At the two-day auction, the famous Csontváry letters under the hammer, the largest diamond ring in the history of the Auction House and a watch sold for 16.8 million forints also replaced the recorders previously sold in their category.
In addition to the higher-than-usual online interest, the BÁV’s 78th Art Auction, held on December 7 and 8, was characterized by protracted bidding battles. Already on the first day, two sales records were broken, but the second day was a sensation.
The record of autograph paper antiquities was broken with Csontváry
One of the most famous correspondences in the history of Hungarian art, one of the young ones, has sold out Tivadar Kosztka Csontváry after his first wing attempts, he sought advice from the celebrated painter of the age, Gusztáv Keleti. The value of the letters starting from HUF 36 million is increased by the fact that they came from the collection of Gedeon Gerlóczy, known as the savior of the Csontváry legacy. The exceptional correspondence was classified as a protected public document during the auction exhibition. Sales price HUF 48 millionHe won the title of the most expensive Hungarian autograph paper antiquity from a dedicated HUF 36 million volume.
New watch and jewelry record
With the largest ring in the history of BÁV, adorned with an 8.27 carat diamond, it has already made history. The huge, pale yellow diamond was noticed by many not only because of its size, but also because of its unusual octagonal cut. The GIA certificate also has an exceptional ring starting from HUF 18 million, after a long bidding It sold at a price of 43.2 million. This is also a new jewelry record – the top holder was an art deco platinum bracelet, for which it was purchased at the Auction House in 2018 for HUF 28.8 million.
There was also a lot of interest in investment hours during the holidays. Starting from HUF 8 million, the iconic Rolex GMT-Master II watch sold for HUF 16.8 million for twice the starting price. Like the ring, the previous Rolex Daytona record was well surpassed here, which found a host for HUF 11.4 million just a few months ago.
Huge price increases and lithite fights
In the case of jewelry, the main role this year was played by brilliant and colored gemstone pieces that are also suitable for investment. Of these, a solitaire ring adorned with a 3.9-carat diamond will cost someone’s Christmas tree for 10.2 million forints. But you will also be very happy with the ruby necklace reminiscent of a garland, for which 4.3 million forints were paid. The success of investment hours remains unbroken. In addition to the most popular Swiss brands, an English watch manufactory has also entered the podium for the first time. The Arnmen & Son Indiamen watch, decorated with miniature sailboats, sold for 11.4 million forints. Women’s watches were of unprecedented interest, the most expensive of which was a stylish gold Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse decorated with diamonds for HUF 5.28 million.
The silverware, tableware and candlesticks for the luxurious Christmas table setting were very popular. The biggest excitement, however, was the service of a enamel box made in Moscow in the 1900s, which, after a long bidding battle, sold for more than HUF 1 million at twelve times the price.
Among the paintings, there is great interest in post-war modern and contemporary works, including those by János Aknay, Gellért Orosz and Victor Vasarely. Most of them bid on Dezső Váli’s Old Jewish Cemetery, which was exhibited for 5 million forints. The largest amount, 16.8 million forints, was given for the receiving portrait of Gyula Batthyány, an aristocratic lady, and 15.6 million forints for the lady of József Rippl-Rónai.
“The result of the December auction, which just ended, surpassed even the Centennial auction. This year, after the sensation of the coronation cloak, we managed to break three records at an auction, so we can say that we have a very successful year behind us. We are even waiting for those looking for a valuable gift with an online auction before Christmas this year. At the closing event of the season, 150 selected paintings and works of art can be bid from December 10 to 19. ” Said Ádám Kovács, commercial director of BÁV.