Hemmerle: The biggest single-owner sale in history to be auctioned at Sotheby’s

November 22, 2019

By Katerina Perez

4 min read

On 26th November 2019, the largest single-owner collection of Hemmerle jewellery in history will be auctioned at Sotheby’s in London. Such diverse and at the same time instantly recognisable jewellery made by the Munich-based company will be given a new lease of life. It is jewellery that deserves to be worn and enjoyed, not stored in a box and hidden from public view.

The Hemmerle jewellery maison, founded in 1893, is a family-owned business run by jewellers who are known for their love of innovative combinations of materials, craftsmanship and quality, for blurring the line between jewellery, art and design.

Hemmerle emerald bead, jasper cameo and tsavorite garnet pendant necklace

Hemmerle emerald bead, jasper cameo and tsavorite garnet pendant necklace

Kristian Spofforth, head of Sotheby’s jewellery department in London, said: Hemmerle jewels are a rare sight at auction and so it is a joy to be able to offer this unique single-owner collection. We often see clients collecting across the categories in our sales. The avant-garde designs of these jewels are sure to transcend the field of jewellery and appeal to seasoned collectors of fine art and contemporary design.

Hemmerle spinel and pink sapphire earrings

Hemmerle spinel and pink sapphire earrings

To present the full scope of the upcoming sale: in 2006, Die Neue Sammlung, the Munich Museum of Art and Design, organised the Hemmerle exhibition ‘Myths: Jewels Today’, where – thanks to the amazing efforts of the organisers – 145 of the brand’s jewellery creations were presented. Now, 12 pieces of Hemmerle jewellery are being offered for purchase at the same time, something which can be considered as impressive for a collection made by the brand.

Hemmerle emerald bead, jasper cameo and tsavorite garnet pendant necklace

Hemmerle emerald bead, jasper cameo and tsavorite garnet pendant necklace

Christian Hemmerle, director of the Hemmerle jewellery maison, commented on the occasion as follows: “By blending the vocabulary of sculpture with the functional demands of jewellery design, we strive for a timelessness in our work that endures – we are pleased audiences will have the rare opportunity to reassess these historical works through the filter of the present. Collected by a single owner over a decade, these creations provide insight into our context and development as designers during an important and defining period in our history. Recent years have also seen jewellery become more widely recognised as an art form, in turn growing the secondary market for contemporary collectible jewellery – we are pleased to see our creations become part of this development through this unprecedented sale.”

Hemmerle emerald bead, jasper cameo and tsavorite garnet pendant necklace

Hemmerle emerald bead, jasper cameo and tsavorite garnet pendant necklace

 Hemmerle emerald bead, jasper cameo and tsavorite garnet pendant necklace

Hemmerle emerald bead, jasper cameo and tsavorite garnet pendant necklace

The collection is truly timeless, something that is apparent when studying the jewellery itself. It includes four pieces made with antique cameos – a practice that has become Hemmerle’s hallmark – the most impressive of which is a pendant necklace depicting Neptune in jade, surrounded by emeralds and tsavorites with an oval link chain.

Hemmerle cameo and diamond earrings

Hemmerle cameo and diamond earrings

 Hemmerle pair of diamond brooch hair clips

Hemmerle pair of diamond brooch hair clips

 Hemmerle pair of diamond brooch hair clips

Hemmerle pair of diamond brooch hair clips

Earrings made with diamonds in pineapple-shaped settings decorated with two large traditionally faceted diamonds of a grey and orange-brown colour also merit attention. Each of them holds a 19th century cameo in a diamond setting: one is an agate with a profile of a Moorish woman, the other is an onyx depicting the patron of the poets Horace and Virgil. A pair of brooches boasting amazing diamonds offer the wearer with an avant-garde opportunity: to transform the brooches into a laurel branch that can be worn as a hair clip.

Hemmerle pair of diamond brooch hair clips

Hemmerle pair of diamond brooch hair clips

This remarkable collection will be auctioned alongside an outstanding selection of precious stones from the 19th century to the present. All the jewellery will be on display at Sotheby’s Gallery in New Bond Street from 22nd to 25th November.

Feminine Finesse: Women at the Bench Crafting Jewellery Masterpieces

I am sure all of you have heard incredible things about the power of the human touch. The same can be said for handcrafted jewellery - an artisan's hands can breathe life into metal, transforming it into something precious that embodies beauty and charm

by Hirshi Sujanti

Slithering Success: The Best Year of the Snake Watches for Chinese New Year 2025

by Sarah Jordan

Knock on Wood: Precious Wooden Jewellery for Luck and Grounding 

Would you consider swapping gold and gemstones for wood?

by Rachael Taylor

Glorious Garnets: Why This Lesser-Known Gemstone is Undergoing a Renaissance

Found in the jewellery of Egyptian pharaohs and ancient Romans, the Victorians adored the red variety of garnet for which this gemstone is best known. Jewellery in the 19th century wasn’t just an accessory; it was a vehicle of expression

by Claire Roberts

Heavy Metal: The Trend For Bold Gold Medallions Gathers Pace

Medallions infused with meaning are hot property right now, as jewellery lovers fall for the symbolism and style of these statement designs.

by Rachael Taylor

New Horizons: Building a New Life in Hong Kong with Valentina Fine Jewellery 

Life can take you in unexpected directions – this is one thing I know for sure. Sometimes, though, these directions can lead to hugely exciting, life-altering events!

by Sarah Jordan

Star of Singapore: Exploring the Incredible Legacy of B.P. de Silva 

The brand’s heritage traces back more than 150 years and it is now run by the fifth generation of the founding family. It is a real destination.

by Katerina Perez

Subscription banner

Katerina PerezClub

Step into a universe devoted to jewellery that has been especially curated to indulge your passion, impart knowledge and inspire the next steps on your jewellery journey. Discover exclusive content you won’t find elsewhere.

join the club

Latest Stories

Add articles and images to your favourites. Just

Gem Focus:Brazil Gem Commerce

Discover a company specialising in the cutting and trading of Brazilian and African precious gems, including Paraiba, rubellite and morganite

by Katerina Perez

Continue Reading

Ask Katerina:Diamond Jewellery Styling Tips for Modern Dressing

Here are some of the answers I gave during the presentation to aid your jewellery dressing…

by Katerina Perez

Jewellery Insights straight to your inbox

Style Guide

By using this website, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. View our Privacy Policy for more information.