Max Verstappen’s signed Oracle Red Bull Racing 2023 Dutch Grand Prix race weekend worn overalls | Bonhams
The dark blue Oracle Red Bull Racing overalls worn by three-time Formula 1 World Champion Max Verstappen over the 2023 Dutch Grand Prix weekend will be offered in the Bonhams | Cars Abu Dhabi Auction Online from 17 – 30 November. Driving his Red Bull RB19, Verstappen finished in 1st position at the 2023 Dutch Grand Prix weekend in Zandvoort, in front of his home crowd, marking his 46th Grand Prix race victory. Signed by the World Champion with a Certificate of Authenticity from the Oracle Red Bull Racing Formula One Team, and estimated at £60,000 – £70,000, the overalls will be sold to benefit Red Bull’s Wings for Life charity. Verstappen is only the fifth driver in the sport’s history to win three consecutive championships, as well as joining an elite club of drivers who have won three or more World Championships.
“It’s a rare opportunity to offer Formula 1 racing overalls from such a globally renowned champion, especially when it comes from a race weekend that landed a victory in their home country – a triumph that holds a special place in the heart of any F1 driver,” commented James Garguilo, Specialist for Bonhams|Cars Automobilia Department.
Max Verstappen’s signed Oracle Red Bull Racing 2023 Dutch Grand Prix race weekend worn overalls | Bonhams
Red Bull’s Wings for Life charity was founded in 2004 by Red Bull owner Dietrich Mateschitz and the two-time motocross world champion Heinz Kinigadner after Heinz’s son Hannes suffered a spinal cord injury. The organization funds world class scientific research and clinical trials around the globe aimed at finding a cure for spinal cord injuries.
Emma Hind, CEO Wings for Life, commented, “Wings for Life are absolutely delighted to be partnering with Bonhams|Cars on this exclusive auction in line with the Abu Dhabi GP. Both Oracle Red Bull Racing and Max Verstappen are huge supporters of Wings for Life, and this championship race suit will help raise vital funds for pioneering research projects that have and will continue to change people’s lives.”
The online sale runs in conjunction with On the Grid: The Abu Dhabi Auction, in an exclusive partnership with Bonhams|Cars and the Formula 1 Paddock Club, taking place at the FORMULA 1® ETIHAD AIRWAYS ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX 2023 on 25 November.
Max Verstappen’s signed Oracle Red Bull Racing 2023 Dutch Grand Prix race weekend worn overalls | Bonhams
The 97-lot automobilia sale will include race-used helmets, F1 body panels, posters, signed pictures as well as replica gloves and helmets. Highlights include:
Alain Prost‘s 1984 race worn Dallas Grand Prix GPA helmet in his iconic design with marks and scratches from race wear, estimated at £10,000 – 12,000. An unforgettable race, the Dallas Grand Prix was a one-off event due to a number of heat-related issues which resulted in only 8 out of the 26 drivers making it across the finish line. Driving for McLaren, Prost was forced to retire on lap 56 after a collision with the wall resulted in a puncture.
Two of Valtteri Bottas’ helmets – one a 2020 AMG Mercedes Benz F1 signed helmet used during the Portugese Portimao and Italian Emilia Romagna race weekends, estimated at £11,000 – 15,000, and the other an Alfa Romeo F1 signed helmet used during the Inaugural 2022 Miami Grand Prix weekend in Friday’s practice session, estimated at £24,000 – 26,000.
A signed McLaren Mercedes race suit worn by Jenson Button during the 2011 Monaco Grand Prix where Button finished in 3rd place, estimated at £3,000 – 5,000.
A McLaren 620R Spider Bonnet signed by McLaren F1 drivers Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri, and CEO Zac Brown, estimated at £2,000 – 3,000. Proceeds from the sale of this lot will benefit ‘It’s Never You’ – a charity dedicated to supporting the parents of children with cancer.
Max Verstappen driving the Oracle Red Bull Racing RB19 on track during the F1 Grand Prix | Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos
Bonhams, founded in 1793, is one of the world’s largest and most renowned auctioneers, offering fine art and collectables, collectors’ cars and a luxury division, which includes jewellery, designer fashion, watches, wine, and whisky. In 2021 and 2022, Bonhams made a number of important acquisitions which form the wider Bonhams network. These include: Bukowskis, Bruun Rasmussen, Bonhams Skinner and Bonhams Cornette de Saint Cyr. Top lots for 2022 included a 1955 Porsche 550 Spyder (Sold for US$4,185,000), a pair of blue and white octagonal candlesticks (Sold for HK$30,453,00/ US$3,911,913), La femme en rouge au fond bleu by Chaïm Soutine (Sold for £1,842,300/ US$2,236,940), and a rare emerald and diamond Cartier bracelet (Sold for US$3,240,375).
Brooch Set with Rubies, Natural Pearls, and Diamonds from the Jewel Collection of Empress Eugénie, the Last Empress of France, Horovitz & Totah.
This exceptional brooch, adorned with rubies, natural pearls, and diamonds, once part of the vast jewel collection belonging to Empress Eugénie, the last Empress of France, was sold in late September to an anonymous buyer. Regrettably, this exquisite item will not be on display.
In its 7th edition, GemGenève proudly presents a poetic exhibition titled “The Pearl Odyssey.” This extraordinary showcase features over thirty exquisite jewels and outstanding pieces, embodying the show’s unwavering dedication to promoting the artistry of jewelry. Collaborating in this unprecedented venture, Chaumet, the Flee Project collective, a significant private collector, and various partner exhibitors have united to display their most magnificent items.
The exhibition, with its immersive ambiance, delves into the enchanting world of pearl divers in the Persian Gulf and beyond. The journey continues into a realm of creativity, unveiling imperial jewels, exceptional pearls, and exclusive historic pieces from esteemed private collections. These treasures reflect the diverse styles and fashions that have prevailed throughout the ages. The exhibition culminates in a scientific exploration, presenting the history of pearl study since the last century, organized with the support of the Swiss Gemmological Institute (SSEF). This segment focuses on the vital distinctions between natural and cultured pearls, providing a comprehensive overview of the expert techniques employed to assess the quality and origin of pearls from around the globe.
Bayadère Necklace, 1922–1924, by Joseph Chaumet
As Ronny Totah, an enthusiast and specialist in natural pearls, aptly puts it, “The perfect nature of natural pearls lies in their inherent imperfection, making each pearl unique, with its distinct size, shape, color, and sheen. From round to tear-shaped, pearls exhibit a mesmerizing array of hues, from pure white to dark black, including shades like pink, champagne, and iridescent blue-green reminiscent of insects’ wings.”
Pearls, once considered outdated and too traditional, have made a remarkable resurgence in the world of jewelry in recent years. Symbolizing wealth, prestige, and femininity, pearl jewels have transcended ages, fashions, and styles with unparalleled elegance. Constantly elevated by daring jewelers, pearls hold a special place in the history of jewelry. “The Pearl Odyssey” retraces the captivating story of pearls and their enduring tradition. Through a carefully curated selection of thirty outstanding pieces from esteemed private and heritage collections, alongside previously unseen projects and archival materials, visitors can explore the creativity and expertise developed around the world’s oldest jewel and delve into the science of pearls.
The Miracle of Pearls
Impressive Devant-de-corsage Ornament Brooch by Vever, 1900 – Faerber Collection
This striking Devant-de-corsage ornament brooch, created by Vever in 1900, is a remarkable piece from the Faerber Collection. The photograph is credited to Katharina Faerber, showcasing the intricate craftsmanship and timeless elegance of this extraordinary jewelry item.
Pearls are as marvelous as they are enigmatic. Whether through miracle or accident, a pearl-producing shellfish forms a tiny concretion that it envelops with thin layers of mother-of-pearl. Eventually, a natural pearl emerges, displaying colors ranging from bright white to dark black or shades of grey, blue, green, or purple. Oceans worldwide, from Japan to South America, Australia to Sri Lanka, and through the Mozambique Channel, have served as vital grounds for pearl diving throughout history. These marine gems have been sought after and admired for their beauty for millennia.
The oldest pearl harvested by humans, over 8,500 years old, was discovered in Mexico. In ancient China, pearls were offered to gods and sovereigns, captivating imaginations with their mysterious origins. From mermaids’ tears to dragon’s spit, the origins of pearls have inspired legends across cultures. During the Roman Empire, pearls symbolized luxury and fortune, experiencing their first golden age as the preferred jewel among the elite. For centuries, pearl divers risked their lives, diving up to forty meters deep in the Persian Gulf region, forming a rich heritage inseparable from the history of pearl farming.
Pearls in the History of Jewelry
Noble and elegant, pearls have fascinated jewelers across civilizations. The oldest piece of pearl jewelry, a three-row necklace of 216 pearls, was discovered in Iran in 1901, belonging to a Persian princess who lived over 2,500 years ago. From Catherine de Medici to Empress Eugénie, natural pearls have adorned powerful and influential women. The Renaissance marked a golden age of pearls, gracing jewelry sets, crowns, and embroidered garments.
In the nineteenth century, pearls experienced a renaissance, with mother-of-pearl elegance prized more than the sparkle of diamonds. Fabulous jewels emerged, featuring oversized versions of iconic pearl necklaces. Pearl jewelry underwent a renaissance, with renowned houses like Chaumet, Cartier, and Vever exploring creative avenues. Baroque pearls inspired extravagant designs, becoming limitless sources of inspiration for jewelers. Throughout Art Nouveau, the Roaring Twenties, and Art Deco eras, pearls adapted to the times, sublimated in daring and imaginative ways by jewelers.
Intriguing, timeless, and elegantly mysterious, pearls have truly stood the test of time, captivating hearts and minds across centuries. “The Pearl Odyssey” invites you to embark on this enchanting journey through the ages, appreciating the unique allure and enduring beauty of pearls in the world of jewelry.
The Science of Pearls
Wristwatches for Princess Augusta Amalia of Bavaria, circa 1811, by Nitot et Fils
The origins of cultured pearls trace back to the late nineteenth century in Japan, marking a pivotal moment in the world of jewelry. While William Saville-Kent cultivated a pearl in Australia, it was Kokichi Mikimoto who intentionally introduced a foreign body into an oyster, stimulating the secretion of mother-of-pearl around it, creating the first cultured pearl in 1893. By 1905, a method for producing perfectly spherical cultured pearls was developed, revolutionizing pearl farming.
This breakthrough, however, raised intriguing questions. Did cultured pearls possess all the qualities of their natural counterparts, formed without human intervention? Joseph Chaumet, a pioneer in gemmology, examined these new pearls in his lab in 1922. His research laid the foundation for pearl classification, differentiating between natural and cultured pearls. Over time, this expertise evolved, leading to the formalization of recognized terminology for classifying pearl-forming shellfish and their production. Today, laboratory analysis plays a vital role in assessing pearl quality and determining their origins.
These exquisite wristwatches, dating back to circa 1811, were crafted by Nitot et Fils. Made from gold, natural pearls, and emeralds, these timepieces are a testament to exquisite craftsmanship. They are part of the Chaumet Collection in Paris. The photograph is credited to Nils Herrmann, capturing the timeless beauty and elegance of the wristwatches once owned by Princess Augusta Amalia of Bavaria.
The Swiss Gemmological Institute (SSEF) stands as a global benchmarking laboratory for this specialized field since 1972. It is dedicated to research, education, and training of leading experts. SSEF offers training courses open to professionals and enthusiasts seeking to specialize in expert appraisals of natural pearls, cultured pearls, and freshwater pearls. The exhibition owes its existence to the support of Chaumet, the Flee Project collective, SSEF, a private collection, and collaborative efforts with partner exhibitors like Joseph Gad, Faerber Collection, Horovitz & Totah, Ocean Flame, Nicolas Torroni, among others. Special thanks are extended to Autre Idée design agency, Lumens8, Ferrari, Anglo-belge, and Hofer Antikschmuck for their valuable partnerships.
About GemGenève
GemGenève stands as a unique hub where jewelry designers, precious stone dealers, retailers, collectors, and enthusiasts converge. Over four days, it provides a platform to acquire exceptional pieces and be inspired by a community of gemmology and jewelry specialists. It’s not just an exhibition; it’s a laboratory of creativity and innovation, a space where recognized designers and emerging talents unite. GemGenève is a world of design, rare gems, and antique and contemporary jewelry.
The Bayadère necklace, crafted between 1922 and 1924 by Joseph Chaumet, is a remarkable piece of jewelry made from gold, platinum, natural seed pearls, sapphires, and diamonds. This exquisite creation is housed in the Chaumet Collection in Paris. The photograph is credited to Nils Herrmann, capturing the intricate details and timeless elegance of the Bayadère necklace.
Created by exhibitors, GemGenève fosters expression and exchange, encompassing passion, expertise, and education. It brings together the finest in the world of gemstones and jewelry, offering a glimpse into the intricate world of craftsmanship and artistry.
Event Details
Place | Date | Opening Hours: Address: Palexpo Hall 6, Route François-Peyrot 30, 1218 – Le Grand-Saconnex GE, Switzerland (Ten minutes’ walk from Geneva Airport) Dates: November 2 to 5, 2023 Opening Hours: 10 a.m. – 6.30 p.m. (Cash desk closes at 5.30 p.m., Sunday, November 5) Admission: CHF 50.00 (Valid for the entire duration of the exhibition; free admission for under-18s and students with a valid student card)
Pre-Event Schedule (Wednesday, November 1, 2023):
Guided Tour for Journalists: 10 a.m.
Press Conference: 11 a.m.
Preview: 2 p.m.
Opening Night: 6 p.m.
GemGenève invites you to immerse yourself in the enchanting world of pearls, where history, artistry, and science converge in a celebration of one of nature’s most captivating treasures.
Pearl and Diamond Bracelet by Cartier, 1962 – Faerber Collection
This exquisite Pearl and Diamond Bracelet, a creation by Cartier from 1962, is a stunning piece from the Faerber Collection. The photograph is credited to Katharina Faerber, capturing the timeless beauty and elegance of this remarkable bracelet.
Jean-David Malat is a distinguished celebrity art curator and owner of JD Malat Gallery. His collaborations with icons like Madonna, Kate Moss, Dolce & Gabbana, and Bono have solidified his prominence within the art world. Jean-David’s perspective within the art community stands out due to a unique blend of expertise, evoking admiration and garnering accolades. This quality makes him an engaging interviewee, as his insights possess the power to captivate and enlighten.
In your opinion, what are the most significant challenges facing the art world today, and how do you envision overcoming them?
A substantial challenge lies in ensuring visibility, accessibility, and opportunities for underrepresented artists. The market is saturated with numerous artists, many of whom lack proper guidance. It falls to gallerists and dealers to locate these talents, involving sifting through endless websites, social media, and graduate shows, engaging in conversations with them, and assisting in showcasing their work.
What are the top art trends that you are seeing, and how to capitalize on them?
Presently, abstract and female artists are driving gallery sales – we’ve consecutively hosted three exhibitions featuring female artists. Online sales are also pivotal for galleries, given the accessibility of online platforms and viewing rooms to collectors worldwide. Moreover, I’ve observed an increase in young collectors, both locally and internationally. Hence, maintaining personal engagement with visitors and cultivating a relatable social media presence that appeals to a diverse age range is vital.
Predicting with certainty is challenging, as it’s influenced by the economic landscape, though there seems to be a slight slowdown at present. Despite the multitude of options available to collectors through art fairs and galleries, I believe that art will remain a safe investment.
What makes a good art curator and how to find one?
A good art curator is someone who is genuinely passionate about their work and can be entrusted with contextualizing and portraying an artist’s work. I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with exceptional curators and have even allowed numerous art writers to curate exhibitions with us due to their substantial knowledge and research-driven approach. Young art advisors, in my experience, often excel as curators, offering fresh perspectives on various themes. My team has successfully taken on this responsibility.
Can you recall an exhibition that was particularly challenging to curate?
While not a specific one, a recurring challenge is the swift turnaround required for contemporary art exhibitions. Working within the constraints of a commercial gallery necessitates rapid execution without room for error.
How did you overcome the obstacles and achieve success?
Each day in this field presents challenges – you might have a successful show followed by several that don’t meet expectations. Yet, persistence is key. Despite the ups and downs, it’s crucial to continue experimenting and pushing forward.
As an art curator, you have access to a vast array of artworks. What criteria do you use to select pieces for your high-profile clients?
Understanding the client’s preferences and motivations is paramount. After grasping their tastes and objectives, I can then select artworks that align well with their preferences. Sometimes, a piece may be exceptionally rare or exquisite, and it might resonate with a specific client. Occasionally, clients embrace my suggestions for new artists or specific pieces even when they weren’t initially looking to purchase.
What skills must one possess to be a good art curator?
Strong research skills, a collaborative mindset, and a deep understanding of the intended audience.
Looking ahead, what are your future plans and aspirations as an art curator, and how do you envision further contributing to the global art scene?
My objective is to facilitate my artists’ international exhibitions and secure more museum acquisitions for them. Personally, I aim to continue leveraging my gallery to spotlight emerging talent and introduce their work to a global audience. We’re expanding with additional spaces and launching a residency program for young artists, starting in Iceland. Moreover, I intend to consistently bring new artists onto the global art stage.
Bonhams will present a Robert Colescott work in a single lot, while Sotheby’s new online fashion series includes Princess Diana’s famous black-sheep sweater
Bonhams will present a Robert Colescott work in a single lot, while Sotheby’s new online fashion series includes Princess Diana’s famous black-sheep sweater
The 7th edition of the exhibition catering to professionals and enthusiasts of precious stones and jewelry is scheduled to commence from Thursday, November 2nd, to Sunday, November 5th, within the premises of Palexpo Hall 6, the same venue as the November 2022 edition. Occupying an expansive 14,000 square meters of exhibition space, this event strategically coincides with the significant autumn auctions and other activities during the Geneva Luxury Week. The event’s organizers are diligently crafting a novel layout, set to be unveiled in due course.
As of now, 145 dealers and a total of 156 exhibitors have been meticulously selected to partake in the forthcoming November edition of the exhibition (Numbers subject to change; further updates expected in September 2023). The organizers are already projecting an exceptionally dynamic event, featuring more exhibitors compared to the November 2022 edition (which comprised 176, encompassing 144 dealers), while maintaining an elevated level of exclusivity compared to the May 2023 event (which accommodated 230 exhibitors and 192 dealers).
GemGenève | Photo by David Fraga
Several prominent attributes from past GemGenève events will transition into annual fixtures, notably the Designer Vivarium, which will become a regular highlight during spring editions. A similar approach will be applied to collaborations with educational institutions, including the ongoing partnership with HEAD and the Grand Theatre of Geneva, scheduled next in May 2024. Concurrently, the Donna Jewel project involving students from Galdus School and CREA EYES with Donatella Zappieri will become customary features during autumn editions.
We place equal significance on precious stones, jewelry creation, and design, as well as the cultivation of genuine solidarity by uniting the global community of precious stone traders, antique jewelry connoisseurs, designers, and all those who share a fervor for exquisite jewels.
Thomas Faerber, Co-founder of GemGenève
Co-founders of GemGenève, Thomas Faerber and Ronny Totah
Staying true to its distinct formula, GemGenève continues to serve as a trade fair conceived by exhibitors for exhibitors, extending its accessibility to the general public. The event serves as a distinctive platform dedicated to the realm of exceptional diamonds, precious stones, pearls, as well as antique and contemporary jewelry. It spotlights esteemed designers alongside emerging talents, fostering the involvement of prestigious educational institutions and nurturing the designers of tomorrow.
Beyond its role as a conventional trade exhibition, the event is increasingly prioritizing aspects of culture, youth engagement, training, and knowledge transmission. GemGenève is actively exploring novel avenues and initiatives for display. Under the guidance of Director Mathieu Dekeukelaire, the organizers are particularly committed to enhancing the cultural program’s caliber with each new edition.
The formal press conference is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Wednesday, November 1st. Subsequently, the Preview event, attended by local authorities, esteemed guests, and media representatives, will be held on the same day at 2 p.m.
GemGenève | Photo by David Fraga
Event Schedule
In its second iteration, GemGenève returns to the expansive Hall 6, offering a generous exhibition space of 14,000 square meters. While the venue remains consistent with the November 2022 event, the upcoming GemGenève distinguishes itself with a novel main entrance and an updated stand arrangement. This development is prompted by evolving requirements at the Palexpo center and the organizers’ commitment to enhancing the stand placements with each successive edition. The layout for this edition focuses on creating small coffee station-inspired spaces, well-defined main aisles, thoughtfully curated exhibition zones, and comfortable lounges.
Collaborating with the esteemed Parisian design firm Autre Idée since 2021, the organizers have chosen a fresh ambiance for the autumn edition. This new setting aims to encapsulate a mineral-infused yet intimate atmosphere, subtly infused with a touch of Japanese design elements.
GemGenève | Photo by David Fraga
Continuing the tradition of its six previous editions, GemGenève continues to gather an exclusive assembly of international dealers spanning the entire spectrum of the jewelry industry. At the core of this show, meticulously crafted with their preferences in mind, buyers and industry leaders converge to present a remarkable array of elusive pieces awaiting exploration and acquisition. The offerings range from everyday wearable affordable jewelry to antique gems with historical significance, and exceptional pieces that could easily grace museum collections, all the way to contemporary creations embodying the ingenuity of today’s emerging talents.
, taking place at the FORMULA 1® ETIHAD AIRWAYS ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX 2023 on 25 November.
