Lot 228. The property of Madame Hélène Rochas. A Mystery-Set Ruby Magnolia Brooch, by Van Cleef & Arpels, 1968. Estimate: CHF 180,000 - CHF 240,000/ USD 190,000 - USD 255,000. Price realised CHF 341,000. © Christie's Image Ltd 2013

Geneva - Following the successful auction of the contents of Hélène Rochas‟ famous Parisian apartment last autumn, we are delighted to present Madame Rochas‟ sophisticated jewellery collection which will be offered in Christie‟s Geneva sale of Magnificent Jewels on 12 November.

If a name can be a symbol of the Elégance à la française, then the name Hélène Rochas (1927-2011) is certainly synonymous with it. The wife of famous French fashion designer Marcel Rochas, whom she had met during World War II, she was his muse and source of inspiration. Being only 28 when her beloved husband died, she took over the „Perfume‟ branch of the company and proved to be a great business woman, launching many famous fragrances.

Madame Rochas was known for her impeccable elegance, great style and beauty and was a very popular socialite, member of the „Café Society‟, organizing sumptuous parties such as the „My Fair Lady‟ ball, held in June 1965, in the Bois de Boulogne, Paris.

François de Ricqlés, President Christie’s France: “Last autumn, Christie’s Paris offered at auction the marvellous collection of Hélène Rochas. The great success it achieved constituted the ultimate homage to the one who assembled it in her beautiful Parisian home. Madame Rochas’ family has now entrusted Christie’s with the sale of her jewellery collection and this demonstration of trust is for us such an honour and joy. A joy mixed with emotion, as nothing could be more evocative then her jewels; they remind us of the woman who wore them, of who she was. The brooches and the bangles by René Boivin, Van Cleef & Arpels and Fulco di Verdura may well trace her portrait. They reflect her elegance, which embodied the ‘chic parisien’ and are irradiated by the special grace of women such as her, the ‘beautiful Madame Hélène Rochas’, as her admirers and friends used to refer to her”.

Featuring 18 exquisite jewels, the collection of Madame Rochas fully reflects her unique taste. From a refined mystery-set ruby Magnolia brooch by Van Cleef & Arpels (illustrated above; estimate: SFr.180,000-240,000 / US$190,000-255,000) to a rare and bold tiger shoulder brooch by René Boivin (illustrated below; estimate: SFr.180,000-240,000 / US$190,000-255,000), each piece represents the very essence of the style of this true „Grande dame‟.

Lot 228. The property of Madame Hélène Rochas. A Mystery-Set Ruby Magnolia Brooch, by Van Cleef & Arpels, 1968. Estimate: CHF 180,000 - CHF 240,000/ USD 190,000 - USD 255,000. Price realised CHF 341,000. © Christie's Image Ltd 2013

Lot 235. The property of Madame Hélène Rochas. A Diamond, Coloured Diamond and Emerald ‘Tiger’ Shoulder Brooch, By René Boivin. Estimate CHF 180,000 - CHF 240,000. Price realised CHF 677,000. Image credit Denis Hayoun Diode SA Geneva. © Christie's Image Ltd 2013.

Lot 231. The property of Madame Hélène Rochas. Three sapphire, ruby or diamond ‘Honeycomb’ bracelets, by René Boivin. Estimate CHF 60,000 - CHF 75,000. Price realised CHF 161,000. © Christie's Image Ltd 2013.

Each bracelet designed as a flexible bombé band with honeycomb-shaped scales set with rubies, sapphires or diamonds, 1950s, 20.0 cm each, with French assay mark for gold. By René Boivin (3).

Lot 233. The property of Madame Hélène Rochas. A Pair of Cultured Pearl And Diamond ‘Algues’ Ear Clips, by René Boivin. Estimate CHF 12,000 - CHF 18,000. Price realised CHF 106,250. © Christie's Image Ltd 2013.