A ruby and diamond ring, by Buccellati. Estimate CHF6,000 – CHF8,000 ($6,099 - $8,132). Photo Christie's Image Ltd 2015

The oval-shaped ruby set in a circular-cut diamond openwork surround, ring size 6¼, mounted in platinum, in blue leather Buccellati case. Signed Buccellati 

The property of an Italian collector 

Notes: In 1903, Mario Buccellati began an apprenticeship in goldsmithing at Beltrami e Besnati in Milan, and in 1919 he opened his frst shop in Via Santa Margherita. In the following years, the fame of Buccellati jewels began to attract the attention of royalty all over the world. In 1925 he opened a shop in Rome, in Via dei Condotti, followed in 1929 by one in Florence, in Via Tornabuoni, and it was in 1953 that a shop in New York opened.

When Mario Buccellati died in 1965, the jewellery house went into the hands of his sons who each kept part of the responsibilities, continuing their father’s legacy by preserving all his ideas. Gianmaria and Federico each launched brands under their own names, maintaining the tradition of elegance of the Buccellati family.

Today, the Italian house carries on creating their very distinctive jewellery in the respect of the family’s values and characteristics for impeccable execution and strong design, now under the supervision of Andrea Buccelatti, Gianmaria’s son.

Today the Italian house is owned by the private equity fund Clessidra SGR.

Christie's. GENEVA MAGNIFICENT JEWELS, 10 November 2015, Geneva