Pre-Auction Analysis: May 10th, 2023, Christie’s Geneva

Pre-Auction Analysis: May 10th, 2023, Christies Geneva, The World of Heidi Horten: Magnificent Jewels Part I

Heidi Horten’s jewelry collection, is a true testament to her diversed taste and love for diamonds of all colors and qualities. Her affinity for fancy color diamonds is evident, particularly her fascination with the warm undertone pink color diamonds and jewelry with heart-shapes. From impressive monochromatic sets like the orangey pink set, to the stunning yellow pear-shaped ensemble, she was unafraid to explore diamonds in all their splendor. It is clear that she was a true collector at heart, unconcerned to appreciate the diamond’s beauty of different qualities.

However, while Heidi Horten’s jewellery collection is undoubtedly impressive, it is important to remember the controversy source of her late husband’s wealth. Helmut Horten, a German entrepreneur, made his fortune through a chain of department stores. However, it has been widely reported that his initial wealth was built upon buying houses of Jews who were taken from their homes to concentration camps during World War II. This raises a moral question about the Horten family’s participation as buyers in these circumstances, and their contribution to the accumulation of wealth through such means. While the collection itself is remarkable, it is important to remember the ethical concerns surrounding its acquisition.                                  

Our Christie’s Geneva Pre-Auction Analysis focuses on elements that are not always visible to the untrained eye. We discuss characteristics such as Inner-Grade, Color Dispersion, and Undertone – collectively termed IDU. Professionals use the IDU method intuitively when analyzing a Fancy Color Diamond. The acronym we use makes these elements easier to remember. 

Members who read this analysis should see it as a valuable supplement to the GIA report. A detailed explanation of the FCRF’s grading methodology can be found at the end of this article. We recommend reviewing it closely to broaden one’s professional vocabulary for describing fancy color diamonds to clients.  

Please note that we analyze and grade diamonds under LED lights and relative to their grade on the GIA report.

The Grades

We use grades 1, 2, 3, and 4, with 1 being the lowest grade. Grade “4+” is granted in rare cases and denotes stones with exceptional characteristics. Stones that receive a minimum total IDU score of 9 without a red remark pass the industry premium threshold and can be traded easily. Fancy Color Diamonds that are graded 10 or above (without a quality remark) are usually sought after by high-end jewelers and collectors.

For your convenience, we have added direct links to diamonds’ GIA reports and FCRF rarity stats.

• All images in this analysis were taken with an iPhone 13 Pro; no filters were applied.
• All auction valuations are per-carat and listed in US Dollars.

Disclaimer

This analysis reflects the opinions of the FCRF professional team. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or not buy a particular diamond. Buyers assume the responsibility of verifying any information with the auction house. At times, mistakes can happen in the visual analysis and report placement. Therefore, one should not rely solely on this analysis for buying purposes.

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Lot: 4

Description: 1.79 ct, Fancy Intense Blue, Marquise, VVS1 

Analysis: 

A Fancy Intense blue marquise with a