Luxury
Auctions in 2013 That Made History
From Francis Bacon’s “Three Studies of Lucian Freud” to the Original Apple-1 Computer, here are eight artworks and other memorables that were auctioned off in the year 2013.
Text: FWD Media Photos: Various Sources
The Forbes indicates that the world’s super-wealthy are turning ultra-wealthier. Even after the recession the wealth of mega-rich has been mounting, making the art-market activities more vigorous. A lot of money is being pooled into art-market which is considered to be an alternative investment.
Francis Bacon’s “Three Studies of Lucian Freud”:$142 million
The 1969 painting by the late Irish painter Francis Bacon was sold for a whopping $142 million this November at Christie’s in New York City, making it the most expensive artwork ever sold at an auction. “Three Studies of Lucian Freud”, depicts Freud seated on a wooden chair against an orange background.
Pablo Picasso’s “Le Reve” for $155 million
American hedge fund manager Steven Cohen bought Pablo Picasso’s “Le Reve” for $155 million from casino owner Steve Wynn. The 1932 oil painting by Pablo Picasso was earlier set up for auction in 2006 when Steve Wynn accidentally put his elbow through the painting. Steve Cohen, however never gave up on the deal, and after the extensive restoration work has managed to shell out the princely amount for the rare work of art. The private sale happened in March of 2013.
Gaitonde’s untitled painting goes under hammer for record Rs. 23.7 crore
World’s largest fine arts auction house, Christie’s debut auction, which took place at the Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai on was memorable, for the sale of a painting by Vasudeo S Gaitonde; it went under the hammer for Rs. 23.7 crore ($3.7 million), which marks a record sale for an Indian artist at any auction. The untitled artwork is an oil-on-canvas abstract painting portraying Zen Buddhism. It was sold to a telephone buyer after about seven minutes of bidding.
1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4*S Nart Spyder Sold for $27,500,000
Widely considered to be one of the most beautiful Ferraris ever made, the NART Spider is named for the company’s North American Racing Team, an early effort to promote Ferraris when they were just another Italian car trying to enter the U.S. market. Bidding started at $10 million, and quiItalianse to $16 million , before hammering at $25 million plus commission to an undisclosed bidder in the room.
Bob Dylan’s Stratocaster sold for $1 million
The Fender Stratocaster that Bob Dylan plugged in when he famously went electric at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival was sold for nearly $ 1 million- the highest price ever paid for a guitar at auction. The Sunburst Fender Stratocaster made rock history when he played it at the 1965 Newport folk festival. The Newport festival, in Rhode Island, was a defining moment for Dylan, marking his move from acoustic folk to electric rock’n’roll. Dylan’s guitar had been in the possession of a New Jersey family for nearly 50 years after the singer left ot on a private plane.
World’s largest orange diamond goes for $31.5M
A rare orange diamond, the largest known gem of its kind, was auctioned off for a record $31.5 million in Geneva. The price excluded another $4.04 million in taxes and commission. Christie’s have not revealed the identity of the man who made the purchase. The deep orange gemstone, which was found in South Africa, weighs a whopping 14.82 karats. Pure orange diamonds, also known as “fire diamonds”, are extremely uncommon and very few have been auctioned, with the largest never more than six karats.
Original Apple-1 Computer Auctioned for $387,750M
One of the first 25 Original Apple-1 Computers that were hand-built by Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak was recently sold for $387,750. The Apple-1 computer assembled in 1976, is inscribed with the serial number 01-0025, along with Wozniak’s signature, “Woz” . Beginning in 1976, the Apple Computer Company produced approximately 200 Apple-1 computers. The devices, which were designed by Wozniak and hand-built in Steve Jobs’ parents’ garage, were originally sold for $666.66.
Fetches $ 14M
The first book written in USA fetched $ 14.2 million in becoming the world’s most expensive printed book sold at auction. The translation of Biblical psalms “The Bay Psalm Book” was printed by puritan settlers in Cambridge, Massachusetts in 1640. Sotheby’s named the buyer as David Rubenstein, the billionaire American financier and philanthropist. He was in Australia and his bid was conducted by telephone.
Luxury
Cartier’s New High Jewellery Collection is a Love For The Wild
In 2021, the American Museum of Natural History in New York presented Beautiful Creatures, an exhibition showcasing some of the most eccentric jewellery designs of the past century. One standout piece was the iconic crocodile necklace of Mexican actress María Félix, a loyal Cartier patron. Félix, renowned for her bold sense of style, famously strolled into Cartier’s Paris store in 1975 with her pet crocodile, requesting a necklace in its likeness. Cartier delivered, crafting two intertwined crocodiles encrusted with over a thousand emeralds and yellow diamonds. For Félix, crocodiles symbolized freedom, an embodiment of the spirit she associated with Mexico’s Golden Age of cinema.
Fast forward to today, and Félix’s wildest dreams seem to have come to life at Cartier’s latest high jewellery collection, Nature Sauvage, previewed at the historic Kursalon Hübner gallery in Vienna. Among the star pieces is the Koaga necklace, a masterful creation where a zebra clasps an emerald-cut diamond and a 6.25-carat pear-shaped rubellite in its mouth. The zebra’s form is exquisitely rendered in alternating onyx stripes and pavé diamonds, making the creature feel almost lifelike.
The relationship between animals and jewellery has deep mythological roots, often glorified through rituals and symbolism. In ancient Egypt, scarab beetles were worn as earrings to signify respect for life’s cyclical nature. Meanwhile, in Hellenistic Greece, gods and goddesses took on the forms of winged creatures in adornment. So, what is it about animal-themed jewellery that continues to captivate us? According to Amanda Triossi, a jewellery historian based in Rome, the allure lies in our primal instincts: “Wearing wild animals like panthers or tigers gives one the sense of having conquered them. It’s empowering, as if you inherit the animal’s strength and attributes.”
Cartier captures this essence beautifully in its Amphista necklace. Featuring two intertwined snakes with diamond scales set with emeralds, their heads adorned with kite-shaped diamonds, the necklace echoes ancient Chinese philosophy’s yin-yang balance. The pièce de résistance? Nine octagonal Colombian emeralds, weighing a total of 14.72 carats.
Triossi also notes that many historical heroes are often depicted draped in the skins of animals they’ve vanquished, a symbol of triumph. Today, jewellery transforms that symbol into something precious and eternal—animal skins reimagined in imperishable materials.
Later that evening, at a celebration held at Vienna’s Kunsthistorisches Museum, the largest in Austria, the enchantment of Cartier’s collection was heightened. The museum’s octagonal domes featured paintings of animals dancing with angels, setting the stage for a magical night. Guests were greeted by masterpieces such as Rembrandt’s Self-Portrait and Caravaggio’s Madonna of the Rosary, alongside Cartier page boys in their signature red hats. The evening’s soundtrack, a seamless blend of Bach and Kygo, was curated by DJ Gillian Sagansky, lending a modern twist to the classical ambiance.
The following day brought another cultural adventure—a visit to Otto Wagner’s Villa, a stunning summer palace designed by the famed architect. The paintings adorning the villa’s walls depicted animals in various forms—some caught in purgatory, others wandering the biblical bardo, with alligators restlessly emerging from swampy landscapes.
Luxury
Indian Craftsmanship Meets Italian Savoir Faire : Rahul Mishra x Tod’s
Quiet luxury was expected to dominate for a while, with many predicting that the return of bold, extravagant fashion would take its time. However, maximalism seems to be making a swift comeback, especially in the realm of designer collaborations. Hot on the heels of the vibrant, print-heavy H&M x Anamika Khanna collection, another limited-edition line has arrived, celebrating opulent luxury: Rahul Mishra x Tod’s.
As part of Tod’s T-Factory project, which features exclusive collaborations with creative innovators, this marks Indian couturier Rahul Mishra’s debut in the international accessories space.
Mishra is a true ambassador of Indian design. Along with his wife Divya Mishra, he leads his eponymous label, which has brought the essence of India to the global stage in remarkable ways. A regular at Paris Fashion Week and the first Indian designer to showcase at Paris Haute Couture Week, his creations have adorned celebrities like Zendaya and Mark Zuckerberg, and have graced magazine covers in South Korea, China, and Europe. With such a path-defining legacy, it’s no surprise that Mishra and his visionary label were Tod’s natural choice for their first-ever Indian collaboration.
Mishra describes this collaboration as a beautiful fusion of “Italian craftsmanship serving as the canvas for Indian vision.” Tod’s iconic Gommino loafers and mules, along with the Di Bag and T Timeless shoulder bag, have been reimagined with intricate resham embroidery, crystals, and sequins—all meticulously hand-embroidered at Mishra’s atelier in Noida. “It was a technically challenging process that took time to perfect. I can confidently say these are some of the finest bags and shoes you’ll ever witness, in terms of craftsmanship and longevity. Such pieces are forever,” Mishra proudly shares.
Crafted entirely between India and Italy, the limited-edition pieces from this collection are a true love letter to the artisanal heritage of both nations. “There’s a beauty in the teamwork here,” Mishra explains. “We received raw materials from Italy and worked on integrating our embroideries seamlessly into their leather. The pieces were then sent back to Tod’s, where they transformed them into stunning, three-dimensional products. In that sense, it’s been a genuine collaboration between Italy and India.”
Mishra firmly believes that the future of global design will be shaped by a global Indian aesthetic. “Just as French, Italian, British, and Japanese designs are now seen as universal,” he explains. This collaboration marks a significant step in advancing that narrative. “When you push the boundaries of ‘handmade in India’ to be respected at the pinnacle of luxury, everything else will naturally follow,” he emphasizes.
Luxury
Timeless Jewelry Pieces to Invest in for a Lifetime
Yves Saint Laurent famously remarked, “Fashions fade, style is eternal,” and this sentiment perfectly encapsulates the essence of building a jewelry collection meant to last a lifetime. Certain classic pieces have transcended time, achieving iconic status and adding instant sophistication to any ensemble.
With the festive season approaching, it’s the perfect time to invest in jewelry that can be cherished for generations. These timeless creations, adored by Hollywood stars and royalty alike, are always a wise choice. From the instantly recognizable Cartier Love bangle to Chanel’s classic pearls, De Beer’s diamond studs, and Van Cleef & Arpels’ lucky Alhambra talisman, here are 10 truly special pieces to buy now and wear forever.
For those seeking more budget-friendly options, don’t forget to explore these affordable jewelry brands as well.
The Cartier Tank Watch
Introduced in 1919, the Cartier Tank Watch was inspired by the armored vehicles of World War I, with its sleek design reflecting the tracks of early tanks. Its timeless elegance has ensured a devoted following ever since.
The Tiffany & Co. Open Heart Pendant
Designed by Elsa Peretti, who joined Tiffany & Co. in 1974, the Open Heart pendant features a sleek, open-centered heart inspired by Henry Moore’s sculptures. Its modern yet classic design remains a favorite.
The Chanel Pearl Earrings
Pearls add an instant touch of sophistication, and Chanel’s pearl earrings are a perfect example. Coco Chanel famously adored pearls, and her fashion house continues to celebrate them with elegant designs that remain stylish.
The Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Necklace
First launched in 1968, the Alhambra necklace is inspired by the Alhambra Palace in Spain. Its design, featuring clover-shaped motifs and vibrant semi-precious stones, remains a Van Cleef & Arpels signature.
The Bulgari Serpenti Watch
Since the 1940s, Bulgari’s Serpenti collection has embodied the allure of the serpent. Elizabeth Taylor’s famous appearance wearing the Serpenti watch in “Cleopatra” cemented its iconic status.
The Boodles Diamond Tennis Bracelet
Popularized by tennis player Chris Evert in the 1970s, this elegant bracelet features a continuous row of diamonds, making it a versatile piece that complements any outfit.
The Piaget Cuff Bracelet
Piaget, originally a watchmaker, began crafting exquisite gold jewelry in 1961. The stackable gold bangles, inspired by Mediterranean hues, offer a touch of sunny warmth.
The Harry Winston Cluster Earrings
Renowned for handling some of the world’s most famous diamonds, Harry Winston’s cluster earrings, with their dazzling pear and marquise-cut diamonds, continue to be a symbol of glamour.
The Cartier Love Bracelet
Created in 1969 by Aldo Cipullo, the Cartier Love bracelet is an iconic piece symbolizing eternal love. Its unique design, secured with tiny screws, has made it a beloved classic.
Investing in these pieces ensures you’ll have timeless, elegant additions to your jewelry collection that will continue to bring joy for years to come.
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