Stories

Christie’s upcoming auction will feature 25 magnificent pieces from JAR, a dear friend of the Goldberg family. Coveted by jewelry collectors and style icons around the world, most admirers never have the chance to acquire a piece by Paris-based American designer Joel Arthur Rosenthal, known as JAR.

Collectors will soon have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to obtain pieces from the renowned fine jeweler — a collection of 25 jewels by JAR, accumulated by an important art and jewelry collector, will be sold at Christie’s Magnificent Jewels auction in Geneva on May 17. Featuring earrings, rings, and brooches, it will be the largest collection of JAR pieces to ever appear at auction, with each piece holding a story rich in innovative artistry.

Known for his nature-inspired, sculptural works, JAR pairs unusual gemstones with non-traditional materials, creating wearable masterpieces. Many pieces are meticulously set in a blackened, silver-gold alloy, which he developed as a signature of his artistic vision.

JAR only produces around 70 pieces a year, and his creations have found their way into the collections of celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow, Diane von Furstenberg, and Ellen Barkin. While he refuses public interviews and is very selective about who he will see in his Paris salon, Joel is a dear family friend to the Goldbergs, a bond that transcends the realms of fashion and commerce.

A Decades-Long Relationship Between JAR and the Goldbergs: Crafting Memories and Masterpieces

The friendship between William Goldberg and Joel Rosenthal (JAR) goes back decades, rooted in their shared passion for diamonds, gemstones and exceptional design. Bill Goldberg would often sit with Joel and his longtime partner Pierre, sharing stories of rare and beautiful gems he had seen or acquired.

One such instance was when Bill Goldberg told Joel about two exquisite diamonds he had found — an orange and a white diamond — and that he wished to turn them into a unique gift for his wife, Lili. Joel, ever the artist, said, “Give them to me and let me make something for Lili.” The two diamonds became beautiful earrings reminiscent of flowers, set in platinum and rhodium plated.

After Mr. Goldberg's passing in 2003, Joel continued to be a close friend to the Goldberg family, honoring their bond by crafting bespoke pieces for the family. When Joel was at the Basel Jewelry Fair in Switzerland, Eve Goldberg showed him her mother’s emerald ring, which she always wore. While she loved it, she was trying to create something new and different with the stone. Once again, Joel said, “Let me have it, I want to design something for you.”

Eve wears this stunning ring every day as a pinky ring, a constant reminder of the enduring friendship between the two families. Joel even designed a ring for Eve’s daughter Beatrice to commemorate her wedding day, and a beautiful blue diamond ring for Saul’s daughter Rose after visiting Joel’s atelier in Paris one day, extending the legacy of their connection to the next generation.

Own a Piece of JAR's Artistry

The reputation of JAR precedes the man and his magnificent atelier — he is truly a legend. Without a doubt, he is one of the most collectible designers alive today and referred to as the “Fabergé of our time,” by Belgian designer Diane Von Furstenberg. In 2013, he was the first to have an exhibition devoted to a contemporary artist of gems at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, solidifying his place in the annals of jewelry history.

Prepare to be part of this extraordinary event as Christie's Magnificent Jewels auction in Geneva on May 17 brings together collectors, enthusiasts, and admirers of JAR's incredible work. Ensure you don't miss out on the chance to own a piece of jewelry that embodies the essence of extraordinary art and legacy.