Colorful Whimsy: Jewels by Michele della Valle

Michele della Valle, who was born in Rome, began designing costume jewelry at the age of 16. Della Valle purchased his first gemstone during a trip to Burma in 1976 and on the advice of friends, he showed it to Roger Varenne, the legendary stone dealer, who suggested that he take the gem to Christie's. There he met Hans Nadelhoffer, who was running the jewelry department at the time. These events contributed to the significant development of della Valle's career as a precious stone dealer and jewelry designer. He went on to work for Fürst Jewellers in Via Veneto, Rome, the local representative for Harry Winston. In 1978, della Valle opened his own workshop in Rome's Piazza di Spagna and began travelling regularly to Asia sourcing more precious stones. He was quickly recognized as a reputable designer, acquiring famous clientele such as film stars and opera singers throughout Italy. His access to quality gemstones and keen design sense led to a collaboration with Bulgari on special orders. In 1987, he moved to Geneva and developed the line of jewelry which now bears his name.

Christie’s is pleased to present 65 fabulous jewels by Michele della Valle—all offered without reserve—which highlight the artist’s use of dazzling colored gemstones to bring whimsical designs to life.  Throughout his imaginative career, della Valle has stayed true to his love of colorful gemstones used in unexpected ways, and drawing inspiration from nature: carving pastel pink opals into billowing flower petals, using richly saturated red agate as cherries suspended from diamond stems, applying brilliant yellow sapphire pavé to enliven lemons as if fresh from a morning dew. We look forward to welcoming you into della Valle’s world of fine jewels and colorful whimsy with this dazzling online-only capsule sale.