THE BRILLIANT HISTORY OF THE CHRISTIE'S AUCTION HOUSE - ONE OF THE MOST RESPECTED IN THE WORLD - BEGINS IN 1766, WHEN THE ENGLISH ANTIQUE, JAMES CHRISTIE ORGANIZED THE FIRST BIDDING. And immediately made a bet on elitism. ONE OF ITS FIRST PRIVATE CLIENTS BECAME THE RUSSIAN EMPRESS EKATERINA II, WHICH I ACQUIRED WITH THE MOST OF JAMS, THE FAMOUS COLLECTION OF SIR ROBERT WALPOLE, BECAUSE OF WOODWOOD. THEREFORE, THE CHRISTIE'S HISTORICAL RELATIONS WITH RUSSIA HAVE ADDED MORE THAN TWO CENTURIES BACK.
This year, an elite trader celebrated the 15th anniversary of exhibition activity in Russia. Over the years, the House has presented expositions of Russian art masterpieces in the Kremlin, the Tretyakov Gallery and the Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts. In October, on the territory of the Multimedia Art Museum in Moscow, the work of the outstanding artist Vasily Kandinsky "Sketch for Improvisation No. 8" was exhibited, which will be auctioned off in November in New York. At the same time, masterpieces of world painting, luxurious jewelry and watches were demonstrated to an exquisite public at a private show in the Fashion House of Valentin Yudashkin.
The social event was attended by collectors and art lovers, representatives of large business and the media. And a few days later, this private collection, prepared to participate in the auction, arrived in Dubai.
Masterpieces and Fair of Flavors
The office of Christie's House in Dubai was opened in April 2005, and the first auction in the Middle East took place the following year: with a full house, international fine art created by our contemporaries from Arab countries, Iran, India, Pakistan and the West went under the hammer. In 2007, jewelry and watches were also added to the auction collection. Over the past few years, Christie's customers in the Middle East, who have put up for sale items from their private collections, have earned over US $ 225 million. Meanwhile, around the world, the auctioneer earned about US $ 5.7 billion last year - as in open bidding, so thanks to private sales.
Representatives of the House - Julien-Vincent Bruni, international director of private sales, and Alexandra Kindermann, director of public relations of the House in the House told us about why it is profitable to purchase Christie's jewelry masterpieces, the special taste of Russian and Arab buyers, and about investments in jewelry. Russia, the Middle East and Switzerland.
Julien, what new and unique are you presenting in Dubai today in the private sales segment?
We present an exclusive collection of diamonds, emeralds, sapphires and rubies, including such well-known brands as Van Cleef and Arpels and Harry Winston. They are available year round for connoisseurs of true art. No need to wait for the auction to purchase them. We represent them here in Dubai, where knowledgeable people gather, including from Russia, where those who truly appreciate masterpieces and understand them live.
Some people have aristocracy in their blood. Others have only recently made their fortune. And for those, and for others - what is the reason to come for Christie's jewelry, and not buy them in a company boutique?
When customers come to Christie's, they enter the largest possible supplier network. We buy and sell to private clients, and work as brokers for a commission. Our business model, in comparison with the retail market, is very competitive. We do not put in the price of goods for an advertising campaign, boutique service and staff salaries. You may find similar products, but the price will vary. More and more competent buyers are looking for the price-quality ratio that we offer.
What is your main pride in this collection, and what item do you expect will become a bestseller?
Each product is unique, but we are especially proud of the color stones and their quality. I really like the GERARD sapphire necklace. But, again, I repeat, they are all magnificent.
How do you assess the taste of customers and select collections for different regional markets?
In Dubai, there are a lot of Russians and Emirates, and, in principle, people who are versed in jewelry. I have to say that Russian buyers especially value quality, during exhibitions we carefully monitor what they are interested in, and get the opportunity to predict their choice. They have a very good taste, largely because they travel often. However, the main secret of success: the right product for the right price from the seller.
Alexandra, last year we were shocked by the collection of jewelry that belonged to Elizabeth Taylor. What happened at an auction in New York? How many products were sold?
All 80 exhibits were sold. During that auction, we set a world fees record - US $ 116 million. It was a grand auction, and they once again reminded the popularity of this world star.
You are responsible for three such different markets - Russia, the Middle East and Switzerland. What can you say about the taste of customers and their preferences in these countries?
For example, in Geneva, we present watches and wines at the auction. As for Russian buyers, they mainly buy art objects in London and New York, since we do not conduct public auctions in Russia - we only organize exhibitions. However, many collectors purchase jewelry or painting in Russia privately. We sell products in 80 categories, from posters with James Bond to antique furniture, and in each of them Russian buyers find something for themselves.
Julien, and where do Russian buyers invest most often?
They prefer colored stones, especially diamonds - yellow, pink, blue. I can appreciate rare stones as a very effective investment. If you know, over the past 10 years, the market price for diamonds has doubled. This is a very liquid asset and a profitable investment.
Alexandra, Julien, allow me to thank you for the fascinating tour of the exposition and the interesting conversation.
