Key points
- The Schlumberger legacy stands as a celebration of the beauty born when imagination meets craftsmanship—a reminder that fine jewelry and art share a common soul, both intended to move and inspire.
- Originally gifted by Dalí to São Schlumberger, the second wife of Pierre Schlumberger, the necklace first made headlines in 2014 when it sold for $665,000 at a Sotheby’s auction—far exceeding its high estimate.
- Designed by Salvador Dalí in 1954 and brought to life by New York jeweler Carlos Alemany in 1963, the Swirling Sea Necklace remains one of the most exquisite examples of Dalí’s artistic genius translated into fine jewelry.
Gems and Jewelry News: A Legendary Collection Comes to Light
Sotheby’s is set to unveil The Schlumberger Collection, a breathtaking assembly of jewelry, art, and design treasures once owned by the late Anne Schlumberger—the French-born architect, philanthropist, and renowned arts patron. The international auction series, beginning on October 21, is expected to generate more than $85 million. The event celebrates not only a life steeped in artistic passion but also a rare legacy that bridges surrealism, craftsmanship, and timeless beauty. Among the highlights of this Gems and Jewelry News report is Salvador Dalí’s Swirling Sea Necklace, an extraordinary creation that perfectly captures the spirit of surrealist innovation and luxury design.
Salvador Dalí’s surreal Swirling Sea Necklace headlines Sotheby’s $85 million Schlumberger Collection auction
Image Credit: Sotheby’s
Dalís Surreal Swirling Sea Necklace Steals the Spotlight
Designed by Salvador Dalí in 1954 and brought to life by New York jeweler Carlos Alemany in 1963, the Swirling Sea Necklace remains one of the most exquisite examples of Dalí’s artistic genius translated into fine jewelry. The masterpiece shimmers with 61 sapphires (48.27 carats), 61 emeralds (89.97 carats), 67 diamonds (4.74 carats), 125 Oriental pearls, and a large South Sea pearl at its center. Originally gifted by Dalí to São Schlumberger, the second wife of Pierre Schlumberger, the necklace first made headlines in 2014 when it sold for $665,000 at a Sotheby’s auction—far exceeding its high estimate. Its current estimated value stands between $350,000 and $585,000, though collectors anticipate it could once again surpass expectations.
The Artistic Vision of Anne Schlumberger
Anne Schlumberger, who passed away in April at the age of 85, was born into one of France’s most prominent families. Her father, Pierre Schlumberger, was a leading oil magnate and art collector, while her mother, Claire Simone Schwob d’Hericourt, hailed from French aristocracy. During World War II, Anne’s family relocated to Houston, Texas, where her appreciation for culture, architecture, and design flourished. Over the decades, she cultivated a distinctive collection that merged European sophistication with a modern, forward-thinking artistic sensibility.
Beyond Jewelry the Allure of Surreal Design
While Dalí’s necklace serves as the emotional centerpiece of the auction, The Schlumberger Collection extends far beyond jewelry. Among its highlights is François-Xavier Lalanne’s 1976 Hippopotame Bar—a playful, hippopotamus-shaped bar cart expected to sell for more than $7 million. Sotheby’s describes the ensemble as “an eclectic and multi-century assemblage reflecting both the dynastic heritage of the Schlumberger family and Anne Schlumberger’s independent eye.” Each piece, from surrealist art to mid-century design, embodies her deep curiosity and commitment to creative expression.
Global Auctions Celebrating a Visionary Legacy
The sales will unfold across Paris, Hong Kong, and New York, giving collectors worldwide a rare opportunity to own works from a family synonymous with taste, innovation, and artistry. The Schlumberger legacy stands as a celebration of the beauty born when imagination meets craftsmanship—a reminder that fine jewelry and art share a common soul, both intended to move and inspire.
Anne Schlumberger’s world was one where art transcended material form, where surrealism met elegance, and where design reflected an endless pursuit of beauty. The Sotheby’s auction will ensure that her legacy continues to inspire collectors and dreamers for generations to come.
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