The Estate of Lívia Törley of Csantavér

Fine Jewels & Timepieces Auction Mon 27 Jun, 6pm MELBOURNE As a jewellery specialist, it is always exciting to handle collections with an interesting provenance. As a part of the June Fine Jewels & Timepieces auction, we are delighted to present a collection of jewels from The Estate of Lívia Törley of Csantavér. Featuring ten pieces of fine and collectable jewellery from the 19th and 20th centuries, jewellery connoisseurs are presented with a unique opportunity to acquire a collectable European piece.

Lívia Törley was born in Hungary’s capital Budapest in 1923, at a time of enormous social and political upheaval within central Europe. The Törley family are associated with Csantavér, a large village situated in the modern-day province of Vojvodina, Serbia, from as far back as the 17th century. Whilst ancestors of the Törley family were involved in the Hungarian War of Independence (1848 – 49) the family name became particularly well known due to Lívia’s Great Uncle, József Törley. In 1882, he established the Törley Champagne Company after observing that the soil and growing conditions in Budafok, Hungary were similar to that of the Champagne region of France. Törley was very successful and contributed significantly to the Hungarian economy throughout the 20th century.

Lívia Törley’s jewels date from the Austro-Hungarian Empire period between 1867 and 1918, through to the mid-20th century. With a close proximity to Germany, Austro-Hungarian jewellery was influenced by Holbeinesque and Renaissance revival movements, and colourful gemstones were favoured. Elements of these specific influences are exemplified in Lot 91, a decorative emerald bracelet. Bearing the silver mark for Hungary and a maker’s mark for jeweller Karl Tauböck, the bracelet features oversized panels of emeralds set within elaborate gilt borders.

Also included in the collection are two beautiful cluster rings set in platinum (Lots 87 and 88) from the early 20th century. Each set with an old European-cut diamond, weighing 1.88 carats and 2.02 carats respectively within a fine scalloped surround, these rings have a timeless quality that makes them extremely wearable for the current day. An outstanding piece within the collection is a breathtaking diamond bracelet modelled in platinum. With open geometric links set throughout with old European and single cut diamonds totalling 13.74 carats, this bracelet is a wonderful example of the architectural design elements that characterise jewellery of the Art Deco era.

The Estate of Lívia Törley of Csantavér will be included as Lots 84 to 93 in the June Fine Jewels & Timepieces auction held on June 27th. The collection will be available for virtual viewings and at our Adelaide, Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne showrooms ahead of the auction.

OPPOSITE: Platinum and Diamond Bracelet $15,000 – 20,000

ABOVE: 14ct Gold, Silver, Pearl and Diamond Necklace $2,500 – 3,500

RIGHT: József Törley

BELOW: 18ct Gold, Silver, Enamel and Diamond Ring $3,000 – 5,000

BETHANY MCGOUGAN / Head of Fine Jewels & Timepieces