Auction house Sotheby’s Dubai is accustomed to hosting remarkable items, but its present display of jewellery is in a different league even to its own vaulted standards.
A selection of pieces ahead of three different sales are currently on display until Wednesday. One is a jewellery sale that will take place in New York. Another is Treasures of Time, a private collection of impeccable Patek Phillipe watches dating back to the 1940s that will be up for sale in Geneva on November 10, while the third is the Rare and Noble Jewels sale, of magnificent jewellery going under the hammer on November 13, also in Geneva.
Included in the display are gems from the personal collection of Tsar Ferdinand of Bulgaria (1861-1948), which includes bracelets, cufflinks and tie pins, many with coloured gems. There is an elegant tie pin, decorated with five different colours of diamonds, including a beautiful pear-shaped blue-grey diamond weighing 2.08 carats. It is considered an important piece and experts estimate it will fetch between 450,000 Swiss Francs and 600,000 Swiss Francs (Dh1,907,784 and Dh2,543,713).
There is also a historical sapphire, ruby and diamond bracelet, circa 1880, of three fleur-de-lys motifs, set with cushion-shaped, oval and circular-cut rubies and sapphires, with a sale estimate of 26,000 Swiss Francs to 42,000 Swiss Francs (Dh110,144 to Dh177,936).
Also on display is a diamond and sapphire brooch, made by Faberge, circa 1909. Made as a 'knotted' circle of gold, with a bar set with the stones, it was created for the Russian imperial family and has an estimated value of $6,000 to $8,000, (Dh22,035 to Dh29,380).
The centrepiece of the exhibition, however, is a long "scarf" of white diamonds that dates back to the late 18th century. Given how little jewellery from this period survives – most were broken up and remade as tastes changed – this necklace is exceptional for multiple reasons.
Its shape is highly unusual. Made as a 670mm straight strip of diamonds, it comprises three rows of old cushion-shaped and circular-cut white diamonds that end in a pair of old cushion-shaped diamond tassels. It is made using different-sized diamonds to create depth, and hinged to emulate the drapery of fabric, for a trompe-l’œil effect.
Described by Andres White Correal, chairman of Sotheby's jewellery as “a sublime survivor from the opulent court life of the Georgian era,” this remarkable piece was once owned by the Marquess of Anglesey and has appeared at two British coronations. In 1959, it was part of The Ageless Diamond Loan exhibition in London, alongside many famous aristocratic diamond jewels including pieces owned by Queen Elizabeth II.
Designed to be worn draped around the neck with no fastening, the necklace's own weight holds it securely in place. It also comes with another possible link to royalty.
While impossible to verify, the necklace may – in part at least – be linked to the ill-fated French queen Marie Antoinette, and the notorious “Affair of the Diamond Necklace” incident that began her downfall.
The incident was believed to have taken place between 1784 and 1785. Antoinette was accused of refusing to pay for a diamond necklace she had allegedly ordered while, in reality, she declined to buy a necklace someone else had made. However, already unpopular it helped turn public opinion against her further and set in motion an uprising that would end the French monarchy a few years later.
Given the size, weight and age of the necklace in the Sotheby's sale – and how rare and expensive such diamonds were at that time – it is not inconceivable that some of the stones from the Anglesey necklace may have originated from the necklace linked to Antoinette.
Although it is impossible to verify, the Anglesey necklace is in its original 18th-century setting, with approximately 300 carats of diamonds set in silver backed with gold. With or without the link to the French monarchy, the necklace is regarded as historically significant, and Sotheby's has set an estimate of between 1,600,000 Swiss Francs and 2,200,000 Swiss Francs (Dh6,783,679 and Dh9,327,559).
Alongside, there is also a collection of archaeological revival jewellery made by Giacinto Melillo (1846-1915), who was considered one of the masters of replicating ancient techniques.
Included is a gold necklace, circa 1870, that is almost an exact reproduction of a necklace from the fifth century BC found in Puglia. Made as circle of gold chains, from this hang golden acorns, heads of Silenus, lotus flowers and floral motifs. It has an estimate of 18,000 to 26,000 CHF (Dh76,312 to Dh110,218).
The selection of watches from the Treasure of Time sale include some of Patek Philippe's rarest and most important references, as well as early A Lange & Sohne watches, and rare Vacheron Constantin chronographs.
All from one private collector, the sale includes a 1948 Patek Patek Philippe watch in pink gold. With Reference 1518 – considered a landmark in watchmaking as the world’s first serially produced perpetual calendar chronograph – this exceptionally rare piece has an estimate of 1,500,000 Swiss Francs to 3,000,000 Swiss Francs (Dh6,360,214 to Dh12,720,428).
BMW M5 specs
Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor
Power: 727hp
Torque: 1,000Nm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh650,000
'Skin'
Dir: Guy Nattiv
Starring: Jamie Bell, Danielle McDonald, Bill Camp, Vera Farmiga
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
Best Foreign Language Film nominees
Capernaum (Lebanon)
Cold War (Poland)
Never Look Away (Germany)
Roma (Mexico)
Shoplifters (Japan)
COMPANY PROFILE
Initial investment: Undisclosed
Investment stage: Series A
Investors: Core42
Current number of staff: 47
The Sand Castle
Director: Matty Brown
Stars: Nadine Labaki, Ziad Bakri, Zain Al Rafeea, Riman Al Rafeea
Rating: 2.5/5
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The candidates
Dr Ayham Ammora, scientist and business executive
Ali Azeem, business leader
Tony Booth, professor of education
Lord Browne, former BP chief executive
Dr Mohamed El-Erian, economist
Professor Wyn Evans, astrophysicist
Dr Mark Mann, scientist
Gina MIller, anti-Brexit campaigner
Lord Smith, former Cabinet minister
Sandi Toksvig, broadcaster
Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction
Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.
Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.
Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.
Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.
Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.
What are the guidelines?
Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.
Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.
Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.
Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.
Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.
Source: American Paediatric Association
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Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
List of alleged parties
May 12, 2020: PM and his wife Carrie attend 'work meeting' with at least 17 staff
May 20, 2020: They attend 'bring your own booze party'
Nov 27, 2020: PM gives speech at leaving party for his staff
Dec 10, 2020: Staff party held by then-education secretary Gavin Williamson
Dec 13, 2020: PM and his wife throw a party
Dec 14, 2020: London mayoral candidate Shaun Bailey holds staff event at Conservative Party headquarters
Dec 15, 2020: PM takes part in a staff quiz
Dec 18, 2020: Downing Street Christmas party
Global state-owned investor ranking by size
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China
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UAE
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Japan
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Norway
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Canada
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Singapore
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South Korea
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Switching%20sides
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Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
The biog
Name: Younis Al Balooshi
Nationality: Emirati
Education: Doctorate degree in forensic medicine at the University of Bonn
Hobbies: Drawing and reading books about graphic design
The specs: 2018 Nissan Altima
Price, base / as tested: Dh78,000 / Dh97,650
Engine: 2.5-litre in-line four-cylinder
Power: 182hp @ 6,000rpm
Torque: 244Nm @ 4,000rpm
Transmission: Continuously variable tranmission
Fuel consumption, combined: 7.6L / 100km
Brief scores:
Toss: Sindhis, elected to field first
Kerala Knights 103-7 (10 ov)
Parnell 59 not out; Tambe 5-15
Sindhis 104-1 (7.4 ov)
Watson 50 not out, Devcich 49
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
25%20Days%20to%20Aden
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Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
GAC GS8 Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh149,900
Volvo ES90 Specs
Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)
Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp
Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm
On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region
Price: Exact regional pricing TBA
More from Rashmee Roshan Lall
Your Guide to the Home
- Level 1 has a valet service if you choose not to park in the basement level. This level houses all the kitchenware, including covetable brand French Bull, along with a wide array of outdoor furnishings, lamps and lighting solutions, textiles like curtains, towels, cushions and bedding, and plenty of other home accessories.
- Level 2 features curated inspiration zones and solutions for bedrooms, living rooms and dining spaces. This is also where you’d go to customise your sofas and beds, and pick and choose from more than a dozen mattress options.
- Level 3 features The Home’s “man cave” set-up and a display of industrial and rustic furnishings. This level also has a mother’s room, a play area for children with staff to watch over the kids, furniture for nurseries and children’s rooms, and the store’s design studio.
MATCH INFO
Southampton 0
Manchester City 1 (Sterling 16')
Man of the match: Kevin de Bruyne (Manchester City)
Milestones on the road to union
1970
October 26: Bahrain withdraws from a proposal to create a federation of nine with the seven Trucial States and Qatar.
December: Ahmed Al Suwaidi visits New York to discuss potential UN membership.
1971
March 1: Alex Douglas Hume, Conservative foreign secretary confirms that Britain will leave the Gulf and “strongly supports” the creation of a Union of Arab Emirates.
July 12: Historic meeting at which Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid make a binding agreement to create what will become the UAE.
July 18: It is announced that the UAE will be formed from six emirates, with a proposed constitution signed. RAK is not yet part of the agreement.
August 6: The fifth anniversary of Sheikh Zayed becoming Ruler of Abu Dhabi, with official celebrations deferred until later in the year.
August 15: Bahrain becomes independent.
September 3: Qatar becomes independent.
November 23-25: Meeting with Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid and senior British officials to fix December 2 as date of creation of the UAE.
November 29: At 5.30pm Iranian forces seize the Greater and Lesser Tunbs by force.
November 30: Despite a power sharing agreement, Tehran takes full control of Abu Musa.
November 31: UK officials visit all six participating Emirates to formally end the Trucial States treaties
December 2: 11am, Dubai. New Supreme Council formally elects Sheikh Zayed as President. Treaty of Friendship signed with the UK. 11.30am. Flag raising ceremony at Union House and Al Manhal Palace in Abu Dhabi witnessed by Sheikh Khalifa, then Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.
December 6: Arab League formally admits the UAE. The first British Ambassador presents his credentials to Sheikh Zayed.
December 9: UAE joins the United Nations.
Sarfira
Director: Sudha Kongara Prasad
Starring: Akshay Kumar, Radhika Madan, Paresh Rawal
Rating: 2/5
How will Gen Alpha invest?
Mark Chahwan, co-founder and chief executive of robo-advisory firm Sarwa, forecasts that Generation Alpha (born between 2010 and 2024) will start investing in their teenage years and therefore benefit from compound interest.
“Technology and education should be the main drivers to make this happen, whether it’s investing in a few clicks or their schools/parents stepping up their personal finance education skills,” he adds.
Mr Chahwan says younger generations have a higher capacity to take on risk, but for some their appetite can be more cautious because they are investing for the first time. “Schools still do not teach personal finance and stock market investing, so a lot of the learning journey can feel daunting and intimidating,” he says.
He advises millennials to not always start with an aggressive portfolio even if they can afford to take risks. “We always advise to work your way up to your risk capacity, that way you experience volatility and get used to it. Given the higher risk capacity for the younger generations, stocks are a favourite,” says Mr Chahwan.
Highlighting the role technology has played in encouraging millennials and Gen Z to invest, he says: “They were often excluded, but with lower account minimums ... a customer with $1,000 [Dh3,672] in their account has their money working for them just as hard as the portfolio of a high get-worth individual.”
Engine: 3.5-litre V6
Transmission: eight-speed automatic
Power: 290hp
Torque: 340Nm
Price: Dh155,800
On sale: now
Sanju
Produced: Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Rajkumar Hirani
Director: Rajkumar Hirani
Cast: Ranbir Kapoor, Vicky Kaushal, Paresh Rawal, Anushka Sharma, Manish’s Koirala, Dia Mirza, Sonam Kapoor, Jim Sarbh, Boman Irani
Rating: 3.5 stars
