The Age of Grandeur

Regarded internationally as a leading authority in the field of precious stones and jewellery, David Bennett spent 42 years in the role of Worldwide Chairman of Sotheby’s jewellery division, a post he held until 2020. During his prestigious career, David sold three of the five most-expensive jewels in auction history, as well as seven 100-carat diamonds, earning him the nickname the ‘100-carat man’. David has also presided over many legendary, record-breaking auctions, such as the Jewels of the Duchess of Windsor (1987), The Princely Collections of Thurn und Taxis (1992) and Royal Jewels from the Bourbon-Parma Family (2018).

Daniela Mascetti is one of the jewellery world’s most experienced scholars specialising in the history of jewellery. Daniela joined Sotheby’s in 1980, opening the firm’s jewellery department in Milan shortly afterwards. Following a distinguished career of 40 years at Sotheby’s, she was appointed Jewellery Chairman of Europe, a position she retained until 2020. Highlights from Daniela’s distinguished career include research for the sales of historic collections such as the Jewels of the Duchess of Windsor (1987), The Princely Collections of Thurn und Taxis (1992), Elton John, Maria Callas and Gina Lollobrigida.