A Van Cleef & Arpels sapphire and diamond necklace formerly owned by the wife of a Nazi billionaire is up for auction at Christie’s. Its cost is estimated at about $ 1.5 million, writes about it new york post.
“This is one of 700 jewels auctioned by Christie’s. <…> However, the Nazi origins of the wealth that made this shimmering necklace possible may put some off,” writes the New York Post.
The former owner of the jewels is the late Heidi Horten, who died in 2022. Her husband, Helmut, allegedly made a fortune by buying businesses from German Jews who were forced to sell them during World War II. Horten is believed to buy businesses at significant discounts.
David de Jong, author of Nazi Billionaires: The Dark History of Germany’s Richest Dynasties, said: “He became a member of the Nazi Party in 1937. He had close ties but did not share Nazi ideology. He was interested in expanding his business empire.”
Formerly socialbites.ca knowledgeableA pregnant Rihanna has reportedly appeared in public with jewelery worth $1.8 million.