Controversial auction of record jewellery alleged to have Nazi ties

Introduction

A controversial auction of record jewellery has been accused of having a Nazi taint. The auction, which was held in Geneva, Switzerland, was organised by Sotheby’s and featured a collection of rare and valuable jewels. However, the sale has been criticised by Jewish groups who claim that some of the items may have been stolen from Holocaust victims.

The Controversy

The controversy surrounding the auction centres on a diamond ring that was once owned by the wife of SS leader Heinrich Himmler. The ring was sold for over $200,000, despite protests from Jewish groups who claimed that it was a symbol of Nazi terror. The auction also featured a brooch that was allegedly stolen from a Jewish family during the Holocaust, which sold for over $100,000.

The auction has sparked outrage among Jewish groups, who have accused Sotheby’s of profiting from the suffering of Holocaust victims. The World Jewish Congress has called for an investigation into the sale, and has urged Sotheby’s to return any items that were stolen from Holocaust victims. Sotheby’s has defended the auction, stating that all of the items were legally obtained and that they had conducted extensive research into their provenance.

The Response

The controversy surrounding the auction highlights the ongoing debate over the sale of items with a Nazi connection. While some argue that such items should be sold to collectors and museums for historical purposes, others believe that they should be destroyed or returned to their rightful owners. The issue is particularly sensitive in Europe, where the legacy of the Holocaust continues to be felt.

In response to the controversy, Sotheby’s has stated that it will donate a portion of the proceeds from the auction to Holocaust charities. The company has also pledged to continue its research into the provenance of the items it sells, in order to ensure that they are not linked to Nazi crimes. However, Jewish groups have called for a boycott of Sotheby’s auctions, arguing that the company has failed to take responsibility for its role in the sale of items with a Nazi connection.

In conclusion, the controversy surrounding the auction of record jewellery highlights the ongoing debate over the sale of items with a Nazi connection. While some argue that such items should be sold for historical purposes, others believe that they should be destroyed or returned to their rightful owners. The issue is particularly sensitive in Europe, where the legacy of the Holocaust continues to be felt. Sotheby’s has defended the auction, stating that all of the items were legally obtained and that they had conducted extensive research into their provenance. However, Jewish groups have called for a boycott of Sotheby’s auctions, arguing that the company has failed to take responsibility for its role in the sale of items with a Nazi connection

Original article Teaser

Nazi taint alleged in controversial record jewellery auction

Record sales have been achieved in the first lots of an auction in Geneva of a treasure trove of jewellery that once belonged to an Austrian woman whose husband made his fortune in part by buying department stores at deeply discounted prices from Jews who sold under duress during the Third Reich, Bloomberg reports. The Christie’s auctions of Heidi Horten’s jewellery – a third, online, auction was to end today – went ahead in the face of vigorous criticism by Jewish groups, including the Simon Wiesenthal Center, a US-based Jewish human rights group. However, Christie’s – which acknowledged the origin of Horten’s wealth – said in a statement that all the objects up for auction were purchased after the 1970s and that

Details to Nazi taint alleged in controversial record jewellery auction