IF YOU HAVE TENS OF MILLIONS, YOU KNOW WHERE TO GO---HONGKONG ON 27 NOVEMBER!
THERE YOU WILL BE LITERALLY STONED BY THE STUNNING JEWELS OF WHICH DREAMS ARE MADE, EVEN IF THE PRICES ARE NIGHTMARISH.
CHRISTIE’S HONG KONG MAGNIFICENT JEWELS
AUTUMN 2012 AUCTION ON NOVEMBER 27
OFFERING OVER 300 DIAMONDS, GEMS & JADEITE, VALUED AT APPROXIMATELY HK$580 m / US$70 m/ RM 220 million
HIGHLIGHTING DISTINCTION IN CRAFTSMANSHIP AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL
Her earrings, ring and necklace of the finest pigeon-blood colour rubies from Mogok, Burma are worth up to a staggering RM 33 million
Her earrings, necklace and ring are estimated at up to RM 27 million
Her bangle, earring and necklace are estimated at RM 12 million
Her earrings, ring and necklace are estimated at up to RM 7.2 million
Christie’s Hong Kong will present its autumn sale of Magnificent Jewels on Tuesday, November 27, 2012 at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre. With a pre-sale estimate of approximately HK$580 million/US$70 million, this season’s sale will present collectors with a diverse selection of over 300 jewels in line with current collecting tastes. Highlights extend to a Burmese pigeon’s blood ruby and diamond necklace by James W. Currens, an assortment of diamonds, emeralds, and sapphires from the world’s legendary mines, and natural seawater pearls and jadeite jewellery, exhibiting a level of quality seldom available for sale. Also on offer is a collection of contemporary creations from select international jewellery designers.
SPECTACULAR PIGEON’S BLOOD RUBIES FROM BURMA
Awesomely stunning, rare and to die for (and I bet many did to get these) and worth anything from RM 11 million to RM 17 million.
Leading the sale is a strand of Burmese no heat pigeon’s blood ruby and diamond necklace, and a pair of oval-shaped Burmese no heat pigeon’s blood ruby and diamond earrings ( necklace est. HK$28,000,000-44,000,000/ US$3,500,000-5,500,000; earrings est. HK$18,000,000-28,000,000 /US$2,500,000-3,500,000) by world-renowned jewellery designer James W. Currens for Faidee. For more than 800 years, the Mogok Stone Tract in Upper Burma has remained the source for the finest quality ‘pigeon’s blood’ rubies. Combining the glowing red material with a great degree of transparency, pigeon’s blood rubies exist only in very limited quantities, and are the benchmark by which all rubies are judged.
Designed as twenty-six graduated oval-shaped rubies weighing between 5.38 and 1.27 carats, each ruby comprising the necklace titled Red Scarlet is accented by a cluster of marquise and pear-shaped diamonds, mounted in platinum and 18k yellow gold. Every ruby contains flawless crystalline structures accentuating its high degree of transparency.
This pair of earrings are titled the Red Butterflies for their shape, and each feature a pair of Burmese rubies over 7 carats. Natural Burmese rubies of this size, colour and level of clarity infrequently come up for sale. Estimated at RM 7.5 million to RM 11 million
EXCEPTIONAL JADEITE
The collection of jadeite this season is highlighted by works of exemplary clarity and rich colour saturation. A strand of lavender jadeite bead necklace (lot 1851, illustrated right, est. HK$8,000,000-12,000,000/US$ 1,000,000-1,500,000) leads the selection. Consisting of sixty-three slightly graduated jadeite beads measuring from 8.8 to 11.3 mm, and a jadeite cabochon and diamond clasp mounted in 18k white gold, the necklace exhibits a particularly vivid lavender hue that seldom occurs in nature.
Each spherical bead is evenly shaped and richly coloured throughout the entire strand, representing a paradigm of homogenous colour. Imparting an optimal combination of colour, translucency and texture, lavender jadeite of this caliber exists in exceedingly minimal quantities. The amount of pure jadeite material required to produce an entire strand of jadeite beads involves a large quantity of rough, which generates significant waste. The complexity of the jadeite cutting process makes the creation of a jadeite bead necklace both costly and risky.
This season’s jadeite highlights also extend to a jadeite bangle (lot 1809, illustrated left, est. HK$8,000,000-12,000,000/US$1,000,000-1,500,000). This cylindrical bangle is saturated with a vibrant emerald green colour and carries white streaks intermittently throughout. The work features a high level of translucency and an even saturation of colour free of impurities.
RADIANT COLOURED GEMSTONES
Fabulous emerald earrings estimated from RM 11 million to RM 15 million
The sale’s selection of coloured gems is highlighted by Columbian emeralds and Kashmir saphhires sourced from the world’s most legendary mines. Underscoring the collection of emeralds is a pair of 23.34 ct/23.18ct pear-shaped emerald, pearl and diamond earrings in platinum (est. HK$28,000,000-38,000,000/US$3,500,000-4,800,000), named The Grand Muzos to commemorate their land of origin. In the world of emeralds, those from Columbian reign supreme, owing to their unrivaled colour, fire and intensity, with the most expensive emeralds mined from the Muzo, Coscuez and Chivor regions. As a pair, the emeralds are especially well-matched and possess an ununusal level of clarity, as the unique geology responsible for emerald formation creates a high likelihood of inclusions.
I can see this green mesmeriser on my finger but alas, I don't have RM 4.5 million cash on hand
The Crown of Colombia, a 15.99ct Colombian no oil cushion-shaped emerald and diamond ring, also underscores the selection of emeralds on offer (lot 1897, illustrated left, est. HK$8,000,000-12,000,000/US$1,000,000-1,500,000). Significantly sized, each of these emerald highlights were cut from a particularly high quality piece of rough. The facets of each specimen feature a refined and well-proportioned cut, creating optimal brilliance and light return. Exemplary of their type, owing to their substantial size, high clarity, meticulous level of craftmanship, and intense colour, emeralds of this caliber seldom appear on the market.
Sapphires on offer this autumn are led by a 10.66ct cushion-shaped Kashmir sapphire and diamond ring (lot 1896, illustrated left, est. HK$6,800,000-9,500,000/US$ 850,000-1,200,000). This specimen exemplifies the optimal ‘cornflower blue’ colour, which is the hallmark of the world-renowned Kashmir mine. This rich blue is homogenously distributed throughout the stone, and the expert cushion faceting and superior degree of transparency allow for many internal reflections to be observed.
EXQUISITE DIAMONDS
This pair of diamond earrings are estimated from RM 3.6 million to RM 5.9 million
Also underscoring the jewellery sale is a diverse array of flawless colourless diamonds and large coloured diamonds. Highlighting the selection is a pair of 6.76ct/6.06ct pear-shaped diamond and pearl earrings from Golconda ( est. HK$9,500,000-12,000,000/US$1,200,000-1,900,000). The present pair of diamonds traces their origin to the Golconda mine in India, which no longer exists. Representing less than 2% of the world’s production, Type IIa Golconda diamonds are classified as the most chemically pure type of diamond, recognized for their unusual optical transparency. To find such a well-matched pair from Golconda is uncommon, and these earrings possess an antique style of faceting not often encountered in the gem trade.
I LOVE this huge 36.58 carat diamond! RM 3 million to RM 4.5 million! Buddha says I will have all the diamonds and gems I want...in my next life
Leading the selection of coloured diamonds is a 36.58ct fancy brown diamond ring ( est. HK$8,000,000-12,000,000/US$1,000,000-1,500,000). The conditions necessary to colour a diamond occur infrequently, and the colour exhibited in this specimen is strong and with lively scintillation afforded by the expert faceting. Prices for large coloured diamonds continue to realize top prices at auction indicating the untapped potential for growth of this collecting category.
What a spectacular yellow colour! RM 2.2 million to RM 3 million.
A 10.13ct Fancy Vivid Yellow/VS1 rectangular-shaped diamond and diamond ring highlights the selection of yellow diamonds on offer, with its excellent polish and symmetry of cut, (est. HK$6,000,000-8,000,000/US$750,000-1,000,000). Fancy Vivid yellow diamonds are the most celebrated in their colour group due to their strong saturation and high level of clarity. The Fancy Yellow range of diamonds represents less than 1% of the entire world’s supply, emphasizing the scarcity of those graded as Fancy Vivid.
LUMINOUS NATURAL PEARLS
Natural pearls cost a bomb as they were not cultivated, cultured or assisted by man. RM 3.6 million to RM 4.6 million
The traditional pearling industry has nearly ceased to exist in the Middle East, rendering the sale of natural saltwater pearls of considerable size and quality at auction a significant event for the jewellery industry. Standing apart in the selection of natural pearl jewels offered this season is a strand of natural pearl and diamond necklace ( est. HK$9,500,000-12,000,000/US$1,200,000-1,500,000). Assembling such a well-matched selection of natural pearls of this size and quality is an endeavor that likely took several decades.
SIGNED JEWELS BY WORLD-RENOWNED DESIGNERS
8.59 Fancy Pink diamond and sapphire ring, RM 9 million to RM 14 million
An array of jeweled works by the world’s celebrated jewellery designers comprises a cornerstone of Christie’s Hong Kong jewellery sales each season. The selection is led by a 8.59ct fancy pink cut-cornered rectangular-cut diamond and sapphire ring, by JAR, a Paris-based American jeweler celebrated for his meticulous craftmanship and propensity for incorporating unusual gemstones into his creations (est. HK$24,000,000-35,000,000/US$3,000,000-4,500,000).
The intensity of the pink diamond set against the pale blue sapphires creates a extraordinary contrast, evocative of jewellery styles from the 18th and 19th centuries.
One of the world’s most influential jewellery designers, Joel Arthur Rosenthal founded JAR in 1977. Visiting the discreet, by-appointment-only boutique on Place Vendôme in Paris, JAR’s clients appreciate not only the distinctive design, the intricacy in craftsmanship, and the quality the gemstones used, but also the perfection sought in each one-of-a-kind – and often made-to-order – jewel. Whenever JAR creations come up at auction, they are swiftly purchased, as only a limited number of pieces are created each year.
Cicada; RM 300,000 to RM 470,000
Also highlighting this season’s coveted contemporary creations are works by jewellery designer Wallace Chan. Known for his innovative designs and incorporation of an unusual assortment of gemstones in his works, the designer garners interest from collectors across Asia and beyond. Of note is a diamond and multi-gem cicada brooch, (est. HK$800,000-1,200,000/US$100,000-150,000), and a pink sapphire and diamond brooch, ( est. HK$800,000-1,200,000/US$100,000-150,000).
ABOUT CHRISTIE’S
Christie’s, the world's leading art business, had global auction and private sales in 2011 that totaled £3.6 billion/$5.7 billion. For the first half of 2012, sales totaled £2.2 billion / $3.5 billion. Christie’s is a name and place that speaks of extraordinary art, unparalleled service and expertise, as well as international glamour. Founded in 1766 by James Christie, Christie's has since conducted the greatest and most celebrated auctions through the centuries providing a popular showcase for the unique and the beautiful.
Christie’s offers over 450 auctions annually in over 80 categories, including all areas of fine and decorative arts, jewellery, photographs, collectibles, wine, and more. Prices range from $200 to over $100 million. Christie's also has a long and successful history conducting private sales for its clients in all categories, with emphasis on Post-War and Contemporary, Impressionist and Modern, Old Masters and Jewellery. Private sales totaled £502 million / $808.6m in 2011, an increase of 44% on the previous year.
Christie’s has a global presence with 53 offices in 32 countries and 10 salerooms around the world including in London, New York, Paris, Geneva, Milan, Amsterdam, Dubai, Zürich, and Hong Kong. More recently, Christie’s has led the market with expanded initiatives in growth markets such as Russia, China, India and the United Arab Emirates, with successful sales and exhibitions in Beijing, Mumbai and Dubai.
*Estimates do not include buyer’s premium. Sales totals are hammer price plus buyer’s premium and do not reflect costs, financing fees or application of buyer’s or seller’s credits.
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