Christie’s auction house has announced the holding of its annual autumn sale in Hong Kong – The Hong Kong Magnificent Jewels Sale – at the Grand Hall of the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Center, on November 29, 2016. A total of 285 lots will be on offer at the auctions that include creations by renowned jewelry houses/designers, such as Cartier, Bulgari, Tiffany & Co., Van Cleef & Arpels, Harry Winston, Chanel and Boucheron. The lots include a variety of jewelry such as rings, jewelry sets, necklaces, brooches, earrings, bracelets, bangles and pendants. Among the variety of gemstones set on the jewelry are diamonds, colored diamonds, jade/jadeite and colored stones such as emeralds, sapphires and rubies as well as natural and cultured pearls. The prices of the lots range from as low as HKD 5,000 (USD 648) to a maximum of HKD 98,000,000 (12,695,939).
Top lot of the sale based on the highest pre-sale estimate of HKD 75-95 million (USD 9,716,280 – USD 12,307,288) is Lot 2079 titled, A SUPERB COLOURED DIAMOND AND DIAMOND RING, BY MOUSSAIEFF. The size 5, platinum ring designed by Moussaieff Jewelers is set with a marquise-cut fancy vivid blue diamond, weighing approximately 4.29 carats, flanked by triangular-shaped diamonds. GIA report no. 15624930 dated 5 October 2016 states that the 4.29-carat, marquise-cut diamond is fancy vivid blue color with Internally Flawless clarity. Diamond type classification letter accompanying the lot states that the diaamond is Type 11b, whose natural occurence is less than 0.1 % of all naturally occuring diamonds. The diamond is Type IIb, because of the presence of extremely minute quantities of Boron, which not only impart a blue color to the diamonds but also make the diamond semi-conducting.
The second highest lot of the sale is Lot 2087 – A SUPERB RUBY AND DIAMOND RING, BY FAIDEE, with a pre-sale estimate of HKD 68.8 – 98.0 million (USD 8,913,068 – USD 12,695,939). The size 6 1/4 platinum and 18k yellow gold cluster ring has as its centerpiece a 10.05-carat, oval-shaped, pigeon blood-red Burma ruby, claw-set on 18k yellow gold, highlighted by an oval-shaped diamond surround consisting of 8 oval-shaped diamonds, claw-set on platinum. The gallery and hoop of the ring are also set with circular-cut, colorless diamonds. The ring is signed and with maker’s mark for Faidee. SSEF, GIA and GGL lab reports certify that the 10.05-carat ruby is of Burma origin with no evidence of heat enhancement and the colour of the ruby may also be called “pigeon blood red.” Appendix accompanying the reports also state that the ruby has an attractive, richly saturated and homogeneous colour with a very fine purity; a combination of characteristics rare in natural rubies of this size.
The third highest lot of the sale is also a colored gemstone lot combined with diamonds, “AN EXCLUSIVE RUBY AND DIAMOND NECKLACE,” assigned Lot No. 2086 with a pre-sale estimate of HKD 38 – 58 million (USD 4,920,920 – USD 7,510,878). The 38 cm necklace is designed as a line of 22 graduated cushion-shaped rubies varying in weight from approximately 1.53 carats to 5.06 carats, alternating with 22 circular-cut colorless diamonds. The rubies and diamonds are set in an antique-style design, with each ruby and diamond mounted on a platinum collet/bezel and secured by 8 or 6 prongs arising from it. The rubies being larger than the diamonds have an 8 prong setting and the diamonds a 6 prong setting. The total weight of the rubies is 57.72 carats. Two lab reports accompanying the lot, by GGL and SSEF state that the rubies are of Burma origin, with no indications of heating, and most of them have a color known as “pigeon blood-red” in the trade. Appendices to the reports state that the rubies have a combination of outstanding characteristics such as a perfect cushion-cut, and size with a richly saturated vivid red color and high transparency. The inclusions and analysed properties of most of the rubies are characteristic of rubies from the Mogok mines, and for a few rubies characteristic of rubies from the Mong Hsu mines southeast of Mogok.
OTHER COLORED DIAMOND LOTS
Other significant colored diamond lots are lot 2031 and lot 2024. Lot 2031 titled, “AN IMPRESSIVE COLOURED DIAMOND RING,” has a pre-sale estimate of HKD 8.8 – 12.0 million (USD 1,139,582 – USD 1,553,975). The size 5 1/4 platinum ring is set with a rectangular-cut, fancy vivid yellow diamond, weighing approximately 28.78 carats, with a foliate gallery and shoulders. GIA report no. 5233266581 dated 4 August 2016 certifies that the diamond is fancy vivid yellow color and VVS1 clarity.
Lot 2024 – A COLOURED DIAMOND AND DIAMOND RING- with a pre-sale estimate of HKD 8 -12 million (USD 1,036,403 – USD 1,554,605), has as its centerpiece a bezel and prong-set pear-shaped fancy green diamond, weighing approximately 5.11 carats, highlighted by a circular-cut pink diamond surround and an outer layer of oval-shaped colorless diamonds alternating with double pear-shaped pink diamonds set to form a heart-shape, mounted on gold. GIA report no. 5161826699 dated 27 April 2015 certifies that the 5.11-carat, pear-shaped diamond has a color grade of fancy green and a clarity grade of VVS1.
COLORLESS DIAMONDS
Top lots among colorless diamond lots are lots 2075, 2078 and 2072.
Lot 2075 titled, “AN UNMOUNTED DIAMOND,” is a 19.14-carat, Flawless, D-Color, round brilliant-cut diamond, with excellent cut, polish and symmetry, as certified by GIA report no. 5171715651 dated 3 October 2016. Diamond Type Classification letter acompnying the report states that the diamond has been determined to be Type IIa, which confirms the D-Color status of the diamond. A pre-sale estimate of HKD 19 – 25 million (USD 2,460,460 – USD 3,237,448) is placed on this unmounted diamond. The diamond being Type IIa and D-color, with a Flawless clarity is indeed an extremely rare diamond.
Lot 2078 is “AN IMPRESSIVE PAIR OF DIAMOND EAR PENDANTS, BY BOEHMER ET BASSENGE,” the recently launched “Maison de Haute Joaillerie” (House of Fine Jewelry) in Paris. Two of Boehmer et Bassenge’s outstanding pieces of jewelry from their first collection will feature at Christie’s Geneva Magnificent Jewels Sale on November 15, 2016, marking the launching of their jewelry store in Paris. Each ear pendant, 8.2 cm long, is set with an oval-shaped diamond, weighing respectively 11.13 and 11.03 carats. with a circular-cut diamond foliage on either side, suspended from a flowerhead surmount whose petals, centered around a large circular-cut diamond, are pave-set with smaller circular-cut diamonds, spaced by a marquise-cut diamond, weighing respectively 1.08 and 1.03 carats. The diamonds are mounted on 18k white gold. The ear pendants have French assay marks for gold and the maker’s mark for Boehmer et Bassenge. GIA report nos. 2165058485 and 2165058478 dated 5 May 2014 and 10 April 2014 respectively, state that the 11.13 and 11.03 carat diamonds are of D colour, flawless clarity, with excellent polish and symmetry. Diamond Type classification letters accompanying the reports certify that the diamonds are Type Iia, which confirm their D-color status. Two GIA reports in respect of the 1.08 carat and 1.03 carat marquise-cut diamonds also certify that the diamonds are D colour, internally flawless clarity, with excellent polish and symmetry. Another 68 reports in respect of the other circular-cut diamonds varying in weight from 0.23 carats to 0.47 carat also certify that the diamonds are D colour, internally flawless clarity. A pre-sale estimate of HKD 16,000,000 – HKD 25,000,000 (USD 2,071,966 – USD 3,237,448) is placed on this lot.
Lot 2072 is “AN ELEGANT DIAMOND NECKLACE, BY BULGARI with a pre-sale estimate of HKD 12,000,000 – HKD 18,000,000 (USD 1,553,975 – USD 2,330,962). The 43.3 cm exquisitely crafted platinum and diamond necklace is composed of pear-shaped diamonds only and is designed as a line of 45 graduated pear-shaped diamonds, ranging in weight from 0.72 to 3.01 carats, the front suspending a detachable pear-shaped diamond weighing 9.05 carats. GIA report no. 6173124243 dated 24 April 2015 states that the 9.05 carat diamond is D colour and VVS1 clarity but potentially Internally Flawless and Type IIa according to the Diamond Type Classification letter accompanying the report. Out of the 45 other pear-shaped diamonds in the necklace, 30 diamonds ranging in size between 0.72 and 3.01 carats have been tested by GIA and thirty reports dated from 3 September 1994 to 28 June 2005 accompanyy the lot, stating that the 0.72 to 3.01 carat diamonds are D colour and internally flawless clarity.
COLORED GEMSTONE LOTS
JADEITE LOTS
Significant Jadeite lots include lots 2011, 2060, and 2058
Lot 2011, titled “AN IMPORTANT JADEITE AND DIAMOND NECKLACE,” has a pre-sale estimate of HKD 22,000,000 – HKD 30,000,000 (USD 2,848,954 – USD 3,884,937). The 53 cm two-strand necklace is composed of 98 graduated jadeite beads, varying in diameter from 9.0 to 12.6 mm. The inner strand has 45 beads and the outer strand 53 beads. The white gold geometric clasps behind are set with rectangular and circular-cut diamonds. The versatile necklace can be separated and worn as individual strands. Hong Kong Jade & Stone Laboratory report no. KJ93873 dated 30 September 2016 states that the beads are natural jadeite and no polymer is detected.
Lot 2060 is “A SUITE OF JADEITE AND DIAMOND JEWELLERY,” with a pre-sale estimate of HKD 20,000,000 – HKD 30,000,000 (USD 2,589,958 – USD 3,884,937). The suite consists of a necklace, a pair of earrings and a ring. The 37 cm necklace is set with fifteen oval jadeite cabochons each within an oval-shaped diamond surround separated by pear-cut and marquise-cut diamond floral spacers, mounted on white gold.
The pair of earrings of matching design are each set with round-shaped jadeite cabochon within a circular-cut diamond surround, mounted on white gold.
The size 6 ring of matching design is also set with a round-shaped jadeite cabochon, also within a circular-cut diamond surround and mounted on white gold.
Dimensions of the largest jadeite cabochon is 17.8 x 15.2 x 7.2 mm. Hong Kong Jade & Stone Laboratory reports nos. KJ94061, KJ94055, KJ94056 and KJ94049 dated 19 October 2016,state that the cabochons are natural jadeite and no polymer is detected.
EMERALD LOTS
Significant emerald lots include lots 2043, 2042 and 2041.
Lot 2043 – A MAGNIFICENT EMERALD AND DIAMOND ‘PALMETTE’ NECKLACE, BY EDMOND CHIN FOR THE HOUSE OF BOGHOSSIAN, is the top emerald lot of the sale, with a pre-sale estimate of HKD 28,000,000 – HKD 38,000,000 (USD 3,625,941 – USD 4,920,920). The 43 cm. white gold necklace is designed as a series of 11 palmette motifs. Each palmette motif has a base, set with a central large rectangular step-cut (emerald-cut) emerald and 9 to 11 circular-cut emeralds of varying sizes arranged symmetrically on either side of the central emerald. The 11 rectangular step-cut emeralds range in size from 3.00 carats to 12.34 carats. The five radiating fronds arising from the base of the palmette are set with pear-shaped and marquise-cut diamonds and smaller circular-cut diamonds filling the gaps. The central frond is set with an inverted pear-shaped diamond and a row of small circular-cut diamonds bordering it on either side. The two fronds on either side of the central frond are navicular in shape and set with a large marquise-cut diamond and smaller vari-cut diamonds filling the gaps. The central palmette is arranged normally with the base at the bottom and the radiating fronds facing upwards. The palmettes on either side of the central palmette are arranged with the base upwards and the radiating fronds facing downwards. The remaining four palmettes on either side are arranged with the base downwards and upwards alternating one another. The rear half of the necklace are set with outwardly bending double navicular motifs, like the base of a flower, set with vari-cut diamonds, with nine such motifs on either side of the rear clasp set with a marquise-shaped diamond.
Eight lab reports each from GGL and SSEF state that ten rectangular step-cut emeralds on the base of the palmettes are of Colombia origin, with no indications of clarity modification, and the largest emerald on the base of the central palmette weighing 12.34 carats shows a remarkable size and weight, with an attractive octagonal shape, a homogeneous green color and fine purity, according to the appendix accompanying the SSEF reports.
Lot 2042 is titled, “AN IMPORTANT EMERALD AND DIAMOND RING, BY HARRY WINSTON,” with a pre-sale estimate of HKD 7,800,000 – HKD 12,000,000 (USD 1,010,170 – USD 1,554,108). The size 5, platinum and yellow-gold ring signed Winston, is set with a rectangular step-cut emerald weighing 18.69 carats, flanked by trapeze-cut colorless diamonds on the shoulders of the ring. Two lab reports by AGL and SSEF confirm that the emerald is of Colombia origin with no indications of clarity enhancement. Appendix accompanying AGL report states that the emerald has received the highest origin determination issued by AGL, and exhibits a very fine, saturated, slightly bluish green color, reminiscent of high-quality emeralds from the Muzo mines. Appendix accompanying the SSEF report states that the emerald exhibits a remarkable size and weight, combined with an attractive saturated colour and a fine purity, rarely encountered in Colombian emeralds of this size.
Lot 2041 is another significant emerald lot, titled “A CHARMING EMERALD AND DIAMOND BROOCH, BY VAN CLEEF & ARPELS,” with a pre-sale estimate of HKD 6,500,000 – HKD 9,500,000(USD 841,808 – USD 1,230,336. The brooch designed in 1952 by Van Cleef & Arpels is set with a 10.26-carat, cut-cornered rectangular step-cut (emerald-cut) emerald as its centerpiece surrounded by a scroll work design set with circular, pear and baguette-cut diamonds, mounted on 18k yellow gold. The brooch signed Van Cleef & Arpels bears no. NY 18920. Three lab reports by SSEF, AGL and GGL confirm that the emerald is of Colombia origin with no indications of clarity enhancement.
SAPPHIRE LOTS
Among the highlights of the sapphire lots are Lot 2083 and 2048.
Lot 2083, titled “AN IMPORTANT SAPPHIRE AND DIAMOND RING, BY HARRY WINSTON,” has a pre-sale estimate of HKD 8,000,000 – HKD 12,000,000 (USD 1,036,072 – USD 1,554,108). The size 4 platinum ring is set with a cushion-shaped Kashmir blue sapphire weighing 16.36 carats flanked by half-moon shaped diamonds on the shoulders of the ring and baguette-cut and circular-cut diamonds on the gallery. The ring is signed ‘Winston’ and bears maker’s mark for Harry Winston. Three lab reports by AGL, SSEF and GGL certify that the blue sapphire is of Kashmir origin with no evidence of heat and clarity enhancement and the accompanying appendices state that the sapphire possesses a significant size and weight combined with a highly attractive and richly saturated homogeneous velvety-blue color characteristic of Kashmir sapphires.
The other significant sapphire lot is “A SET OF SAPPHIRE AND DIAMOND JEWELRY,” assigned Lot No. 2048, consisting of a pair of earrings and a ring, with a pre-sale estimate of HKD 5,000,000 – HKD 8,000,000 (USD 647,545 – USD 1,036,072).
Each of the pair of earrings is set with a cushion-shaped Kashmir blue sapphire of approximately identical weight of 5.24 carats, highlighted by a pear-shaped diamond surround.
The size 4, white gold cluster ring has as its centerpiece a cushion-shaped Kashmir blue sapphire, weighing 10.31 carats surrounded by two rows of pear-shaped diamonds placed alternately without overlapping each other. Lab reports by AGL and SSEF confirm that the sapphires are of Kashmir origin, with no gemological evidence of heat and clarity enhancement.
