Sotheby’s Hong Kong Magnificent Jewels and Jadeite Autumn Sale 2018 is scheduled to be held on Wednesday, October 3, 2018 at Hall 1, of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The auction features unique contemporary creations alongside phenomenal gems from nature. The auction will be led by a “LOVE CONQUERS ALL: THE AI ‘愛’ DIAMOND” – A Rare and Important 5-Carat Fancy Vivid Blue Diamond and Diamond Ring, with an estimate of HK$98-120 million (US$12.49 – 15.29 million), and includes highlights such as a Spectacular Pair of Fancy Vivid Yellow Diamond and Diamond Pendent Earrings with an estimate of HK$38 – 48 million (US$4.85 – 6.12 million) and An Important Jadeite Bead and Diamond Necklace, with a Diamond Clasp Signed Chaumet, whose estimate will be provided on request. Other highlights include a selection of Contemporary Masterpieces by Wallace Chan, The Philosopher Jeweler, that demonstrate the supreme mastery of the celebrated Asian artist-jeweler in conjuring works that are daringly dreamlike, sensual and sculptural. A stunning selection of Red Carpet necklaces by such famed jewelers as Van Cleef & Arpels, David Morris and Wallace Chan and a a striking pair of earrings by design mastermind, BHAGAT, apart from vintage jewels such as a vintage Bulgari suite and an elegant peacock vintage brooch by Cartier will also feature at the auctions.
Commenting on the upcoming Sotheby’s Hong Kong Magnificent Jewels and Jadeite Autumn Sale, Chin Yeow Quek, Deputy Chairman, Sotheby’s Asia, Chairman International Jewellery, Asia, said, “We are proud to present a meticulously curated jewellery auction of beautiful designs, both vintage and contemporary, as well as great examples of precious gemstones and dazzling coloured diamonds whichincludes the superb Ai (‘愛 ’) Fancy Vivid Blue diamond this season in Hong Kong.”
COLORED DIAMOND LOTS
Colored Diamond Lots are among the top highlights of the sale, that includes Lots 1892, 1858 and 1856, the first, second and third most valued lots of the sale.
LOT 1892 – THE AI ‘愛’ DIAMOND – A RARE AND IMPORTANT FANCY VIVID BLUE DIAMOND AND DIAMOND RING – with an estimate of HKD 98,000,000 – 120,000,000 (USD12,485,200 – 15,288,000) is the top highlight of the sale. Ring size 6, 18k white gold ring is claw-set with a cut-cornered, rectangular, step-cut (emerald-cut), fancy vivid blue diamond weighing 5.00 carats, flanked by baguette-cut diamonds on the shoulders of the ring.
GIA report no. 2135360540, dated 8 May 2015, states that the 5.00 carat diamond is Fancy Vivid Blue, Natural Color and VS2 Clarity; also accompanied by GIA monograph. The side baguette-cut diamonds are bright and lively. Very Minor signs of wear on metal, overall in excellent condition
LOT 1858 – A SPECTACULAR PAIR OF FANCY VIVID YELLOW DIAMOND AND DIAMOND PENDENT EARRINGS – with an estimate of HKD 38,000,000 – 48,000,000 (USD 4,841,200 – 6,115,200) is the second most valuable diamond lot as well as the second most valuable lot of the entire sale.
Designed as a double gourds and vines motif representing a fruitful harvest of melons flowering from their vines, signifying well-wishes for a flourishing family, and a thriving nation for generations to come, each of the 18k yellow and pink gold pendant earrings, inscribed 750 for 18 karat yellow and pink gold, suspends four old European brilliant-cut fancy vivid yellow diamonds, representing gourds and the vines pave-set with smaller diamonds of yellow tint on yellow gold around the gourds and pink tint on pink gold on the remaining scrolls of the vine. The pendant earrings are provided with post and hinged back fittings. Total weight of the eight old European brilliant-cut fancy vivid yellow diamonds is approximately 51.17 carats. All pendants are detachable and provided with necklace fitting and earring extensions. The Lot is accompanied by eight GIA reports.
GIA Report No. 1172305107, dated 6 February 2017, states that the 8.43-carat diamond is Fancy Vivid Yellow, Natural Color & Internally Flawless Clarity.
GIA Report No. 6173266814, dated 17 February 2017, states that the 8.36-carat diamond is Fancy Vivid Yellow, Natural Color & VVS2 Clarity.
GIA Report No. 2175305111, dated 14 January 2017, states that the 7.50-carat diamond is Fancy Vivid Yellow, Natural Color & VS1 Clarity.
GIA Report No. 1176305114, dated 14 January 2017, states that the 7.21-carat diamond is Fancy Vivid Yellow, Natural Color & VS1 Clarity.
GIA Report No. 5172305126, dated 11 May 2017, states that the 5.42-carat diamond is Fancy Vivid Yellow, Natural Color & VVS2 Clarity.
GIA Report No. 2175305121, dated 3 February 2017, states that the 5.10-carat diamond is Fancy Vivid Yellow, Natural Color, VS2 Clarity.
GIA Report No. 5172305131, dated 6 February 2017, states that the 4.62-carat diamond is Fancy Vivid Yellow, Natural Color & Internally Flawless Clarity.
GIA Report No. 5172305134, dated 6 February 2017, states that the 4.53-carat diamond is Fancy Vivid Yellow, Natural Color & Internally Flawless Clarity.
Diamonds of pink and yellow tint are bright and lively, but has not be tested for natural color origin.
LOT 1856 – FANCY INTENSE BLUE DIAMOND RING – with an estimate of HKD 21,000,000 – 28,000,000 (USD 2,675,400 — 3,567,200) is the 3rd most valuable lot and the 3rd most valued Colored Diamond Lot of the Sale. Ring size 6, 18k white gold ring, is set with a pear-shaped, fancy intense blue, VS-1 Clarity diamond weighing 3.47 carats.
GIA Report No. 6193504643, dated 19 July 2018, states that the pear-shaped diamond is Fancy Intense Blue, Natural Colour, VS1 Clarity. The pear-shaped diamond in this lot is illustrated unmounted.
COLORLESS DIAMOND LOTS
A Colorless Diamond Lot is the 4th most valued lot of the sale, and the top lot among Colorless Diamonds, assigned LOT NO 1855, titled, A SPECTACULAR DIAMOND NECKLACE – with a pre-sale estimate of HKD 18,000,000 – 22,000,000 (USD 2,293,200 – 2,802,800). The 16 ins, choker length, 18k white gold necklace is set with sixteen brilliant-cut diamonds weighing 130.61 carats in total, and the wavy links decorated with similarly cut smaller diamonds.
The Lot is accompanied by sixteen GIA reports, stating that the diamonds ranging from 5.02 to 15.04 carats are I to K Colour, VVS2 to SI2 Clarity and all with Excellent Cut, Polish and Symmetry.
LOT-1891 – AN IMPORTANT DIAMOND RING – with an estimate of HKD 9,800,000 – 14,000,000 (USD 1,248,520 – 1,783,600) is the 2nd most valued Colorless Diamond Lot of the sale. Ring size 7, platinum ring is double claw-set with a cut-cornered rectangular step-cut/emerald-cut diamond weighing 18.45 carats, flanked by shield-shaped diamonds on the shoulders of the ring.
GIA report no. 11506055, dated 21 August 2018, states that the emerald-cut diamond is D-Color, VVS2-Clarity. An additional GIA worksheet states that the diamond may be Potentially Flawless after re-polishing Diamond type classification report states that the diamond is determined to be Type IIa, which confirms the D-Color status of the diamond. D-Color or Top Color diamonds are chemically pure and structurally perfect diamonds, and are absolutely colorless, sometimes referred to in superlatives as “purer than pure,” “whiter than white,” “brighter than bright,” “diamonds of the purest water” etc.
LOT 1753 – A FINE PAIR OF UNMOUNTED DIAMONDS – with an estimate of HKD 9,000,000 – 12,000,000 (USD 1,146,600 – 1,528,800) is another Colorless Diamond highlight of the sale. The two unmounted round brilliant-cut diamonds, with excellent cut, polish and symmetry are both D-Color, Flawless Clarity, weighing respectively. 6.69 and 6.61 carats.
Two GIA reports no. 6285375717, dated 22 June 2018 and no. 1238206446, dated 20 September 2016, state that the diamonds weighing 6.69 and 6.61 carats respectively are both D-Colour, Flawless Clarity, with Excellent Cut, Polish and Symmetry. Two diamond type classification reports state that both diamonds are determined to be Type IIa, which confirms the D-Color status of the diamond, which are chemically pure and absolutely colorless.
EMERALD LOTS
LOT 1888 – A FINE EMERALD RING – with an estimate of HKD 7,000,000 – 8,000,000 (USD 891,800 – 1,019,200) is the top highlight among Emerald Lots. Ring size 6¾. Platinum ring stamped PT950 for platinum, is set with an octagonal step-cut/emerald-cut emerald weighing 12.85 carats, flanked by two rectangular step-cut emeralds weighing 3.57 and 3.00 carats respectively, on the shoulders of the ring.
Gübelin report no. 13086110, dated 24 August 2013 and SSEF report no. 100415, dated 28 May 2018 , both state that the 12.85-carat emerald is of Colombian origin, with no indications of clarity enhancement. also accompanied by Gübelin report no. 15116071, dated 24 November 2015 and SSEF report no. 100417, dated 28 May 2018, both state that the 3.57 carat emerald is of Colombian origin, with no indications of clarity enhancement. Gübelin report no. 12056020, dated 5 June 2012 and SSEF report no. 63496, dated 29 May 2012, both state that the 3.00 carat emerald is of Colombian origin, with no indications of clarity enhancement. The emeralds are of medium dark green color with strong saturation, with typical natural inclusions, few surface reaching when examined under 10x magnification, but not visible to the naked eye.
LOT-1712 – A FINE EMERALD AND DIAMOND RING – with an estimate of HKD 4,800,000 – 6,000,000 (USD 611,520 – 764,400) is another significant emerald lot of the sale. Ring size 6, 18k yellow gold ring, stamped 750 for 18k yellow gold, is bezel-set with a sugarloaf emerald, weighing 20.03 carats, highlighted by a row of brilliant-cut diamonds on the border of the gallery and further accented with brilliant-cut diamonds on the shoulders and the entire hoop of the ring.
AGL report no. 1093069, dated 19 June 2018, states that the emerald is of Colombian origin, referred to as Classic Colombian, with no enhancements. AGL Appendix letter states, this notable gem exhibits a saturated green color. Emeralds of such color and quality are thought to have originated from the Muzo mining district. Classic™ Colombian emeralds in sizes of 20 carats possessing such an exemplary combination of color, clarity, absence of enhancement and fine cut are rare and a tribute to the delicate balance that nature must maintain for such gems to form.
SSEF report no. 102569, dated 20 September 2018, states that the emerald is of Colombian origin, with no indications of clarity modification in fissures at the time of testing. SSEF appendix states that a natural emerald from Colombia of this size and quality can be considered rare and exceptional.
The emerald is medium to dark green color of strong saturation, with minor blemishes and typical natural inclusions, few surface reaching, and visible under 10 x magnification but not noticeable with naked eyes. Total weight of diamonds approximately 4.00 carats; average color-grade F-G color; clarity-grade VS clarity as gauged and graded in the mount.
LOT 1756 – A RARE AND IMPORTANT EMERALD AND DIAMOND DEMI-PARURE, BULGARI, CIRCA 1960 – with an estimate of HKD 4,000,000 – 6,500,000 (USD 509,600 – 828,100) is another emerald highlight of the sale. The demi-parure consists of a fringe necklace and a pair of pendant earrings. The 39.5 cm (15.5 ins) choker length fringe necklace, signed Bulgari, suspends five longer and six shorter leaf motif fringes alternating with one another in the lower half of the necklace. The longer leaf-motif fringes consists of a long stalk, set with pear-shaped, baguette-cut and brilliant-cut diamonds, a carved emerald leaf blade and the apex of the leaf set with a triad of brilliant-cut diamonds. The median fringe is the longest fringe and two longer fringes of graduating lengths are placed on either side of it. Three shorter fringes also of graduating length are placed on either side of the median fringe, alternating with the longer fringes, consist of a very short stalk set only with a single brilliant-cut diamond followed by a carved emerald leaf blade and a triad of brilliant-cut diamonds at the apex. The neckchain and clasp behind is set with brilliant-cut and baguette-cut diamonds.
Each of the pair of pendant earrings is of the same leaf-motif design as the longer fringes, made up of a long stalk of pear-shaped, baguette-cut and brilliant-cut diamonds, a carved emerald leaf blade and a triad of brilliant-cut diamonds at the apex of the leaf. The earrings are provided with post and butterfly fittings.
JADEITE LOTS
LOT 1861 – AN IMPORTANT PAIR OF JADEITE AND DIAMOND PENDENT EARRINGS – with an estimate of HKD 2,000,000 – 15,000,000 (USD 1,528,800 – 1,911,000) is the top Jadeite Lot of the sale and also the 7th most valued lot of the sale.
Each of the pair of 18k white gold pendent earrings is set with three oval jadeite cabochons of brilliant emerald green color and very good translucency, linked and decorated by brilliant-cut diamonds and provided with post and butterfly fittings. The dimensions of the two largest cabochons are approximately 18.15 x 15.95 x 6.23 mm and 18.27 x 15.86 x 6.38 mm.
Hong Kong Jade & Stone Laboratory certificates no. KJ 98726 and KJ 98727, dated 21 August 2018, states that the jadeites tested are natural, known in the trade as “A Jade.
LOT-1862 – AN IMPORTANT JADEITE BANGLE – with an estimate of HKD 10,000,000 – 15,000,000 (USD 1,274,000 – 1,911,000) is the 2nd most valued Jadeite Lot of the sale. The Jadeite Bangle of inner diameter 57.03 mm and thickness 11.00 mm is made of highly translucent, brilliant emerald green jadeite, suffused with intense emerald green streaks.
Hong Kong Jade and Stone Laboratory certificate no. KJ 98586, dated 17 July 2018, states that the jadeite is natural, known in the trade as “A Jade”. Upon strong illumination there are some white clouds, commonly seen in natural jadeite. The bangle is in overall very good condition.
LOT 1739 – A VERY FINE JADEITE BANGLE – with an estimate of HKD 5,200,000 – 7,000,000 (USD 662,480 – 891,800) is another significant Jadeite Lot in the sale. The Jadeite Bangle of inner circumference 56.43 mm and diameter 15.32 mm is made of highly translucent jadeite with a section of brilliant lavender shaded to light green color, with flattened inner rim.
Hong Kong Jade & Stone Laboratory certificate no. KJ 98528, dated 9 July 2018, states that the jadeite is natural, known in the trade as “A Jade”. The Jadeite is of high translucency and very fine texture, brilliant lavender color shaded to light green color. Upon strong transmitted illumination, there are cloud inclusions and minute dark spots which are commonly seen in natural jadeite and hardly noticeable in normal lighting.
RUBY LOTS
LOT 1890 – AN IMPRESSIVE RUBY AND DIAMOND RING, BULGARI – with an estimate of HKD 16,000,000 – 20,000,000 (USD 2,038,400 – 2,548,000) is the 5th most valuable lot of the sale and the top lot among Ruby Lots. Size 6½, 20k yellow gold ring, signed Bulgari and stamped 850 for for 20k yellow gold is claw-set with an oval-cut ruby weighing approximately 31.40 carats, decorated with calibré-cut rubies on the lower gallery, and the shoulders set with brilliant-cut diamonds.
Gübelin Report No. 15067136, dated 24 June 2015 and AGL Report No. CS 1075814, dated 19 May 2018 and GIA Report No. 2204471557, dated 20 July 2015, each states that the ruby is of Burmese origin, with no indications of heating. The oval ruby is medium red of strong saturation, with typical natural inclusions, some surface reaching when examined under 10x magnification. Calibré-cut rubies are medium dark red to purplish red of medium strong saturation with typical natural inclusions. Diamonds weighing approximately 2.00 carats in total are on average F – G color, VS clarity. Minor signs of wear to metal, overall in very good condition.
LOT 1852 – PAIR OF RUBY AND DIAMOND PENDENT EARRINGS – with an estimate of HKD 7,000,000 – 9,000,000 (USD 891,800 – 1,146,600) is the second most valued Ruby Lot of the sale.
Each of the pair of white and yellow gold pendent earrings is composed of a floral motif, with a centerpiece, claw-set on yellow gold with an oval-cut ruby, with total weight of approximately 8.05 carats, highlighted by a surround of six pear-shaped diamonds and suspended from a linear surmount set with small brilliant-cut diamonds, with a marquise-shaped diamond placed in between, and provided with hook fittings.
Gübelin report no. 18081002 /1 and 2, dated 16 August 2018, states that the rubies are of Burmese origin, with no indications of heating, having the trade-color of rubies known as pigeon blood red. Rubies are medium dark red with strong saturation. Under 10x magnification, there are typical inclusions, some surface reaching, minor inclusions and blemishes, but all hardly noticeable with unaided eye. Estimated total weight of diamonds approximately 15 – 16 carats, average color-grade E – F Color and clarity-grade VS-Clarity, as gauged and graded in the mount. The lot is also accompanied by an SSEF report.
LOT 1851 – RUBY AND DIAMOND RING – with estimate of HKD 6,800,000 – 9,000,000 (USD 866,320 – 1,146,60) is another significant ruby lot of the sale. Ring size 6, platinum and 18k yellow gold ring, inscribed PT950 for platinum and AU750 for 18k yellow gold and numbered F392017 with maker’s marks, designed as a floral motif, is claw-set at the center with an oval-cut ruby weighing 5.09 carats, representing the stigma, and five somewhat heart-shaped diamonds representing the petals, with a total weight of 3.60 carats, further embellished with brilliant-cut diamonds, on the upper hoop and shank of the ring.
SSEF report no. 98234, dated 7 March 2018 and Gübelin report no. 18081245, dated 20 August 2018, each states that the ruby is of Burmese origin, with no indications of heating. Five GIA dossier reports: numbered 5181710056, dated 1 September 2017, states that the diamond weighing 0.74 carat is D-Color, Internally Flawless, with Excellent Polish and Symmetry; numbered 1182785386, dated 5 October 2017, states that the diamond weighing 0.74 carat is E-Color, Internally Flawless, with Excellent Polish and Symmetry; numbered 5182785340, dated 4 October 2017, states that the diamond weighing 0.72 carat is D-Color, VVS2 Clarity, with Excellent Polish and Symmetry; numbered 2185782542, states that the diamond weighing 0.70 carat is D-Color, VVS2 Clarity; numbered 5181785417, dated 5 October 2017, states that the diamond weighing 0.70 carat is E-Color, VS1 Clarity, with Excellent Polish and Symmetry. The Ruby is of medium dark red color with strong saturation, with typical inclusions, a few surface reaching, minor chips and blemishes when examined under 10x magnification, but hardly noticeable with unaided eye. Brilliant-cut diamonds are bright and lively. Metal in very good condition. The Ring is overall in excellent condition.
SAPPHIRE LOTS
The 6th most valuable lot is LOT 1889 – A UNIQUE PAIR OF SAPPHIRE, PEARL AND DIAMOND PENDENT EARRINGS – with an estimate of HKD 13,000,000 = 17,000,000 (USD 1,656,200 – 2,165,800), which also makes it the most valuable Sapphire Lot.
Each of the pair of platinum and 18k white gold pendent earrings, stamped PT950 for platinum and 750 for 18k white gold, suspends a drop-shaped sapphire weighing respectively 17.70 and 17.47 carats, linked by two diamond beads and a button-shaped pearl in between, suspended from a linear surmount set with small brilliant-cut diamonds and provided with hook and clip fittings.
AGL report no. 1093348A and B, dated 24 July 2018, states that the sapphires are of Classic Kashmir origin, with no indications of heating or clarity enhancement. Sapphires are of medium blue color and strong to moderate saturation, some color zoning, with typical inclusions, some surface reaching, not noticeable when worn. Button shaped pearls are of white body color, with slightly rosé and green overtones, very good lustre, some surface abrasions, not noticeable when worn. Estimated total weight of diamonds approximately 3.50-4.00 cts with an average color grade of F to G color, and clarity grade VS to SI clarity as graded and gauged in the mount.
LOT 1713 – A FINE SAPPHIRE AND DIAMOND RING, TIFFANY & CO. – with an estimate of HKD 7,800,000 – 10,000,000 (USD 993,720 – 1,274,000) is the second most valued Sapphire Lot of the sale. Ring size 5½, platinum ring, signed Tiffany & Co. is set with a sugarloaf sapphire weighing 11.55 carats, within a filigree mounting decorated with old European-cut diamonds.
SSEF report no. 95383, dated 20 September 2017, and AGL report no. 1084743, dated 30 May 2017, each states that the sapphire is of Kashmir origin, with no indications of heating. SSEF appendix letter states “The natural sapphire possesses extraordinary characteristics and merits special mention and appreciation. The described sapphire exhibits a remarkable size and weight, characterized by an attractive blue color and a very fine purity, and has been cut into a well-proportioned cabochon. A natural sapphire from Kashmir of this size and quality can be considered rare and exceptional.” AGL appendix letter states “This sapphire also possesses a high clarity, providing a superior degree of transparency.”
OTHER COLORED GEMSTONES
ALEXANDRITE LOTS
LOT 1627 is an Alexandrite Lot titled. ALEXANDRITE AND DIAMOND RING – with an estimate of HKD 240,000 – 350,000 (USD 30,576 – 44,590). Ring size 5¾, platinum ring, stamped Pt950 for platinum and IRID.PLAT for 950 parts platinum and 50 parts Iridium. is claw-set with a cushion-shaped alexandrite weighing 7.76 carats, highlighted by several rows of brilliant-cut diamonds.
AGL report numbered 1089985, dated 26 January 2018, states that the 7.76 carat Alexandrite is of Ceylon origin, with no clarity enhancements. AGL also states that the alexandrite is Classic™ Ceylon. GIA report no. 6187826622, dated 27 October 2017, states that the 7.76 carat Alexandrite is a Natural Alexandrite. The Alexandrite displays a distinct color change effect from dark green of moderate saturation in daylight to dark purple color of moderate saturation in incandescent light, and is loupe clean with minor abrasion on surface. Estimated total weight of diamonds approximately 3 – 4 carats, average color-grade G – H color, clarity-grade VS clarity.
AMETHYST LOTS
LOT 1668 – AMETHYST AND PINK SAPPHIRE CLIP BROOCH, VAN CLEEF & ARPELS – with an estimate of HKD 200,000 – 320,000 (USD 25,480 – 40,768) is one of the Amethyst Lots in the sale. The 18k yellow gold brooch signed Van Cleef & Arpels, numbered BL 94478 with, French assay and maker’s marks, is designed as a bouquet of flowers with oval amethyst petals, and a circular-cut pink sapphire stigma, the smaller flower buds set with pink sapphires, and the leaves and stem made of polished yellow gold
Estimated total weight of Amethysts approximately 9 – 11 carats. Amethysts are medium dark purple of medium saturation, eye clean, but under 10x magnification there are very minor chip and blemishes. Estimated total weight of Pink sapphires approximately 3.5 – 5 carats. Pink Sapphires are light to medium purplish pink of medium to strong saturation, eye clean, but under 10x magnification there are minor inclusions and abrasions.
LAPIS LAZULI LOTS
LOT 1867 – PAIR OF LAPIS LAZULI AND DIAMOND BROOCHES, HAMMERMAN BROTHERS – with an estimate of HKD 96,000 – 150,000 (USD 12,230 – 19,110) is one the Lapis Lazuli Lots of the sale.
Each of the brooches is designed as a turtle, set with a cabochon lapis lazuli shell, highlighted with gold ropetwist details and brilliant-cut diamonds, representing markings on the shell; the head, neck, four legs and tail also set with brilliant-cut diamonds; the pair of eyes in one brooch set with circular-cut peridots and the other with cabochon-cut emeralds, mounted on platinum and 18 karat yellow gold and signed HB.
One of the Lapis Lazuli is medium violetish-blue in color of strong saturation and the other of dark violetish-blue color of medium saturation and both with typical pyrite and calcite inclusions. Emeralds of light slightly bluish-green color of medium saturation, with typical inclusions visible only under 10x magnification and some surface reaching. Peridot of medium yellowish-green color of moderate saturation, also with typical inclusions only under 10x magnification. The Diamonds are bright and lively.
ONYX LOTS
LOT 1670 – CORAL, ONYX AND DIAMOND BRACELET, CARTIER – with an estimate of HKD 260,000 – 320,000 (USD 33,124 – 40,768) is a significant Onyx Lot of the sale. The 19 cm (7.5 ins) yellow gold bracelet signed Cartier, is composed of several black onyx bead strands and the clasp set with a carved coral rose, decorated with brilliant- and single-cut diamonds,
Onyx beads are in very good condition, with minor abrasions. The Coral is of medium orange color, opaque, with typical light color variations and grain structure visible to surface under 10x magnification. Diamonds are bright and lively.
PADPARADSCHA SAPPHIRE
LOT 1711 – AN IMPORTANT PADPARADSCHA SAPPHIRE AND DIAMOND RING – with an estimate of HKD 6,800,000 – 8,800,000 (USD 866,320 – 1,121,120 USD) is a significant Colored Gemstone Lot of the sale. Ring size 6, 18k white and pink gold ring is set with a cushion-shaped padparadscha sapphire weighing 16.66 carats, within a surround of pear-shaped and old mine-cut diamonds, and brilliant-cut diamonds on the shoulders of the ring. The ring is inscribed 750 for 18 karat pink and white gold and with numbers 16.66 and 13.85 referring to the weights of padparascha sapphire and diamonds respectively.
SSEF report no. 80335, dated 27 May 2015 and Gübelin report no. 15067341, dated 30 June 2015, each states that the Padparadscha Sapphire is of Ceylon origin, with no indications of heating. The Padparadscha Sapphire is of medium pinkish-orange color with a medium strong saturation, eye clean, with minor typical inclusions and blemishes visible only under 10x magnification. Diamonds estimated to weigh approximately 13.00 – 14.00 cts are about E-F Color, VVS – VS Clarity, as gauged and graded in the mount.
PURPLE SAPPHIRE LOT
LOT 1814 – PAIR OF PURPLE SAPPHIRE AND DIAMOND PENDENT EARRINGS, CARTIER – with an estimate of HKD 280,000 – 400,000 (USD 35,672 – 50,960) is a rare Purple Sapphire Lot in the sale. Each of the pair of platinum pendent earrings, signed Cartier, numbered 64PPPA, suspends an oval purple sapphire weighing approximately 13.00 carats in total, from a linear surmount set with an oval-cut, marquise-cut and pear-shaped diamonds, provided with post and hinged back fittings.
The purple sapphires are medium dark purple color of medium saturation, with typical inclusions visible under 10x magnification, some surface reaching, with minor chips. Estimated total weight of diamonds approximately 1.80 – 1.90 carats. Diamonds are bright and lively
RUBELLITE LOTS
LOT 1816 – RUBELLITE, RUBY AND DIAMOND RING – with an estimate of HKD 80,000 – 120,000 (USD 10,192 – 15,288) is a Rubellite highlight of the sale. Ring size 6¾, yellow gold ring is claw-set with a cushion-shaped rubellite weighing approximately 13.00 carats, highlighted by three rows of pavé-set circular-cut rubies, interspersed with eight brilliant-cut diamonds, at the cardinal points of the circle.
The Rubellite is medium to dark purplish-red of strong saturation, with typical natural inclusions. Rubies weighing approximately 5.00 carats in total are medium purplish-red of medium to strong saturation, and some with typical natural inclusions. Diamonds are bright and lively.
STAR SAPPHIRE LOTS
LOT 1664 – STAR SAPPHIRE RING – with an estimate of HKD 240,000 – 320,000 (USD 30,576 – 40,768) is a significant Star Sapphire highlight of the sale. Ring size 8, 18k white gold ring, stamped 750 for 18k white gold, and inscribed with no. 31.80 referring to the weight of the sapphire, is claw-set with an oval cabochon star sapphire weighing 31.80 carats.
Gübelin report no. 18071085, dated 30 July 2018, states that the star sapphire is natural of Burmese origin, with no indications of heating. The Sapphire is translucent, of medium blue color of strong saturation, with typical inclusions, internal fissures, a few surface reaching. Under strong focused light, star effect is moderately distinct.
TOURMALINE LOTS
LOT 1732 – TWO BI-COLOURED TOURMALINE PENDANTS, EARLY 20 TH CENTURY – with an estimate of HKD 65,000 – 95,000 (USD 8,281 – 12,103) is a rare Tourmaline Lot of the sale. The pendants of dimensions 37.12 x 28.15 x 14.79 mm and 41.14 x 34.15 x 16.13 mm respectively, stamped 18K for 18 karat yellow gold, are composed of two tourmalines each, both carved as two felines facing head to toe; the first of colorless and pink color tourmalines, decorated with a green glass bead and seed pearls; and the second of pink and green color tourmalines, surmounted by an 18 karat yellow gold bail and surmount.
First Pendant: – Highly translucent tourmaline of colorless and medium slightly purplish pink color, medium strong saturation. Upon strong illumination, there are typical inclusions, some surface reaching, with minor chips and blemishes. Green glass bead with gas bubbles and abrasion. Seed pearls of white body color and good luster. Orange plastic beads of medium reddish orange color.
Second Pendant: – Highly translucent tourmaline of medium slightly purplish pink and medium dark green color, medium strong saturation. Upon strong illumination, there are typical inclusions, some surface reaching, with minor chips and blemishes.
NATURAL PEARL LOTS
Top among Natural Pearl Lots is LOT 1682 – NATURAL PEARL AND DIAMOND NECKLACE, LATE 19TH CENTURY – with an estimate of HKD 4,300,000 – 5,600,000 (USD 547,820 – 713,440). The 40 cm (15.7 ins) choker length silver-topped gold fringe necklace, stamped with French assay marks for silver and gold, and maker’s marks, is made up of a series of old European-cut and old mine-cut diamond rosettes, with two types of fringes arising from the lower front half of the necklace – longer fringes suspending a drop-shaped pearl arising from the rosettes and shorter fringes alternating with longer fringes and arising from the circular-cut diamond connecting two rosettes. There are nine longer and ten shorter fringes alternating with one another, and two additional shorter fringes at the ends of the lower half of the necklace. The fringes are also set with old European-cut and old mine-cut diamonds.
The drop-shaped pearls have dimensions varying from 10.50 x 7.22 x 7.25 mm to 16.60 x 13.50 x 11.65 mm
SSEF report no. 101270, dated 11 July 2018, states that the pearls were found to be natural and saltwater. The Gem & Pearl Laboratory Report no. 09275, dated 21 January 2014, states that the pearls were found to be natural and saltwater. The Natural Pearls are of slightly cream white body color, very well matched in color and display very good luster.
Estimated total weight of diamonds approximately 68.00 – 70.00 carats, average color-grade G – H Color, clarity-grade SI – I Clarity, as gauged and graded in the mount.
CULTURED PEARL LOTS
LOT 1791 – is a Cultured Pearl Lot, titled CULTURED PEARL AND DIAMOND DEMI-PARURE, VAN CLEEF & ARPELS – with an estimate of HKD 240,000 – 400,000 (USD 30,576 – 50,960). The Demi-Parure consists of a pendant necklace and a pair of pendant earrings of matching design.
The 46 cm (18 ins) Princess Length platinum pendant necklace, signed VCA, stamped PLAT for Platinum, is composed of thirty-one cultured pearls, brilliant-cut diamonds and rondelles. The lower part of the necklace has seven cultured pearl centered brilliant-cut diamond rosettes; a median rosette and three equally spaced rosettes on either side of the median rosette. Two cultured pearls are placed in between two rosettes separated by a rondelle, and the space between the cultured pearl and the rosette, occupied by a brilliant-cut diamond set link. The rosettes in the necklace are made up of only a single row of brilliant-cui diamonds. The pendant suspended from the median rosette, also has a cultured pearl centered rosette but surrounded by two rows of brilliant-cut diamonds. The pendant of the necklace is detachable.
The rear side of the necklace is made of 11 spherical cultured pearls one set on the clasp and five on either side, separated by rondelles.
Each of the pair of pendant earrings of matching design with the necklace, signed VCA and numbered CS04407 consists of a cultured pearl centered rosette, surrounded by two rows of brilliant-cut diamonds, suspended from a surmount, made up of a cultured pearl centered rosette, surrounded by a single row of diamonds, and provided with post and hinged back fittings