HONG KONG.- Tiancheng International will hold its Jewellery and Jadeite Spring Auction 2018 on 3 June, offering a diverse selection of iridescent coloured gemstones, diamonds and jadeite pieces. Leading the auction is an important jadeite bangle with rich emerald green colour and fine translucency. Altogether the sale will present nearly 250 lots of coveted jewellery and jadeite pieces.

Mr. Stewart Young, Director of Tiancheng International’s Jewellery Department, remarks, “Tiancheng International has continuously achieved remarkable results with its auctions of magnificent jadeite pieces held over the years. For our Spring Auction in June, we are pleased to present a natural jadeite bangle of captivating emerald green hue, highly prized for its exceptional quality. We have also amassed an impressive array of the market’s finest gemstones, ranging from natural Colombian Muzo emeralds to Burmese rubies and Kashmir sapphires, encompassing renowned brands such as Boucheron, Harry Winston and Tiffany & Co. Alongside these, there will be a galore of enthralling diamonds, unique design pieces and spinel jewels, which will open up a fascinating world of jewellery for connoisseurs.”

The Preview of the Spring Auction will be held from 30 May to 2 June (10am to 6pm), and the Auction will take place on 3 June 2018 (Sunday, 1pm) at 30/F, Bank of China Tower, 1 Garden Road, Central, Hong Kong.

OPULENT JADEITE
Lot 197
Important Jadeite Bangle
Estimate on Request
Due to its rarity and vast quality differences of roughs mined, jadeite with equal excellence in colour, texture and transparency is extremely scarce. The complex, multi-crystalline structure of jadeite also renders it susceptible to cracks. To carve a jadeite bangle requires an entire piece of boulder that is of perfect colour and free of blemishes. Therefore, bangles of superior quality are highly sought-after. Offered at the upcoming auction is a bangle fashioned from jadeite of extraordinarily fine texture, marvellous luminescence and even emerald green colour. Characterized by its full proportion and sumptuous thickness, this exquisite bangle is a true embodiment of jadeite perfection.

Lot 43
Very Fine Jadeite Ring
Estimate: HK$ 450,000 - 650,000／US$ 58,000 - 83,300
This important ring is set with natural jadeite from a plume fastener, a cylindrical holder sewn atop the headwear of court officials to mount a peacock feather during the Qing dynasty. Made of jadeite, white jade, gemstones, enamel and porcelain, the accessory was a status symbol. Only top-ranking civil officials were authorized to wear jadeite plume fasteners. Not many jadeite plume fasteners have survived into modern times and those still in existence are exorbitantly valued. Taken from a plume fastener, this jadeite boasts an impressive thickness with a rich green hue and lustrous sheen. Melding history and aesthetics, the jadeite ring is both subtle and elegant.

MAGNIFICENT GEMSTONES AND DIAMONDS

Coloured Gemstones
Lot 231
150.58-Carat Natural Unheated Burmese Mong Hsu and Mogok Ruby and Diamond Necklace, Harry Winston
Diamonds together weighing approx. 33.00 carats
Estimate: HK$ 23,000,000 - 33,000,000／
US$ 2,950,000 - 4,230,000
Reputably the “stone of romance”, ruby is ablaze with an intense red that associates it with the burning passion of undying love. Apart from setting hearts aflutter with their crimson beauty, these gems are in strong demand amongst connoisseurs and jewellers. This season, Tiancheng International will present a ruby necklace crafted by the leading jewellery brand Harry Winston, featuring 117 rubies of more than 150 carats. Some of the rubies are certified by Swiss Gemmological Institute (SSEF), Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and Gübelin Gem Lab to display the most desirable “pigeon’s blood” colour. Set with delicately interlacing enchanting rubies and white diamonds, this necklace is a regal splendour.

Lot 210
10.03-Carat Natural Unheated Burmese Mogok “Pigeon’s Blood” Ruby and Diamond Ring
Estimate: HK$ 5,000,000 - 8,000,000／US$ 640,000 - 1,030,000
Natural rubies from Burma are normally smaller in size, so those over 5 carats in weight are exceptionally rare. Unearthed from the celebrated Mogok mine in Burma, this fiery treasure is unheated with a remarkable size in excess of 10 carats. Encircled by eight radiant white diamonds totalling approximately 4.31 carats, this “pigeon’s blood” ruby comes with an enticing colour that defines arresting glamour.

Lot 183
30.97-Carat Natural Colombian Muzo Emerald and Diamond Necklace, Harry Winston
Estimate: HK$ 11,000,000 - 15,000,000／
US$ 1,410,000 – 1,920,000
Another irreplaceable masterpiece by Harry Winston will be unveiled at the Spring Auction. With its intricate craftsmanship and signature settings, Harry Winston has gained prominent recognition in the jewellery industry. “The Taylor-Burton Diamond” for Hollywood superstar Richard Burton’s wife, Elizabeth Taylor, has become one of the world’s most famous diamonds. This 30.97-carat emerald, unearthed from the legendary Muzo mine in Colombia, is flawlessly pure and suffused with a pronounced green colour. Adorned with white diamonds totalling approximately 71.75 carats in the label’s notable setting “Winston Cluster”, the pureness of the diamonds is supremely showcased to heighten the beauty of the emerald’s deep green hue, in celebration of a perfect marriage between natural gems and impeccable craftsmanship.

Lot 230
22.97-Carat Natural Unheated Burmese “Cornflower Blue” Sapphire and Diamond Ring, Boucheron
Estimate: HK$ 3,800,000 - 4,800,000／US$ 487,000 - 615,000
Founded in 1858, Boucheron is a French jewellery house known for its prolific creativity. This prestigious ring by Boucheron featuring a cushion-shaped, natural “cornflower blue” sapphire flanked by glittering diamonds on both sides, is truly a timeless classic.

Dazzling Diamonds
Lot 246
“The Princess Pink”
5.03-Carat Natural Fancy Light Orangy Pink Diamond, Pink Diamond and Diamond Ring
Estimate: HK$ 4,650,000 - 5,650,000／US$ 596,000 - 724,000
Pink diamonds are rare in the market as only one fancy coloured diamond can be found in every 100,000 top-quality diamonds mined. Among fancy coloured diamonds, pink is the highly favoured colour. This remarkable 5.03-carat fancy light orangy pink diamond possesses outstanding clarity. The mesmerizing pink colour of the stone is beautifully accentuated by brilliant-cut pink and white diamonds, displaying ultimate sophistication. Offered at an attractive price, this signature lot of unparalleled quality is an irresistible beauty for diamond lovers.

Lot 244
5.01-Carat Natural Fancy Vivid Yellow VS1 Clarity Excellent Polish Diamond, Pink Diamond and Diamond Ring
Estimate: HK$ 2,300,000 - 3,300,000／US$ 295,000 - 423,000
Exuding vibrant colours and magnificence, yellow diamonds are hailed as a symbol of glory and wealth. Yellow diamonds from the Zimmi mine in Sierra Leone are richer and more lively in their colours than their counterparts from other parts of the world. Tiancheng International has been presenting Zimmi yellow diamonds that are widely loved by connoisseurs, including this 5.01-carat yellow diamond with vividly golden hue and desirable clarity. Displaying eye-catching fire and unique radiance, it stands as one of the auction’s most anticipated highlights.

“Royal Ruby” — Spinel
Spinel is known as the “royal ruby” as it has been a legendary stone found in many royal collections. A lucky charm that magically shielded King Henry V from a fatal strike during the Anglo-French war in the 15th century, “The Black Prince Ruby” displays a saturated red colour comparable to blood, which is why it was mistaken as a ruby for centuries. The Black Prince Ruby even made its grandiose appearance in the Imperial State Crown of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, before it was scientifically revealed in recent decades to be in fact a spinel. Gem-quality spinels are actually much less common than rubies with similar characteristics. According to Geographic Origin Determination of Coloured Gemstones, a spinel is 200 times rarer than a ruby. This rarity has kept spinels relatively less well recognized in the past. However, this is rapidly changing as gem collectors around the globe have taken note of this resplendent gem, restoring its market value to its rightful glory.

Lot 177
20.19 and 18.70-Carat Natural Unheated Red Spinel and Diamond Earrings
Diamonds together weighing approx. 4.55 carats
Estimate: HK$ 780,000 - 1,500,000／US$ 100,000 - 192,000
This spring, Tiancheng International has garnered an array of 23 coveted spinel jewellery pieces. One of the highlights is a pair of natural unheated red spinel earrings weighing 20.19 and 18.70 carats respectively. Substantial in size, the captivating spinels are imbued with a fiery red hue and flawless clarity.

DESIGN PIECES
Tiancheng International has been presenting design pieces that are popular among jewellery lovers. This season, a fine selection of exquisite creations will also be showcased.

Lot 207
Emerald, Gem-set and Diamond “Colour of Spring” Brooch, Nisan
Emeralds together weighing approx. 5.15 carats; Gem-set and Diamonds together weighing approx. 15.90 carats
Estimate: HK$ 88,000 - 120,000／US$ 11,300 - 15,400
This is a delicate work by Thai jewellery designer Nisan. Mounted in 18K gold, pink and blue titanium, it depicts a tiny bird perching high on a branch. The bird’s feathered plumage, along with the twin flowers in bloom and leaves are adorned with emeralds, fancy gems and diamonds in luxuriant hues, bringing “Colour of Spring” to life in glittering stones.

Lot 95
106.85-Carat Natural Untreated Saltwater Clam Pearl, Tsavorite Garnet and Diamond “Prince Frog” Pendant
Tsavorite Garnets together weighing approx. 9.50 carats
Estimate: HK$ 185,000 - 285,000／US$ 23,700 - 36,500
Similar to natural pearls, a clam pearl is formed by a mollusk when stimulated by an irritant. Compared with the former, the likelihood of finding a clam pearl is extremely slim, with a probability of 1 in 5,000. It is exceedingly rare to find one that is perfectly round, smooth and flawless. Weighing 106.85 carats, this natural clam pearl is a valuable find. It is paired with a life-like tsavorite garnet “Prince Frog” to add a touch of light-hearted amusement. Interestingly, the pendant can be unclasped so that one can admire the clam pearl.

Lot 156
52.73-Carat Spessartite Garnet, Orange Sapphire and Diamond “Clown Fish” Brooch
Estimate: HK$ 85,000 - 120,000／US$ 10,900 - 15,400
This clown fish with a distinctive appearance has a body fashioned from spessartite garnet of 52.73 carats, set together with orange sapphires and diamonds weighing 4.40 and 1.90 carats respectively. Textural details of the fish body are cleverly revealed through the highly-translucent spessartite garnet. Under the shimmering light, the little fish appears to have peeked out from a coral reef, ready for play with other marine creatures, adding a sense of lively dynamism to this jewellery piece.

Lot 16
Agate, Ruby and Diamond “Koi” Brooch／Pendant
Agate weighing approx. 10.15 carats
Estimate: HK$ 85,000 - 125,000／US$ 10,900 - 16,000
Fish, pronounced as yu in Chinese, is a homonym for surplus. It has always been held up as an auspicious symbol. Koi, in particular, has been synonymous with achievement and success, in reference to the legend that it is able to leap over the mythical “Dragon Gate” to become a dragon. With its assemblage of agate, rubies and diamonds, this koi brooch offers a realistic depiction of a koi whose articulated fins and tail display astonishing workmanship.