HONG KONG.- On 2 April, Sotheby’s Hong Kong Magnificent Jewels and Jadeite Spring Sale 2019 will present a wealth of colour and design through rare gems and intricately crafted jewels. Headlined by the spectacular 88.22-Carat Oval Diamond, a rare and important D Colour, Flawless, Type IIa, oval brilliant diamond, perfect according to every critical criterion (Est. HK$88 - 100 million / US$11.2 - 12.7 million), the sale also features a myriad of fancy coloured diamonds ranging from highly coveted pinks and blues to yellows and greens. A stunning selection of coloured gemstones will be presented alongside iconic designs by famed jewellers such as Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels and Bulgari.

Yvonne Chu, Acting Head of Department, Jewellery, Sotheby’s, comments: “We are proud to present a meticulously curated auction showcasing decades of jewellery design, from the renowned Van Cleef & Arpels Mystery Set ™ ‘Bellflowers’ brooch, to the iconic Cartier ‘Panthère’ bangle. This season also highlights elite examples of precious gemstones and exceptional colourless and coloured diamonds, with a trio of specially selected pieces that exhibit the detailed planning process and unrivalled cutting skills, each possessing an auspicious 88 in its carat weight. Led by the Spectacular 88.22 carat Oval Brilliant diamond, this sale is an assemblage of jewels representing connoisseurship of the highest level.”

The Spectacular 88.22-Carat Oval Brilliant Diamond D Colour, Flawless, Type IIa Lot 1801: Estimate: HK$88 - 100 million / US$11.2 - 12.7 million
Perfect according to every critical criterion, the diamond has achieved the highest rankings under each of the standards by which the quality of a stone is judged (‘the four Cs’). The diamond is D colour (the highest grade for a white diamond); of exceptional clarity (it is completely flawless, both internally and externally), and has excellent polish and symmetry; Type IIa (with exceptional transparency). The stone is distinguished further as one of only three oval diamonds of over 50 carats to appear at auction in living memory, and the largest to be auctioned in over five years. More details here.

A symbol of perfection and eternity, often associated with prosperity, the number eight is considered a lucky number in China and other Asian cultures. The Chinese pronunciation of 8 (bā), similar to that of 發 (fā) meaning wealth or fortune, is welcomed as a blessing of affluence. In its duality - 88 – it is believed to bring good wishes in abundance. There is also a visual resemblance between 88 and 囍 (literally: "double happiness"), a popular decorative design composed of two stylized characters 喜 ("happiness").

Alongside The Spectacular 88.22-Carat Oval Brilliant Diamond, this season’s sale will present two additional high-quality gems embodying the number 88 in their carat weight.

• A superb 13.88 carat sapphire and diamond ring. Est. HK$14 - 18 million / US$1.8-2.3 million

• A 10.88 carat diamond ring. Est. HK$9.5-11 million / US$1.2-1.4 million

MORE HIGHLIGHTS OF THE SEASON
Rococo Refinement
A Rare Emerald, Ruby and Diamond Brooch, Circa 1750
Dating back to the mid-18th century, this extraordinary jewel embodies the aesthetic ideals of the time with nature themes of rococo style flourishing within the design. Cherished and treasured by generations of royalties, this stunning emerald brooch was spared of remounting, and has been well preserved throughout the ages. The jewel was once owned by Lady Anne Maud Rhys, 7th Duchess of Ciudad Rodrigo (1910-1998), descendant of the 1st Duke of Wellington.

In Bloom: A Celebration of Colour in Nature Fancy Coloured Diamonds Including Pinks, Blues, Yellows & Greens
Celebrated for their rarity and beauty, fancy coloured diamonds can come in every colour of the rainbow. Recent trends have shown a dramatic increase of attention for these fantastical gems from the late 20th century until now.

• 1.21 carat fancy vivid green-blue diamond and diamond ring. Est.HK$6,200,000-7,000,000 / US$795,000-895,000.

• 1.16 carat fancy vivid purplish pink diamond and diamond ring. Est. HK$1,900,000-2,500,000 / US$243,000-319,000.

• 3.05 carat fancy intense green diamond and diamond ring. Est. HK$4,900,000-6,500,000 / US$625,000-830,000.

• 20.41 carat fine fancy vivid yellow diamond and diamond ring. Est. HK$7,000,000-9,000,000 / US$895,000-1,150,000

Iconic Designs by Celebrated Makers
From Van Cleef & Arpel’s Bellflowers to Cartier’s Panthère
• An important ruby and diamond brooch, Bellflowers, Van Cleef & Arpels, 1960s. Est. HK$3,200,000-4,800,000 / US$408,000-615,000

• An impressive emerald and diamond necklace, Toscane, Van Cleef & Arpels. Est. HK$5,600,000-7,500,000 / US$715,000-960,000

• An important ruby, diamond and onyx bangle, Panthère, Cartier. Est. HK$8,000,000-9,600,000 / US$1,020,0001,230,000

Jadeite Jewellery
•A jadeite peapod and diamond pendant. Est. HK$ 3,300,000-4,200,000 / US$421,000-540,000

• A very fine jadeite and diamond ring. Est. HK$3,800,000-4,800,000 / US$485,000-615,000

• An important pair of jadeite double hoop, ruby and diamond pendent earrings. Est. HK$4,500,000-6,500,000 / US$575,000-830,000