HONG KONG.- This May in Hong Kong, Phillips’ Jewels and Jadeite Spring Sale will present a vast range of jewels, featuring rare and exceptional sapphires, quality gemstones, fancy coloured and the unique ASHOKA® cut diamonds, iconic pieces of modern and vintage jewellery by renowned makers, as well as fine jadeites in traditional forms and contemporary designs. With such a broad array of offerings this season, these are jewels that will appeal to seasoned collectors and influential tastemakers alike.

Terry Chu, Head of Jewellery, Phillips Asia: “We are pleased to present a carefully curated auction showcasing both contemporary and vintage jewellery design with a modern sensibility, from the iconic Graff ‘Butterfly’ Diamond brooch, to the unique Art Deco Mauboussin gem-set and diamond sautoir necklace. This season also highlights very fine and rare examples of precious gemstones and the distinctive ASHOKA® cut diamond. A stunning selection of jadeite jewellery exudes both classic and contemporary appeal will also be presented alongside iconic designs by famed jewellers and independent designers.”

EXCEPTIONAL SAPPHIRES
A breathtaking pair of Kashmir sapphire ear-clips signed by Harry Winston will lead this season’s auction (illustrated right) — Hailing from the legendary mine of Kashmir which was long depleted over a hundred years ago, the two specimens of matching size and cutting display the iconic blue hue that remains constant regardless of the light source – a distinctive attribute of Kashmir sapphires that makes them highly covetable.

It is difficult to fathom the difficulty of assembling two Kashmir sapphires of matching quality in this size, and for them to be completely free of heat treatment. It is a quest that required years, if not decades to complete.

Among other highlights in the auction are several exceptional Sri Lankan sapphires:

• A Fine Pair of Sri Lankan Sapphire and Diamond Ear-clips, 12.06 & 10.82 carats. Estimate: HKD 3,200,000-3,600,000

• A Remarkable 26.24-carat Sri Lankan Sapphire and Diamond Ring, Alexandre Reza. Estimate: HKD 1,800,000 - 2,200,000

QUALITY GEMSTONES AND FINE DIAMONDS
• A Fine 18.13-carat Sri Lankan Padparadscha Sapphire and Diamond Ring. Estimate: HKD 1,900,000-2,400,000

• A Burmese Ruby and Diamond Bracelet, 47.40 carats. Estimate: HKD 950,000 - 1,200,000

• A Very Fine Pair of Natural Pearl and Diamond Pendent Ear-clips, Cartier London. Estimate: HKD 2,800,000 - 3,300,000

• A 4.01-carat Fancy Vivid Yellow Diamond Ring
Estimate: HKD 800,000 – 950,000

• A Very Fine 6.28-carat D/IF Diamond Ring
Estimate: HKD2,800,000 – 3,200,000

• A Fine 6.83-carat Colombian No-oil Emerald and Diamond Ring.
Estimate: HKD 1,000,000 - 1,300,000

RARE AND SPECIAL JEWELLERY BY MASTER JEWELLERS
This season, Phillips will also offer vintage and modern jewellery by famed jewellers such as Cartier, Graff, Mauboussin and Van Cleef & Arpels. One of the highlights is a unique Art Deco sautoir necklace (illustrated below) made by Mauboussin in the 1920’s, which marked the most important chapter in the history of the legendary French maison. The use of carved coloured gemstones in the form of foliate motifs and fluted beads exudes exoticism and fascination with the Far East. Its versatility – the necklace is convertible to four bracelets – also reflects the lavish fashion of wearing multiple bracelets at that time. Preserved in its spectacular original condition, this necklace is a creation at the pinnacle of Mauboussin’s most glorious years and arguably one of the most collectible and precious examples.

• A Unique Art Deco Gem-set and Diamond Sautoir Necklace, Mauboussin, Circa 1929
Estimate: HKD 4,300,000 - 5,800,000

The cover lot of this season is a magnificent brooch from Graff’s ‘Butterfly’ series, a unique piece composed of 86 high quality diamonds weighing a total of over 60 carats. The oversized wings are studded with sizeable brilliant-cut diamonds and the openwork structure emphasizes the lightness of its wings while affording them a massive volume of dazzling brilliance that seems to radiate from its body. Graff was inspired by the symmetrical geometry of butterflies and has incorporated this in their watches and high jewellery collection.

OTHER IMPORTANT HIGHLIGHTS
• A Rare Cultured Pearl and Diamond 'Flower and Berries' Brooch, Suzanne Belperron, Circa Mid-20th Century Estimate: HKD 280,000 - 380,000

• An Art Deco 3.95-carat Colombian No-oil Emerald and Diamond Brooch, Cartier Paris, Circa 1930. Estimate: HKD 600,000 – 700,000

• A 10.05-carat ASHOKA® Diamond and Diamond Ring. Estimate: HKD 2,500,000 - 2,800,000

JADEITE JEWELLERY WITH CONTEMPORARY AND TRADITIONAL DESIGN
This season, Phillips presents fine jadeite in both traditional forms and contemporary designs.

• An Impressive Jadeite Cabochon and Diamond Ring. Estimate: HKD 6,600,000 - 7,500,000

• A Fine Jadeite Bangle. Estimate: HKD 6,000,000 - 8,000,000

• A Pair of Carved Jadeite Plaques, Ruby and Diamond Pendent Earrings, Karen Suen. Estimate: HKD 380,000 – 480,000

• A Distinctive Jadeite, Lavender Jadeite and Diamond Pendant Necklace. Estimate: HKD 720,000 - 950,000