HONG KONG.- Sotheby’s Hong Kong will host its inaugural online jewellery sale from 21 to 30 May, presenting over 70 jewellery pieces from HK$6,500 (US$800). The sale features a wide selection of signed pieces by renowned houses such as Van Cleef & Arpels, Cartier, and Chanel, some offered without reserve, as well as fun jewellery pieces enchanted by whimsical motifs and coloured gemstones. A range of contemporary jadeite pieces are also included.
Yvonne Chu, Acting Head of Department, Jewellery, Sotheby’s, comments: “The online platform presents huge potential as demonstrated by the continued growth in sales. This summer, we are excited to expand the online auction model to our Jewellery sales in Asia, offering an exceptional opportunity for jewellery collectors to bid with ease out of our regular sale seasons.”
Growth of Online in Numbers:
• Growing Importance of Online Business: In 2018, online buyers spent US$220.4 million across all categories, purchasing 37% of all lots sold at Sotheby’s. Online-only sales totals US$72.1 million, quadruple the previous year’s total.
• Increased Online Bidding in Jewellery Sales (incl. live and online-only auctions): In 2018, 42% of the bids in Sotheby’s worldwide jewellery sales were placed online. The number of jewels sold online was up by 53% on 2017.
• More Online-only Jewellery Sales: Sotheby’s first jewellery online-only auction was hosted by New York in 2016. In 2018, a total of 18 jewellery online auction were held throughout the year.
HIGHLIGHTS
Gem Set and Diamond Pendant (Est. HK$70,000-90,000 / US$8,900-11,500)
Diamond, Sapphire and Enamel Clip Brooch, Van Cleef & Arpels (Est. HK$48,000-80,000 / US$6,100-10,200)
Jadeite, Cultured Pearl and Diamond Brooch, Elizabeth Gage (Est. HK$26,000-36,000 / US$3,300-4,600)
Enamel, Glass and Diamond Perfume Bottle, Asprey (Est. HK$24,000-40,000 / US$3,100-5,100)
4.70ct Square Emerald-cut D Colour Internally Flawless Diamond Ring (Est. HK$680,000-900,000 / US$86,600-114,600)
1.54ct Fancy Yellow-Green Diamond and Diamond Ring (Est. HK$140,000-180,000 / US$17,800-22,900)
