NEW YORK, NY.- For their upcoming Jewels Auction on December 9, 2019 in New York City, Phillips Auction House will offer a priceless lot — a one-of-a-kind ring with reverse intaglio carving by craftsman Sevan Bıçakçı, a unique drawing of the masterpiece, a private meeting with the artist for a tour of his workshop located near Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, a visit of the architectural landmarks that have inspired his work, as well as an exclusive invitation to Bıçakçı’s private yacht for a Bosphorus cruise tour. This lot will be included alongside a selection of remarkable jewels in Phillips’ auction, all of which will be available for bidding by collectors around the globe.

Phillips, the global platform for buying and selling art and design, holds Jewels auctions twice a year in both Hong Kong and in New York for an international clientele of collectors and connoisseurs. One Drop is an international foundation created in 2007 by Cirque du Soleil founder Guy Laliberté. Its mission is to ensure sustainable access to water and sanitation for the most vulnerable communities, through innovative partnerships, creativity and the power of art. Sevan Bıçakçı is a world-renowned artisan who creates minature masterpieces crafted from 24Kgold, sterling silver, rose or antique-cut diamonds and a host of uniquely cut gemstones. His work is done entirely by hand using techniques that are hundreds and thousands of years old.

“We are grateful to our partner Phillips for continuing on this journey with us to ensure sustainable access to safe water and sanitation around the world. We are thrilled to join forces with Sevan, the true ‘Lord of the Rings’ and long-term supporter of One Drop with this exquisite ring. His craftsmanship attracts the attention of collectors globally and together and through our shared value of creativity, we are positively impacting countless lives all around the world,” says Guy Laliberté, founder of One Drop.

For the lot donated by Bıçakçı, the artist crafted a ring inspired by the title of a popular Turkish song from the 80’s, ‘Yagdir Mevlam Su’ (Oh Lord, Let It Rain). The ring’s gemstone carving depicts the intricate architecture of Istanbul, which plays a significant role in his artistic identity. Inversely carved within a rock quartz cabochon is an engraved intaglio of domes under a rainy Istanbul sky. A crown of 36 green diamonds surrounds the cabochon. Conceived to represent raindrops, the lower part of the ring is embellished with 20 tear-shaped rock crystal cabochons scattered amongst 312 single-cut diamonds set in 24K gold and sterling silver.

“I support all movements that focus on love, kindness, teaching and saving lives. One Drop truly transforms the lives of millions of people in dire need and I’m honored to lend my voice in support of their vital mission,” says Sevan Bıçakçı.

Aligned with the United Nations Secretary-General’s Global Call to Action to support adequate water and sanitation in healthcare facilities and make this matter a priority, all net proceeds from the piece designed and donated by Sevan will go towards to One Drop’s program dedicated in healthcare facilities and will help reduce infant and mother mortality rates.

One Drop’s most recent collaboration with Phillips Auction House was a resounding success: the Art for One Drop signature auction held in New York City in September 2018, raised $8.7 million for safe water access in Latin America, setting a new fundraising record for the Foundation. Phillips Auction House and One Drop are proud to forces and leverage their combined expertise once again, motivated by the same desire to create positive and meaningful impact on our world.

Susan Abeles, Phillips’ Head of Jewels, Americas, says, “Phillips is honored to be working with One Drop once again, following the successful fundraising efforts of the contemporary art sale in 2018. This season, thanks to Sevan Bıçakçı’s generous donation of this iconic ring, we are now able to offer contemporary art of a different kind in order to benefit this wonderful organization. At Phillips, we recognize the dialogue between art, jewels, and design and, as people around the world bid on this wearable work of art, we encourage them to remember the great deal of good that they will be doing as they raise their paddles.”

As part of Phillips’ continued efforts to support One Drop, two timepieces will be offered in the GAME CHANGERS watch auction in New York on December 10, the proceeds from which will directly benefit the foundation.