HONG KONG.- Phillips’ Hong Kong Jewels and Jadeite July Sale will take place on 8 July at the JW Marriott. The sale will offer an extraordinary selection of unique and iconic signed pieces by renowned houses including Harry Winston, Chopard, Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels, alongside a specially-curated collection of magnificent coloured diamonds and gemstones, superb natural pearls, jadeite jewels and a wide selection of top quality white diamonds.
Forming the cover lot of this season’s sale catalogue is an exceptional and very rare 21.52 carat Colombian no oil emerald and diamond ring (estimate: HK$ 7,500,000 - 9,500,000). This magnificent Colombian emerald displays a rich and classic bluish-green colour typical of its origin. Possessing excellent transparency, it is also free from any clarity treatment. A ‘no oil’ Colombian emerald over 5 carats is considered very unusual and this gemstone of over 20 carats is remarkable. Notable signed pieces by legendary maisons include a 12.55 carat vintage diamond ring by Harry Winston from 1953 (estimate: HK$ 6,800,000 - 8,800,000), as well as a unique and exotic gem-set and diamond ‘Peacock’ bangle by Chopard, a one-of-a-kind high jewellery creation that was singularly produced by the brand (estimate: HK$ 1,800,000 – 2,200,000).
Terry Chu, Head of Jewellery, Asia, Phillips said: “This upcoming jewellery sale is a carefully-curated auction presenting some of the gorgeous iconic designs from famous jewellery houses, offering a tremendous acquisition opportunity for jewellery connoisseurs around the world. The sale is also complemented by a selection of coloured diamonds, best-in-class coloured gemstones, natural pearls and jadeite. We specifically selected a wide variety of white diamonds at varying price levels this season, to appeal to our discerning collectors.”
Signed Jewellery
Among the signed treasures to be offered this season are several pieces of Harry Winston jewellery. Known throughout his life as the "King of Diamonds", Harry Winston took the dynamic designs of 1950s diamond jewels to another level through his ‘clustering’ technique. Regarded as Harry Winston’s signature, the concept of ‘clustering’ comprises pear-shaped and marquise-cut diamonds set with metal mounts entirely hidden on the back, allowing the stones to shine supreme, creating a rhythmic flow of light and energy.
Throughout history, peacocks have been appreciated for their magnificent plumage which has long been considered something of a spectacle. Though many forerunners chose to render the magnificent bird in brooches, Swiss high jeweller Chopard decided on a completely different approach. The figurative depiction is highlighted by resplendent tail feathers that wrap around the wearer’s wrist. This truly spectacular design is marked by numerous details that are worthy of closer appreciation. Covered with around 50 small tapering feathers, and adorning the bird with 7,500 stones, the bracelet alone called for hundreds of hours of study and work.
This season’s sale will also feature a wonderful selection of colourless diamonds to capture the attention of collectors. Among them is a 6.18 carats emerald-cut diamond ring signed by Graff, and several pieces of heartshaped diamond rings will be offered in the sale. Considered as a highly challenging cutting style, a diamond fashioned in the shape of a heart is one of the most sensuous expressions of affection and commitment.
Collectors Diamonds & Gemstones
Diamonds were formed around a billion years ago and spent most of their existence at great depths in the lower crust and upper mantle of planet Earth. Coloured diamonds are no exception. This season, Phillips will offer an impressive selection of these true wonders of nature that are considered the most valuable gemstones in the world, led by a 20.25 carat Internally Flawless Fancy Vivid Yellow Diamond and Diamond Ring (estimate: HK$ 8,800,000 – 12,000,000). For fancy coloured diamonds, a large crystal like the presented Fancy Vivid Yellow diamond ring that weighs over 20 carats, and displaying a notable strength and saturation of yellow, is extremely scarce. To add to its impressive size and striking colour, this diamond is also Internally Flawless, impeccably clean to the eye and free from any inclusions. Also on offer is a modified brilliant-cut Fancy Light Orangy Pink diamond ring, with noticeable hints of orange and pink hues that are considerably rare. This Fancy Light Orangy Pink diamond possesses a stunning peachy hue which exudes a precious charm.
Natural Pearls
Conch pearls do not possess the iridescence found in nacreous pearls, instead, they display a unique chatoyancy that resembles a flame – a sort of delicate wave-like pattern on their surface. The chance of finding a gem-quality conch pearl is extremely slim to start with: approximately one conch in every ten thousand recovered from the ocean. Few pink gemstones offer the feminine allure of conch pearls and this is the reason why Hong Kong-based jewellery designer, Karen Suen, favours them above all gems. This season, Phillips is delighted to present three lots from this award-winning designer’s Conch Pearl and Diamond Collection that represent a declaration of her love for these exceptional pink gems, boasting delicacy and extravagance in perfect harmony.
Jadeite
Composed of numerous interlocking tiny crystals that absorb light, jadeite’s beauty is intrinsically linked to its unique optical quality. The finest specimens from Burma have very fine crystals that are uniformly packed, allowing light to penetrate more effectively. As a result, the jadeite displays a vivid and even green colour, an attractive translucency, and a lively glow that illuminates the gemstone from within. It is believed that the best jadeite boulders would not need to be heavily worked and should not be selected for complicated carvings. In the past two decades, production of jadeite from Burma has become extremely limited, which explains why traditional jadeite jewellery of fine quality, like the impressive pair of jadeite cabochon earrings offered in this season’s sale, is always at the top of a collector’s list. To find two exceptional jadeite cabochons of matching proportions, translucency and colour is increasingly difficult, while a pair so perfectly matched and of such impressive size are very rare.
