Highly Important Jadeite Bangle

The circular jadeite bangle of high translucency and intense emerald green colour throughout.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note that jadeite and rubies of Burmese origin and articles of jewellery containing jadeite or rubies of Burmese origin all less than 100 years old may not be imported into the US. The purchaser's inability to import any item into the U.S. or any other country as a result of these or other restrictions shall not justify cancellation or rescission of the sale or any delay in payment. Please check with the specialist department if you are uncertain as to whether a lot is subject to these import restrictions, or any other restrictions on importation or exportation. Accompanied by jadeite testing certificate no. KJ 93098, stating that the jadeite bangle is natural, A jade. Please refer to the report for details. The jadeite bangle is of excellent thickness, highly translucent, with vivid emerald green colour. Under strong illumination there are white cloud inclusions and few black spots, commonly seen in natural jadeite, but not easily seen when worn. Classic jadeite bangle with impressive width and thickness, in good condition.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion. Illustrations in the catalogue may not be actual size. Prospective purchasers are reminded that, unless the catalogue description specifically states that a stone is natural, we have assumed that some form of treatment may have been used and that such treatment may not be permanent. Our presale estimates reflect this assumption.Certificates of Authenticity: Various manufacturers may not issue certificates of authenticity upon request. Sotheby's is not under an obligation to furnish the purchaser with a certificate of authenticity from the manufacturer at any time. Unless the requirements for a rescission of the sale under the Terms of Guarantee are satisfied, the failure of a manufacturer to issue a certificate will not constitute grounds to rescind the sale. Gemological Certificates and Reports: References in the catalogue descriptions to certificates or reports issued by gemological laboratories are provided only for the information of bidders, and Sotheby's does not guarantee and accepts no responsibility for the accuracy, terms or information contained in such certificates or reports. Please also note that laboratories may differ in their assessment of a gemstone (including its origin and presence, type and extent of treatments) and their certificates or reports may contain different results.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Accompanied by Hong Kong Jade & Stone Laboratory certificate numbered KJ 93098, dated 30 June 2016, stating that the jadeite is natural, known in the trade as "A Jade".

內直徑及厚度約55.91及10.66毫米，香港尺寸1.5；台灣尺寸18.5

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CIRCLE OF PROSPERITY

For hundreds of years, jadeite has been a symbol of supreme status and extreme wealth. Among the various forms of jewellery that could be carved from a jadeite boulder, bangles and bead necklaces command the highest value, mainly due to the immense wastage incurred during the cutting process. Jadeite bangles are hololiths, which means they are carved from a single piece of stone. For a bangle to be as durable as a piece of jewelry, the boulder must be almost fully free of fissures and inclusions. The quality of the jadeite boulder also dictates the size, shape and colour distribution of a bangle.

The formation of the finest jadeite requires extreme conditions, and Burma, with its low-temperature and high-pressure geological environment, remains the main source of the world’s production. Yet, the availability of roughs is limited, and the quality of many is far from satisfactory. The lack of colour intensity, translucency and purity of the material makes it unsuitable for high jewellery. Even when a top-quality jadeite boulder is available, it is rarely carved into a bangle, because of the risk that a cutter could encounter unforeseeable inclusions during the process would cause more wastage.

The jadeite bangle offered here is a rare treasure that occurs despite all the above-mentioned limitations. With its extraordinary translucency and well-proportioned size and thickness, the bangle is filled completely with a vibrant and saturated emerald green colour, appearing almost vitreous and glassy in texture.

Fine jadeite bangles of such caliber are exceedingly scarce, so much so that they are a rarity even at international auctions. In April 2014, Sotheby’s Hong Kong sold a highly important oval Guifei bangle for HK$43.8 million. After more than two years, we are proud to present this bangle of truly exceptional quality at this autumn auction.