Lot 1718
  • 1718

AN IMPRESSIVE EMERALD AND DIAMOND NECKLACE, 'TOSCANE', VAN CLEEF & ARPELS

Estimate
5,600,000 - 7,500,000 HKD
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Description

Designed as three graduated rows of brilliant-cut diamonds, to the front set with five step-cut emeralds weighing 31.74 carats in total, suspending a fringe of graduated pear-shaped diamonds, the diamonds weighing approximately 88.00 carats in total, mounted in platinum and 18 karat yellow gold, length approximately 390mm, signed Van Cleef Arpels, numbered, maker's mark for Van Cleef & Arpels, French assay marks, case stamped Van Cleef & Arpels. 

Condition

Accompanied by SSEF report no. 103377, dated 8 November 2018, stating that the 8.45ct, 7.24ct, 7.14ct, 4.59ct and 4.30ct emeralds are of Colombian origin, the 4.30 carat emerald with no indications of clarity modification and the other four with indications of minor oil clarity modification. Also accompanied by AGL report no. 8089012, dated 11 March 2019, stating that the 4.30 carat emerald is of ClassicTM Colombian origin, with insignificant to minor clarity enhancement. Please refer to the reports for further details. Also accompanied by original receipt from Van Cleef & Arpels. Signed VAN CLEEF ARPELS, numbered M40649. Stamped PT950 for platinum and 750 for 18 karat yellow gold, with French assay marks for platinum and gold, and with maker's mark for Van Cleef & Arpels. Emeralds are of medium green colour and medium strong saturation, under 10x magnification, there are typical inclusions with some surface reaching, a few minor chips and nicks. Diamonds estimated to weigh approximately 88.00 carats in total are mainly about E to F colour, VVS to VS clarity, as gauged and graded in the mount. Signs of minor wear to the metal. Overall in very 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.

Catalogue Note

Accompanied by SSEF report no. 103377, dated 8 November 2018, stating that the emeralds are of Colombian origin, the 4.30 carat emerald with no indications of clarity modification and the other four with indications of minor oil clarity modification. Also accompanied by AGL report no. 8089012, dated 11 March 2019, stating that the 4.30 carat emerald is of ClassicTM Colombian origin, with insignificant to minor clarity enhancement.  

Further accompanied by original receipt from Van Cleef & Arpels.

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ENCHANTING EMERALDS

Colombian emeralds have been sought after by virtually every powerful empire since ancient Egypt, including the Romans, Spanish conquistadors, and India’s Mughals, whose love for the gems knew no limits. Emeralds have many characteristics but are particularly prized for their colour, rendering them the standard for green amongst the coloured gemstone world.

Emeralds receive their brilliant green hue from trace elements of chromium, iron and vanadium combined with the millenary years of formation far within the Earth’s crust. The desirability of emeralds originating from the historic deposits of Colombia in particular are attributed to their formation process during the quaternary period, when Boyaca and part of the Eastern Ranges belonged to the ocean. This meant that emeralds were actually formed within an aquatic environment granting them their natural clarity above the rest. This unusual location influenced the intensity level of each element in its composition, high levels of chromium combined with leveled vanadium and lower iron content gives the beryl it’s unique and desired bluish green to green hue and tone. Above their distinct green colour, Colombian emeralds are further enhanced by their natural fluorescence above the rest.

Emeralds typically contain inclusions visible to the unaided eye, which has been accepted by all gemstone connoisseurs; so much so that the moss-like inclusions are charmingly referred to as “jardin”, meaning garden in French.

Van Cleef & Arpels is a maison brought to life through the unique creative energy of love. During the late 19th century, Estelle Arpels, the daughter of a precious stones dealer met Alfred Van Cleef, the son of a stone cutter, this love story led to the natural marriage both in love and in jewellery.

The love affair continues as Van Cleef & Arpels is known for their enchanting collections containing impressive emeralds. Each jewel contains carefully selected green beauties from their colour to their purity, in the search for perfectly located “jardins” and hues giving character to each individual piece of jewellery. Lot 1718, the ‘Toscane’ necklace, contains five Colombian emeralds delicately set in an exquisite creation by Van Cleef & Arpels, once again marrying the art between nature and craftsmanship.