Hot on the heels of its three consecutive 100%-sold online jewellery sales over the past two months, Sotheby’s Hong Kong is thrilled to present Magnificent Jewels on 10 July 2020 at Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, which marks the return of live jewellery auctions in Asia.
Featuring over 200 lots, Magnificent Jewels will present a sophisticated curation of world class gemstones and statement signed jewels, led by a pair of exceptionally rare Fancy Vivid colored diamond rings (to be offered separately) - a Fancy Vivid Pink and a Fancy Vivid Blue weighing 4.49 carat and 5.04 carat respectively, both cut into charming heart shapes.
Iconic creations from luxury houses include a glamorous pair of Colombian Emerald and Diamond Earrings from Harry Winston (HK$12,000,000 – 15,000,000 / US$1,550,000 – 1,940,000), the famed ‘Zip’ necklace from Van Cleef & Arpels (HK$2,400,000 – 3,500,000 / US$310,000 – 451,000), an art deco brooch by Cartier from its famed Tutti Frutti series (HK$1,200,000 – 1,600,000 / US$155,000 – 207,000) as well as an eclectic array of Panthère designs from the brand that suits every occasion.
Celebrating the revival of jadeite to the market, the sale also features a selection of the finest jadeite jewellery with gemstone quality that meets world-class standards and timeless design that surpasses cultural boundaries.
Our recent success with online sales clearly reflects the resilience of the jewellery auction market, and a strong appetite for top quality jewels in Asia. This much-anticipated live auction of Magnificent Jewels will bring a diverse offering of jewellery, from the hottest colour diamonds, the most sought-after iconic designs, to the finest jadeites that are increasingly popular with collectors around the world. We look forward to welcoming our clients in Hong Kong this July and engaging with collectors worldwide via our digital innovations.
JEWELS OF HEART
A symbol of love and affection, the shape of heart is an embodiment of strong emotions, and among the rarest and most difficult shapes to cut for diamonds.
Leading this season’s sale is a pair of exceptionally rare Fancy Vivid colored diamond rings (to be offered separately) that comes in the shape of heart – a 5.04 carat Fancy Vivid Blue Diamond Ring, Type IIb (Est. HK$60,000,000 – 75,000,000 / US$7,700,000 – 9,700,000), and a 4.49 carat Fancy Vivid Pink diamond, Internally Flawless (est. HK$58,000,000 – 68,000,000 / US$7,500,000 – 8,800,000)
The sale also carries a further selection of jewels that comes in the charming heart shape:
ROYAL JEWEL
PRINCESS MARGARET’S 21st BIRTHDAY BRACELET
Among the exciting highlights of the season is a treasure whose story lies at the heart of the British royal family. This antique diamond bracelet signed by Garrard – the London-based jeweler to the British crown – was a gift, bestowed upon Princess Margaret, the Queen’s sister, on her 21st Birthday. Princess Margaret was spotted wearing this 19th-century bracelet many times in public as illustrated in photographs (see right), indicating her affinity for the piece. Later in life Princess Margaret re-mounted some of her older jewels into modern designs, just as Queen Victoria had done in the past. However, this diamond bracelet was kept in its original antique setting.
ICONIC DESIGNS
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS
Dreamt up by the Duchess of Windsor in the 1930s, the first of Van Cleef & Arpels’ now-iconic ‘Zip’ designs came to life in 1950. It elevated a functional item into a technically brilliant and glamorous jewel which could be worn open as a necklace or closed as a bracelet.
HARRY WINSTON
‘Jeweller to the Stars’ Harry Winston’s vision transformed the relationship between jewel and wearer, minimizing metal and maximizing brilliance. These versatile earrings offer not only his signature style, but also a chance to acquire a perfect match of exceedingly rare stones.
CARTIER
Following the record set by a Cartier ‘Tutti Frutti’ in April, this jewel, featuring an impressive diamond as its base, is among the largest to have been created in this emblematic style.
MODERN JADEITE
Perhaps the most iconic gemstones of the East, jadeite has long been a symbol of ultimate opulence. Celebrating a revival of the fine jadeite market and to meet increasing demand from international collectors, Sotheby’s is proud to present a selection of the exquisite jadeite creations this season, highlighted by an Exceptionally Rare Jadeite Necklace composed of 37 jadeite beads originating from the same rough (estimate upon request), and a Carved Jadeite Guanyin in intense green jadeite with top translucency (est. HK$1,600,000 – 2,200,000 / US$207,000 – 284,000).