A diamond 'organdie' necklace by Carnet. Estimate: $60,000 – $80,000. Image Christie's Ltd 2009

New York – Christie’s Jewels Sale on April 22 is rich in quality and will offer collectors unique opportunities with a sparkling selection of diamonds, colored gems, and signed jewels including Antique, Belle Époque, Art Nouveau, Retro and Contemporary creations. Five jewels created by JAR are leading highlights in the sale.

A pear-shaped diamond ring of 30.02 carats. Image Christie's Ltd 2009

Leading the diamonds in the sale is a pear-shaped diamond ring of 30.02 carats, D color and internally flawless clarity, set with an intense pink diamond band (photo, estimate on request). Other highlights include a rectangular-cut diamond ring of 32.72 carats, D color and VS1 clarity (estimate: $1,400,000-1,800,000); a pear-shaped diamond pendant of 15.05 carats by Harry Winston, D color and VVS2 clarity, (estimate: $700,000-1,000,000); and a cutcornered triangular-cut diamond of 11.91 carats, suspending an articulated fringe of tapered baguette-cut diamonds, D color, internally flawless clarity (estimate: $500,000-700,000).

A fancy grayish yellowish green "chameleon" briolette-cut diamond pendant necklace of 19.13 carats. Image Christie's Ltd 2009

Among the colored diamonds in the sale is a fancy grayish yellowish green "chameleon" briolette-cut diamond pendant necklace of 19.13 carats (photo, estimate: $800,000-1,200,000). The color of this diamond changes temporarily when gently heated, or when left in the darkness for a period of time and is therefore referred to as a "chameleon" diamond – this is the largest briolette-cut chameleon diamond in the world to be offered at auction. A marquise-cut fancy vivid yellow diamond of 8.06 carats is another highlight among the colored diamonds (estimate: $200,000-300,000).

A magnificent ruby and diamond ring. Image Christie's Ltd 2009

Examples of beautiful gems include a magnificent ruby and diamond ring (photo, estimate: $500,000-700,000). This 6.76 carat Burmese ruby exhibits all the individual elements that define the highest level of an ideal gem; it displays a pigeon-blood red color typical of old Burmese material and a high degree of transparency, seen only in the finest rubies. The highly-regarded Gübelin Gem Laboratory also confirms that this exceptional ruby has been spared of any form of enhancement. A rectangular-cut Kashmir sapphire and diamond ring of 11.78cts is another stunning gem (estimate: $150,000-200,000).

An impressive antique ivory and multi-gem elephant, circa 1900. Image Christie's Ltd 2009

The sale features a strong selection of signed and vintage jewels and is led with an impressive antique ivory and multi-gem elephant, circa 1900, which is carved from a single piece of ivory (photo, estimate: $80,000-120,000). This exotic elephant is a rare relic of Indian refinement and a symbol of great power and prestige, from its chrysoberyl bejeweled eyes and pearl tassels down to its golden toenails. The fitted purple velvet carrying case is befitting of those made for orders originating on the Indian subcontinent, so this showpiece was likely made for an important Indian family.

A diamond sautoir by Tiffany & Co, Circa 1928. Image Christie's Ltd 2009

Several elegant sautoirs are included in the sale. A pearl and diamond sautoir by Boucheron is made with 155 graduated pearls, and will be sold to benefit the Rosemoor Foundation, a non-profit organization that provides consulting and start-up funding for activities and organizations run by women to benefit women both locally and internationally (estimate: $250,000-450,000). Representing the Belle Époque period is a sapphire, pearl and diamond sautoir by Marcus & Co. (estimate: $60,000-80,000), and from the Art Deco period is a diamond sautoir by Tiffany & Co.,which is emblematic of the firm’s classic 1920s designs (photo, estimate: $650,000-850,000).

A set of Retro lapis lazuli, diamond and gold jewelry by Cartier consists of a pair of ear clips, a ring and a brooch, circa 1937 (photo, estimate: $130,000-150,000).

An example of Contemporary jewels rounds out the group with a multi-gem and diamond “meander” bracelet by Carnet (estimate: $80,000-120,000).

An emerald, chalcedony, diamond and pink sapphire brooch by JAR. Image Christie's Ltd 2009

Five exceptional jewels created by JAR feature prominently in the sale. Three examples of ear clips include; a pair of diamond and black diamond hedgehog ear clips (estimate: $20,000-30,000), a pair of emerald and diamond ear clips (estimate: $20,000-30,000), and a pair of chalcedony, diamond and sapphire ear clips designed as a fan (estimate: $25,000-35,000). Brooches created by JAR include an emerald, chalcedony, diamond and pink sapphire brooch – centering upon an oval cabochon emerald of 103.28 carats (estimate: $60,000-80,000), and a sapphire, diamond and violet sapphire and pearl brooch - centering upon a cushion-cut sapphire of 52.57 carats (photo, estimate: $150,000-200,000).

Auction: Jewels: The New York Sale April 22
Viewing: Christie’s 20 Rockefeller Galleries April 17-21