A set of jadeite and diamond jewellery. Photo: Christie's Images Ltd 2013.

Comprising a ring, set with an oval jadeite cabochon of bright emerald green colour and very good translucency, within an oval-shaped diamond surround with yellow diamond detail, to the diamond-set half-hoop; and a pair of earrings en suite, all mounted in 18k gold and white gold, largest cabochon approximately 19.4 x 15.3 x 7.1 mm, ring size 5½. Estimate $330,086 - $495,129. Price Realized $816,962.

The conditions for jadeite formation are extremely demanding: rocks of specific mineral composition must be exposed to a long process of earth's crust activities of high pressure and low temperature. Consequently, the occurrence of jadeite in nature is very rare. Most of the jadeite stones found in the world are of poor quality: some lack colour, others have uneven tone, some are of inferior varieties and many are flawed. However, due to the unique and fortuitous geological environment of Myanmar, the country produces the majority of the best jadeites in the world. Even so, they only occur infrequently, and it is genuinely a luxury to own a piece of top-quality jadeite.