The unique sapphire  and multi-gem "Côte D’Azur" by Anna Hu. Photo Christie's Image Ltd 2013

Centering upon a cushion-shaped sapphire, weighing approximately 58.29 carats, to the pavé-set diamond floral branch decorated with moonstones, coloured sapphires, tsavorites, tourmalines, spinel, coloured diamonds, carved sapphires, carved and drop-shaped emeralds, mounted in gold, 12.7 cm. Signed Anna Hu. Estimate: SFr. 2,350,000 - 3,300,000 / US$2.5 - 3.5 million

Accompanied by report no. 57199 dated 31 August 2010 from the SSEF Swiss Gemmological Institute stating that the 58.29 carat sapphire is of Burmese origin, with no indications of heating, and an additional letter for an ‘Exceptional sapphire’

Report no. 1007583 dated 14 July 2010 from the Gübelin GemLab stating that the 58.29 carat sapphire is of Burmese origin, with no indications of heating, and an additional letter for a ‘Remarkable gemstone’

Report no. 1117143074 dated 27 May 2010 from the GIA Gemological Institute of America stating that the 58.29 carat sapphire is of Burmese origin, with no indications of heating

NOTES: 

Anna Hu grew up studying classical music with a ferocious passion, becoming a nationally celebrated cellist at a very young age. When severe injuries to her shoulder derailed her thriving musical career, she turned to her second love: jewelry. She studied at the Gemological Institute of America (Graduate Gemologist), F.I.T. (jewelry design), Parsons School of Design (Masters in 19th century French Jewelry), and Columbia University (Masters in Arts Administration). After working for various companies and brands including Christie’s New York, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Harry Winston, she founded her namesake brand, Anna Hu Haute Joaillerie, at the age of 30 and opened her first boutique in 2008 in New York.

Anna Hu works exclusively with French-trained artisans in elite workshops between Paris and New York. Her work combines eastern and western influences, often inspired by classical music and nature but she also draws references from Impressionism and Art Nouveau. Anna is as much a scholar as she is an artist and her designs reflect that rarity and sophistication.

Anna presented her first global exhibition at the Louvre’s ‘Les Arts Décoratifs’ in Paris in July 2012 at the age of 35 and celebrated the launch of her first book, ‘Symphony of Jewels, op. 1′ published by The Vendome Press and Thames & Hudson in September 2012.

Anna received ELLE China’s ‘International Jewelry Designer of the Year’ Award in 2012, alongside Christian Louboutin and Viktor & Rolf, and the China Institute’s ‘Artistic Vision’ award in 2011 in New York. Her jewelry has been worn by style-influencers the likes of Madonna, Gwyneth Paltrow, Natalie Portman, Scarlett Johansson, Drew Barrymore, Hilary Swank, Oprah Winfrey, the acclaimed contemporary artist Cindy Sherman, and Jetsun Pema, the Queen of Bhutan.

Christie's. MAGNIFICENT JEWELS. 12 November 2013; Geneva - www.christie's.com