Lot 228. “The Red Romance”. Magnificent 139.14-Carat Natural Unheated Burmese Mogok Ruby and Diamond Necklace. Estimate: HK$ 58,000,000 - 88,000,000／ US$ 7,440,000 - 11,300,000. © Tiancheng International

HONG KONG - Tiancheng International Jewellery and Jadeite Autumn Auction will take place on 3 December, offering a vast selection of important natural coloured gemstones, diamonds and jadeite. Leading the sale is a magnificent Burmese ruby necklace totalling 139.14 carats. The sale also highlights a stunning pair of fancy vivid yellow diamonds weighing 5.02 and 5.01 carats respectively, which are exemplary of the unique golden glory of the prized Zimmi yellow diamonds from Sierra Leone. Another impressive piece is a natural jadeite and diamond necklace strung with fine jadeite beads of luxuriant green colour, a rare treasure for jadeite lovers. Altogether the sale will present over 250 lots of coveted jewellery and jadeite pieces totalling over HK$280 million／US$37 million.

Mr. Stewart Young, Director of Tiancheng International’s Jewellery Department, remarks, “Coloured gemstones have achieved remarkable results at auctions over the past few years and are among the most sought-after jewels at the moment. This season we are thrilled to present one of the most important ruby necklaces to come to auction in the past decade. Set with 84 natural and unheated rubies with a total weight of 139.14 carats, it is a splendid sight to behold. Honouring the tradition of offering only the best, we at Tiancheng International continue to present our discerning clients with a wealth of options of exceptional quality. Apart from rare and magnificent jewels, we will also offer a variety of designer jewels, vintage pieces and fine watches encompassing renowned brands such as Bulgari, Harry Winston and Van Cleef & Arpels, which promise to be a delight for connoisseurs.”

The Preview of the Autumn Auction will be held from 25 Nov to 2 Dec (10am to 6pm), and the Auction will take place on 3 Dec 2017 (Sunday, 1pm) at 30/F, Bank of China Tower, 1 Garden Road, Central, Hong Kong.

MAGNIFICENT GEMSTONES AND DIAMONDS

Coloured Gemstones

Lot 228. “The Red Romance”. Magnificent 139.14-Carat Natural Unheated Burmese Mogok Ruby and Diamond Necklace. Estimate: HK$ 58,000,000 - 88,000,000／ US$ 7,440,000 - 11,300,000. Sold for HK$67,800,000 © Tiancheng International

Asia is the primary source of natural rubies and those from the renowned Mogok Valley in Burma remain the most revered in the world. The microscopic curvaceous, angular substances in these rubies disperse light evenly to every facet of the stone, allowing it to glow with an even and intense red hue. Featuring 84 Burmese rubies totalling nearly 140 carats, including a centre stone exceeding 12 carats, this spectacular piece stands as one of the most important unheated ruby necklaces to appear at auction over the past decade in terms of total weight. Part of the rubies are certified the most desirable “pigeon’s blood” colour by the Swiss Gemmological Institute (SSEF) and Lotus Gemology (Lotus). Set with 101.25 carats of diamonds that sparkle like flower petals accentuating the pure and saturated red of the rubies, this necklace promises to be a show-stopper.

Lot 194. 14.54 and 13.12-Carat Natural Unheated Mozambican “Pigeon’s Blood” Ruby, Pink Diamond and Diamond Earrings. Estimate: HK$ 38,000,000 - 45,000,000／US$ 4,870,000 - 5,770,000. Sold for HK$48,000,000 © Tiancheng International

With the depletion of the Mogok mine, Mozambican rubies have become increasingly popular among collectors in recent years. As a result of rising demand, high-quality Mozambican gems of over 10 carats have become very few and far between. Featuring a pair of 14.54 and 13.12-carat natural unheated Mozambican “Pigeon’s Blood” rubies flanked by old-mine-cut diamonds weighing 3.15 carats each, as well as pink and colourless diamonds totalling approximately 5.50 carats, this superb pair of earrings is an example of timeless beauty.

Lot 67. 43.89-Carat Natural Unheated Sri Lankan “Royal Blue” Sapphire and Diamond Pendent Necklace, Harry Winston. Estimate: HK$8,800,000-12,000,000／US$1,130,000-1,540,000. Sold for HK$10,560,000. © Tiancheng International

A symbol of nobility and love, the sapphire has been considered an object of desire since ancient times. Members of royalty exchanged gifts of sapphire as tokens of commitment and true love. This necklace by acclaimed jeweller Harry Winston features a striking 43.89-carat Sri Lankan sapphire of exceptional clarity, complemented by dazzling diamonds totalling approximately 31.75 carats that highlight the captivating royal blue hue of the sapphire. Evoking the elegance of the legendary Taylor-Burton diamond necklace, this classic design by Harry Winston is a gem of enduring glamour and enchantment.

Lot 132. 19.43-Carat Natural Unheated Burmese “Velvet Blue” Sapphire, Sapphire and Diamond “Panthère De Cartier” Ring, Cartier. Estimate: HK$ 4,600,000 - 5,600,000／US$ 590,000 - 720,000. Unsold. © Tiancheng International

Since the launch of Cartier’s first Panthère series in 1914, the big cat has remained a signature of Cartier and a fabled motif that has been reinterpreted over and over again throughout the past century. In celebration of the centenary of the Panthère series, Cartier launched over 50 brand new creations of Panthère de Cartier in 2014, including this 19.43-Carat Natural Unheated Burmese Sapphire Ring to be offered in the upcoming sale. The enthralling velvety blue of the sapphire is beautifully accentuated by diamonds in this sleek and modern rendering of Cartier’s classic theme.

Lot 179. 130.28-Carat Natural Colombian Emerald and Diamond Pendent Necklace and Pair of Matching Earrings, Bulgari. Estimate: HK$ 15,800,000 - 20,000,000 ／US$ 2,025,000 - 2,560,000. Unsold. © Tiancheng International

A popular gemstone favoured by collectors since time immemorial, Colombian emerald is highly coveted for its rich and mesmerising colour. This season we are pleased to present a 130.28-Carat Natural Colombian Emerald and Diamond Pendent Necklace and a Pair of Matching Earrings by Bulgari in collaboration with William Goldberg. 130.28 carats of cushion-cut emeralds from Bulgari glow exquisitely against 46.01 carats of William Goldberg’s patented Ashoka-cut diamonds in this bold yet sophisticated design of contrasting colours. This simple but memorable suite certainly brings out the arresting splendour of the magical gemstone.

Dazzling Diamonds

Lot 133. “Golden Tiger Eyes”. Pair of 5.02 and 5.01-Carat Natural Fancy Vivid Yellow Excellent Polish and Symmetry Diamonds. Estimate: HK$ 15,000,000 - 18,000,000／ US$ 1,920,000 - 2,300,000. Sold for HK$17,400,000. © Tiancheng International

With a characteristic tinge of orange, yellow diamonds from the Zimmi mine in Sierra Leone are richer and more vibrant in their colours than their counterparts from other parts of the world. Completely free of flourescence, these yellow stones possess a unique radiance comparable to daffodils in full bloom. However, black feathery inclusions and holes are commonly found in the rough of these gems, both resulting in huge wastage in the cutting process. Zimmi yellow diamonds exceeding 5 carats are therefore extremely rare. Certified by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) as of the most desirable fancy vivid colour grading, these 5.02 and 5.01-Carat Natural Fancy Vivid Yellow Excellent Polish and Symmetry Diamonds from Zimmi sparkle with the golden glory synonymous with the legendary mine. Offered in a matching pair, these majestic stones evoke the penetrating eyes of a tiger and are certainly a haunting sight to behold.

Lot 253. 3.19-Carat Natural Fancy Orangy Pink VVS2 Clarity Excellent Polish Diamond, Pink Diamond and Diamond Ring. Estimate: HK$ 3,000,000 - 4,000,000／US$ 385,000 - 513,000. Unsold. © Tiancheng International

This autumn we are excited to present The Pink Collection comprising 17 charming pink jewels. Highlighting the collection is this gorgeous 3.19-carat natural fancy orangy pink diamond of excellent polish, which is accompanied by lovely pink and colourless diamonds that heighten the delicate and irresistible hue of the centre stone.

OPULENT JADEITE

Lot 195. Jadeite and Diamond Necklace. Estimate: HK$ 15,000,000 - 25,000,000／US$ 1,920,000 - 3,200,000. Sold for HK$16,200,000 © Tiancheng International

Among the various forms of jadeite jewellery, the bead necklace stands as the most sought-after, not only because its creation requires a large supply of rough of homogenous quality, but also because the perfectly round shape of each bead involves meticulous polishing which poses a challenge for the craftsman. Today jadeite bead necklaces of excellent quality have become extremely rare. Strung with 49 jadeite beads of substantial sizes, luxuriant green colour, wonderful translucency and fine texture, this necklace is undoubtedly a superlative example of the grace and virtue traditionally represented by jadeite.

Lot 212. Important Jadeite Bangle. Estimate: HK$ 10,000,000 - 15,000,000／US$ 1,280,000 - 1,920,000. Sold for HK$12,000,000 © Tiancheng International

Characterised by its round shape and aesthetically pleasing design, the ping’an (peace) bangle symbolises harmony, perfection and completeness, in line with the traditional concept that “heaven is round, and the earth is flat” in Chinese culture. Completely free of embellishments, this simple and elegant bangle is crafted from jadeite of extremely fine texture and marvellous luminescence, which produces a pleasant crisp chime when clinked gently. The immaculate workmanship is manifest in the fluid curvature of the piece which is believed to bring peace and tranquility to the wearer.

OTHER REFINED PIECES

Lot 63. Natural Colombian Emerald, Seed Pearl and Diamond Pendent Brooch, early 20th century. Estimate: HK$1,800,000-2,500,000／US$230,000-320,000. Unsold. © Tiancheng International

Part of The Heritage Collection to be offered in the upcoming sale, this Natural Colombian Emerald, Seed Pearl and Diamond Pendent Brooch from the early 20th century features an emerald of pure and vivid colour and a significant weight of approximately 45.05 carats. Adorned with a voluminous tassel of seed pearls and vintage single-cut diamonds, this brooch exudes refinement and sophistication unique to antique jewellery. The pendant and brooch can be detached and worn separately, making it a multi-purpose piece that is highly wearable as well as collectible. 

Lot 112. Icy Jadeite, Jadeite, Gem-set and Diamond “Rooster” Brooch, OLI. Estimate: HK$ 148,000 - 248,000／US$ 19,000 – 31,800. Unsold © Tiancheng International

Hailing from Taiwan, jewellery brand OLI takes pride in its longstanding emphasis on metalwork and is dedicated to creating jewellery for everyday wear. In the hands of OLI, jadeite, a gemstone steeped in traditional Chinese culture, is transformed into charming pieces for everyday use. In this piece, the rooster is brought to life in its full majesty with a body of gleaming natural icy jadeite and a comb of vivid green jadeite, complete with a brilliant plume of coloured gemstones. A bearer of good luck in Chinese culture, the rooster taking its stride of pride is bound to bring good fortune and prosperity to its wearer.

Lot 191. Titanium, 7.40-Carat Natural Unheated Pink Spinel, Gem-set and Diamond “Orchid” Brooch, Nisan. Estimate: HK$ 120,000 - 250,000／US$ 15,400 - 32,000. Unsold. © Tiancheng International

Over the past few years, Tiancheng International has presented a number of extraordinary pieces in collaboration with Thai jewellery designer Nisan, including a titanium, sapphire and diamond butterfly brooch that achieved a remarkable price of four times its pre-sale estimate in autumn 2016. This season we are delighted to present the “Orchid” Brooch by Nisan. With stamens centring on a 7.40-carat pink spinel, flanked by petals and buds set with 28.30 carats of pink sapphire, this dazzling orchid will turn heads with its delicate lifelike form, distinct colours and alluring refinement.

Lot 250. Rose Quartz and Pink Sapphire “Flying Pig” Pendant Rose Quartz weighing approximately 67.50 carats. Estimate: HK$ 78,000 - 128,000／US$ 10,000 - 16,400. Sold for HK$123,600. © Tiancheng International

Set with 27.55 carats of pink sapphire, this adorable “Flying Pig” pendant sports a potbelly of pink quartz that cleverly reveals a silhouette of Cupid, the god of desire and love, rendering the piece a bearer of romance as well as amusement.

EXQUISITE WATCHES

Tiancheng International is devoted to offering collectors a diverse selection of rare collectibles. Following the successful 100% sell-through rate of timepieces that we achieved this spring as well as in the mid-season sale in October, we are thrilled to offer the most revered watch brands such as Patek Philippe, Piaget and Rolex. Highlights include a lady’s platinum and diamond-set Oyster Perpetual Datejust wristwatch by Rolex which is rarely seen at auction and highly collectible. Different from the classic Rolex diamond watch design, the watch surface is decorated with minimal diamonds at the corners, making it simple and stylish.

Lot 113 A Lady's Platinum and Diamond “Oyster Perpetual Datejust” Watch, Rolex. Estimate：HK$ 138,000 - 200,000／US$ 17,700 - 25,600. Sold for HK$165,600 © Tiancheng International

Lot 123 A Pair of Lady's Karat Gold Watches, Patek Philippe, circa 1950s. Estimate：HK$ 48,000 - 78,000／US$ 6,150 - 10,000. Sold for HK$60,000 © Tiancheng International

Lot 120 Platinum and Diamond Pocket Watch, C. H. Meylan; and Platinum Pocket Knife, Tiffany & Co. Estimate：HK$ 48,000 - 78,000／US$ 6,150 - 10,000. Sold for HK$57,600 © Tiancheng International