Tiancheng International announces highlights from the Jewellery and Jadeite Spring Auction 2018

13 mai 2018

Tiancheng International announces highlights from the Jewellery and Jadeite Spring Auction 2018

Lot 197. Important Jadeite Bangle. Estimate on Request. Sold for HK$56,400,000. © Tiancheng International

HONG KONG.- Tiancheng International will hold its Jewellery and Jadeite Spring Auction 2018 on 3 June, offering a diverse selection of iridescent coloured gemstones, diamonds and jadeite pieces. Leading the auction is an important jadeite bangle with rich emerald green colour and fine translucency. Altogether the sale will present nearly 250 lots of coveted jewellery and jadeite pieces.

Mr. Stewart Young, Director of Tiancheng International’s Jewellery Department, remarks, “Tiancheng International has continuously achieved remarkable results with its auctions of magnificent jadeite pieces held over the years. For our Spring Auction in June, we are pleased to present a natural jadeite bangle of captivating emerald green hue, highly prized for its exceptional quality. We have also amassed an impressive array of the market’s finest gemstones, ranging from natural Colombian Muzo emeralds to Burmese rubies and Kashmir sapphires, encompassing renowned brands such as Boucheron, Harry Winston and Tiffany & Co. Alongside these, there will be a galore of enthralling diamonds, unique design pieces and spinel jewels, which will open up a fascinating world of jewellery for connoisseurs.”

The Preview of the Spring Auction will be held from 30 May to 2 June (10am to 6pm), and the Auction will take place on 3 June 2018 (Sunday, 1pm) at 30/F, Bank of China Tower, 1 Garden Road, Central, Hong Kong.

OPULENT JADEITE

Lot 197. Important Translucent Rich Emerald Green Jadeite Bangle. Estimate on Request. Sold for HK$56,400,000 © Tiancheng International

The cylindrical jadeite bangle of evenly translucent rich emerald green colour. Outer diameter, inner diameter and thickness measuring approximately 78.71 x 56.50 x 11.36mm.

Accompanied by Hong Kong Jade & Stone Laboratory report numbered KJ98032, dated 6 April 2018, stating that the jadeite is natural, known in the trade as 'A Jade'.

Due to its rarity and vast quality differences of roughs mined, jadeite with equal excellence in colour, texture and transparency is extremely scarce. The complex, multi-crystalline structure of jadeite also renders it susceptible to cracks. To carve a jadeite bangle requires an entire piece of boulder that is of perfect colour and free of blemishes. Therefore, bangles of superior quality are highly sought-after. Offered at the upcoming auction is a bangle fashioned from jadeite of extraordinarily fine texture, marvellous luminescence and even emerald green colour. Characterized by its full proportion and sumptuous thickness, this exquisite bangle is a true embodiment of jadeite perfection.

Lot 43. Very Fine Arch-shaped Translucent Intense Emerald Green Jadeite Ring. Estimate: HK$ 450,000 - 650,000／US$ 58,000 - 83,300. Sold for HK$600,000. © Tiancheng International

Simply set with an arch-shaped jadeite cylinder of finely translucent intense emerald green colour, mounted in platinum. Ring size: 5½. Jadeite measuring approximately 21.79 x 12.65 x 3.08mm.

Accompanied by Hong Kong Jade & Stone Laboratory report numbered KJ97933, dated 23 March 2018, stating that the jadeite is natural, known in the trade as 'A Jade'.

This important ring is set with natural jadeite from a plume fastener, a cylindrical holder sewn atop the headwear of court officials to mount a peacock feather during the Qing dynasty. Made of jadeite, white jade, gemstones, enamel and porcelain, the accessory was a status symbol. Only top-ranking civil officials were authorized to wear jadeite plume fasteners. Not many jadeite plume fasteners have survived into modern times and those still in existence are exorbitantly valued. Taken from a plume fastener, this jadeite boasts an impressive thickness with a rich green hue and lustrous sheen. Melding history and aesthetics, the jadeite ring is both subtle and elegant.

MAGNIFICENT GEMSTONES AND DIAMONDS

Coloured Gemstones

Lot 231. 150.58-Carat Natural Unheated Burmese Mong Hsu and Mogok Ruby and Diamond Necklace, Harry Winston. Diamonds together weighing approx. 33.00 carats. Estimate: HK$ 23,000,000 - 33,000,000／
US$ 2,950,000 - 4,230,000. Sold for HK$27,600,000. © Tiancheng International

Composed of numerous oval, pear- and cushion-shaped rubies and circular-cut diamonds looped to the front, embellished with baguette diamond-set scrolls, the rubies together weighing 150.58 carats, the diamonds together weighing approximately 33.00 carats, mounted in platinum, signed French assay marks and maker's marks for Jacques Timey, length approximately 358mm.

Accompanied by GIA report numbered 7288210082, dated 22 February 2018, stating that the 150.58 carat rubies are natural, Red to Vivid Red colour, of Burmese origin, with no indications of heating; with comments, stating that 'The color appearance of some of these stones is described in the trade as "Pigeon's Blood".';

Gübelin report numbered 18031002, dated 4 April 2018, stating that the 150.58 carat rubies are natural, Red colour, of Burmese origin, with no indications of heating; with tradecolour, stating that 'A few of the rubies are called Pigeon Blood Red'; with appendix, stating that 'The rubies described...possess a saturated and homogeneous colour. A few of them display a richly saturated Pigeon Blood Red colour. In addition, these remarkable gemstones have been spared of thermal treatment. A matched set of Burmese rubies of this size, and possessing such a combination of characteristics is rare.'

SSEF report and premium book numbered 98235, dated 7 March 2018, stating that the 150.58 carat rubies are natural, Red colour of medium strong to strong saturation, of Burmese origin, with no indications of heating; with comments, stating that 'The colour of some of these rubies may also be called "Pigeon Blood Red" based on SSEF reference standards'; along with an appendix letter, stating that 'The natural ruby necklace described...possesses extraordinary characteristics and merits special mention and appreciation...These rubies have been carefully selected for this necklace and are characterised by an attractive and beautifully saturated colour and a fine matching quality. The small inclusions found...are the hallmarks of rubies predominately from the reputed deposit in Mong Hsu and from the classical ruby mines in the Mogok valley...Their attractive and saturated red colour - for some of these rubies poetically referred to as "Pigeon Blood Red" - is due to a combination of well-balanced trace elements, which are characteristic for the finest rubies from Burma...Assembling a selection of natural rubies from Burma of this matching quality can be considered rare and exceptional.'

Reputably the “stone of romance”, ruby is ablaze with an intense red that associates it with the burning passion of undying love. Apart from setting hearts aflutter with their crimson beauty, these gems are in strong demand amongst connoisseurs and jewellers. This season, Tiancheng International will present a ruby necklace crafted by the leading jewellery brand Harry Winston, featuring 117 rubies of more than 150 carats. Some of the rubies are certified by Swiss Gemmological Institute (SSEF), Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and Gübelin Gem Lab to display the most desirable “pigeon’s blood” colour. Set with delicately interlacing enchanting rubies and white diamonds, this necklace is a regal splendour.

Lot 210. 10.03-Carat Natural Unheated Burmese Mogok “Pigeon’s Blood” Ruby and Diamond Ring. Estimate: HK$ 5,000,000 - 8,000,000／US$ 640,000 - 1,030,000. Unsold. © Tiancheng International

Centring on an oval ruby weighing 10.03 carats, framed by eight oval diamonds together weighing 4.31 carats, decorated with brilliant-cut diamonds on the shoulders, mounted in 18 karat white gold. Ring size: 5½

Accompanied by GRS report numbered GRS2017-103541, dated 31 October 2017, stating that the 10.03 carat ruby is natural, Vivid Red (GRS type "Pigeon's Blood") colour, of Burmese (Mogok) origin, with no indication of thermal treatment;

Lotus premium report numbered 4146-4726, dated 14 February 2018, stating that the 10.03 carat ruby is natural, Red colour, of medium-deep tone and vivid saturation, of Burmese origin, with no indications of enhancements; with color type, stating that 'The highly saturated crimson color of this gem earns it the Lotus "Pigeon's Blood" distinction.';

SSEF report numbered 98671, dated 7 March 2018, stating that the 10.03 carat ruby is natural, Red colour of medium strong saturation, of Burmese origin, with no indications of heating;

eight GIA reports, stating that the 4.31 carat diamonds ranging from 0.61 to 0.50 carat are E colour, Internally Flawless to VVS2 clarity, with Excellent Polish.

Natural rubies from Burma are normally smaller in size, so those over 5 carats in weight are exceptionally rare. Unearthed from the celebrated Mogok mine in Burma, this fiery treasure is unheated with a remarkable size in excess of 10 carats. Encircled by eight radiant white diamonds totalling approximately 4.31 carats, this “pigeon’s blood” ruby comes with an enticing colour that defines arresting glamour.

Lot 183. 30.97-Carat Natural Colombian Muzo Emerald and Diamond Necklace, Harry Winston. Estimate: HK$ 11,000,000 - 15,000,000／ US$ 1,410,000 – 1,920,000. Sold for HK$12,840,000. © Tiancheng International

Suspending a cushion-shaped emerald weighing 30.97 carats, decorated with pear- and marquise-shaped diamonds extending to the necklace, the diamonds together weighing approximately 71.75 carats, mounted in platinum, pendant detachable, signed, length approximately 360mm.
Accompanied by an original signed box.

Accompanied by AGL report numbered 1080564, dated 14 December 2016, stating that the 30.97 carat emerald is natural, Green colour, of Classic™ Colombian origin, with indications of oil-type minor clarity enhancement; with comments, stating that 'Emeralds are commonly clarity enhanced to reduce the visibility of fissures. Oil is a tranditional type of filling material used to reduce the visibility of fissures'; along with an appendix letter, stating that 'The combination of origin and quality elements for the emerald described...signifies a gem worthy of distinction. This 30.97 ct emerald has received the highest origin determination issued by AGL: Classic™ Colombia. This outstanding emerald also possesses a high clarity, providing a superior degree of transparency. Furthermore, this notable gem exhibits a very fine, richly saturated green color that is representative of top-quality emeralds from this auspicious source and a fine cut which complements the overall visual appeal of this remarkable gemstone. Emeralds of such color and quality are commonly referred to as "old-mine" emeralds and are considered to have originated from the Muzo mining district in Western flank of the Cordillera Oriental. Top-quality Colombian emeralds in excess of 30 cts are extremely rare. This combination of quality factors, large size and origin determination represents a particularly fine example of a Colombian emerald and a tribute to the delicate balance that nature must maintain to allow for such gems to form.';

Gübelin report numbered 17012016, dated 9 January 2017, stating that the 30.97 carat emerald is natural, Green colour, of Colombian origin, with minor clarity enhancement; with condition, stating that 'Indications of minor clarity enhancement. Natural emeralds are commonly clarity enhanced.';

SSEF report and premium book numbered 89813, dated 23 January 2017, stating that the 30.977 carat emerald is natural, Green colour of medium strong saturation, of Colombian origin, with indications of clarity modification and minor amount of oil fissures; along with an appendix letter, stating that 'The natural emerald described...possesses extraordinary characteristics and merits special mention and appreciation. The described gemstone exhibits an important size and weight of 30.977 ct. It is characterised by an attractive green colour and a fine purity, a combination rarely encountered in Colombian emeralds of this size... There is a long-established tradition in the trade to fill small fissures in emeralds with colourless oil to enhance their clarity. An emerald of this size containing only a minor amount of oil in fissures at the time of testing can be considered rare. A natural emerald from Colombia of this size and quality can be considered rare and exceptional.'

Another irreplaceable masterpiece by Harry Winston will be unveiled at the Spring Auction. With its intricate craftsmanship and signature settings, Harry Winston has gained prominent recognition in the jewellery industry. “The Taylor-Burton Diamond” for Hollywood superstar Richard Burton’s wife, Elizabeth Taylor, has become one of the world’s most famous diamonds. This 30.97-carat emerald, unearthed from the legendary Muzo mine in Colombia, is flawlessly pure and suffused with a pronounced green colour. Adorned with white diamonds totalling approximately 71.75 carats in the label’s notable setting “Winston Cluster”, the pureness of the diamonds is supremely showcased to heighten the beauty of the emerald’s deep green hue, in celebration of a perfect marriage between natural gems and impeccable craftsmanship.

Lot 230. 22.97-Carat Natural Unheated Burmese “Cornflower Blue” Sapphire and Diamond Ring, Boucheron. Estimate: HK$ 3,800,000 - 4,800,000／US$ 487,000 - 615,000. Sold for HK$4,560,000. © Tiancheng International

Centring on a cushion-shaped sapphire weighing 22.97 carats, flanked by two pear-shaped diamonds together weighing approximately 2.00 carats, mounted in platinum, signed. Ring size: 6

Accompanied by Gübelin report numbered 16038098, dated 22 March 2016, stating that the 22.97 carat sapphire is natural, Blue colour, of Burmese origin, with no indications of heating; along with an information sheet, stating that 'The demand for natural, unheated sapphires keeps growing while the supply of such gems remains limited, making large, natural sapphires of gem-quality from all major sources...difficult to find.';

Lotus premium report numbered 7418-9221, dated 13 February 2018, stating that the 22.97 carat sapphire is natural, Blue colour, of medium-deep tone and intense saturation, of Burmese origin, with no indication of enhancements; with a color type comment, stating that 'The lively blue colour of this gem earns it the Lotus "Cornflower Blue" distinction.';

SSEF report numbered 85091, dated 20 March 2016, stating that the 22.971 carat sapphire is natural, Blue colour of medium strong saturation, of Burmese origin, with no indications of heating.

Founded in 1858, Boucheron is a French jewellery house known for its prolific creativity. This prestigious ring by Boucheron featuring a cushion-shaped, natural “cornflower blue” sapphire flanked by glittering diamonds on both sides, is truly a timeless classic.

Dazzling Diamonds

Lot 246. “The Princess Pink”, 5.03-Carat Natural Fancy Light Orangy Pink Diamond, Pink Diamond and Diamond Ring. Estimate: HK$ 4,650,000 - 5,650,000／US$ 596,000 - 724,000. Sold for HK$5,580,000. © Tiancheng International

Centring on a cushion-shaped fancy light orangy pink diamond weighing 5.03 carats, flanked by two tapered baguette diamonds, decorated with brilliant-cut pink diamonds and diamonds together weighing approximately 1.80 carats, mounted in 18 pink and white gold. Ring size: 5¼

Accompanied by GIA report numbered 2185867000, dated 15 December 2017, stating that the 5.03 carat is natural, Fancy Light Orangy Pink colour, VS1 clarity.

Pink diamonds are rare in the market as only one fancy coloured diamond can be found in every 100,000 top-quality diamonds mined. Among fancy coloured diamonds, pink is the highly favoured colour. This remarkable 5.03-carat fancy light orangy pink diamond possesses outstanding clarity. The mesmerizing pink colour of the stone is beautifully accentuated by brilliant-cut pink and white diamonds, displaying ultimate sophistication. Offered at an attractive price, this signature lot of unparalleled quality is an irresistible beauty for diamond lovers.

Lot 244. 5.01-Carat Natural Fancy Vivid Yellow VS1 Clarity Excellent Polish Diamond, Pink Diamond and Diamond Ring. Estimate: HK$ 2,300,000 - 3,300,000／US$ 295,000 - 423,000. Unsold. © Tiancheng International

Centring on an oval fancy vivid yellow diamond weighing 5.01 carats, framed by brilliant-cut pink diamonds, decorated with tapered baguette, brilliant-cut and baguette diamonds extending to the shoulders, the pink diamonds and diamonds together weighing approximately 1.50 carats, mounted in 18 karat white, yellow and pink gold. Ring size: 5¾

Accompanied by GIA report numbered 1182311855, dated 14 April 2017, stating that the 5.01 carat diamond is natural, Fancy Vivid Yellow colour, VS1 clarity, with Excellent Polish.

Exuding vibrant colours and magnificence, yellow diamonds are hailed as a symbol of glory and wealth. Yellow diamonds from the Zimmi mine in Sierra Leone are richer and more lively in their colours than their counterparts from other parts of the world. Tiancheng International has been presenting Zimmi yellow diamonds that are widely loved by connoisseurs, including this 5.01-carat yellow diamond with vividly golden hue and desirable clarity. Displaying eye-catching fire and unique radiance, it stands as one of the auction’s most anticipated highlights.

“Royal Ruby” — Spinel
Spinel is known as the “royal ruby” as it has been a legendary stone found in many royal collections. A lucky charm that magically shielded King Henry V from a fatal strike during the Anglo-French war in the 15th century, “The Black Prince Ruby” displays a saturated red colour comparable to blood, which is why it was mistaken as a ruby for centuries. The Black Prince Ruby even made its grandiose appearance in the Imperial State Crown of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, before it was scientifically revealed in recent decades to be in fact a spinel. Gem-quality spinels are actually much less common than rubies with similar characteristics. According to Geographic Origin Determination of Coloured Gemstones, a spinel is 200 times rarer than a ruby. This rarity has kept spinels relatively less well recognized in the past. However, this is rapidly changing as gem collectors around the globe have taken note of this resplendent gem, restoring its market value to its rightful glory.

Lot 177. 20.19 and 18.70-Carat Natural Unheated Red Spinel and Diamond Earrings. Diamonds together weighing approx. 4.55 carats. Estimate: HK$ 780,000 - 1,500,000／US$ 100,000 - 192,000. Sold for HK$936,000 © Tiancheng International

Each suspending an oval red spinel weighing 20.19 and 18.70 carats respectively, surmounted by a pear-shaped diamond altogether weighing approximately 2.00 carats, linked by a circular-cut red spinel, decorated with brilliant-cut diamonds altogether weighing approximately 2.55 carats, mounted in 18 karat yellow and white gold.

Accompanied by GIA report numbered 2287671174, dated 13 April 2018, stating that the 20.19 and 18.70 carat spinels are natural, Red colour, with no indications of heating.

This spring, Tiancheng International has garnered an array of 23 coveted spinel jewellery pieces. One of the highlights is a pair of natural unheated red spinel earrings weighing 20.19 and 18.70 carats respectively. Substantial in size, the captivating spinels are imbued with a fiery red hue and flawless clarity.

DESIGN PIECES
Tiancheng International has been presenting design pieces that are popular among jewellery lovers. This season, a fine selection of exquisite creations will also be showcased.

Lot 207. Emerald, Gem-set and Diamond “Colour of Spring” Brooch, Nisan. Emeralds together weighing approx. 5.15 carats; Gem-set and Diamonds together weighing approx. 15.90 carats. Estimate: HK$ 88,000 - 120,000／US$ 11,300 - 15,400 © Tiancheng International

Modelled as a bird resting on a branch, the flowers each centring on a round cabochon emerald together weighing approximately 5.15 carats, the petals set with pink and blue titanium, embellished with circular-cut pink sapphires and single-cut diamonds, the bird encrusted with circular-cut coloured sapphires, tsavorite garnets, coloured diamonds and single-cut diamonds, to a textured gold branch, the leaves accented by circular-cut tsavorite garnets, the tsavorite garnet and coloured sapphires together weighing approximately 4.00 and 9.20 carats respectively, the coloured diamonds and diamonds together weighing approximately 2.70 carats, mounted in 18 karat yellow, white gold and titanium, signed.

This is a delicate work by Thai jewellery designer Nisan. Mounted in 18K gold, pink and blue titanium, it depicts a tiny bird perching high on a branch. The bird’s feathered plumage, along with the twin flowers in bloom and leaves are adorned with emeralds, fancy gems and diamonds in luxuriant hues, bringing “Colour of Spring” to life in glittering stones.

Lot 95. 106.85-Carat Natural Untreated Saltwater Clam Pearl, Tsavorite Garnet and Diamond “Prince Frog” Pendant. Tsavorite Garnets together weighing approx. 9.50 carats. Estimate: HK$ 185,000 - 285,000／US$ 23,700 - 36,500. Sold for HK$228,000 . © Tiancheng International

Modelled as a princess frog holding a button-shaped clam pearl weighing 106.85 carats (27.33 - 27.41 x 19.25mm), the frog set with circular-cut tsavorite garnets together weighing approximately 9.50 carats, highlighted by cabochon red hardstone-set eyes together weighing approximately 1.45 carats, decorated with brilliant-cut diamond-set leaves, to the detachable crown highlighted by brilliant-cut diamonds, the diamonds together weighing approximately 1.20 carats, mounted in 18 karat white, yellow and blackened gold.
Accompanied by a Tridacna clam shell measuring approximately 12 x 15 x 20cm.

Accompanied by GIA report numbered 2276719465, dated 3 January 2018, stating that the 106.85 carat pearl is natural saltwater, tridunacna species, White colour, with no indications of treatment.

Similar to natural pearls, a clam pearl is formed by a mollusk when stimulated by an irritant. Compared with the former, the likelihood of finding a clam pearl is extremely slim, with a probability of 1 in 5,000. It is exceedingly rare to find one that is perfectly round, smooth and flawless. Weighing 106.85 carats, this natural clam pearl is a valuable find. It is paired with a life-like tsavorite garnet “Prince Frog” to add a touch of light-hearted amusement. Interestingly, the pendant can be unclasped so that one can admire the clam pearl.

Lot 156. 2.73-Carat Spessartite Garnet, Orange Sapphire and Diamond “Clown Fish” Brooch. Estimate: HK$ 85,000 - 120,000／US$ 10,900 - 15,400. Unsold. © Tiancheng International

Modelled as a clown fish, the brooch centring on an oval cabochon spessartite garnet weighing 52.73 carats, the head and fins decorated with circular-cut orange sapphires, black diamonds and brilliant-cut diamonds extending to the obverse, highlighted by a pair of eyes set with mother-of-pearl inset and circular-cut black diamonds, the orange sapphires together weighing approximately 4.40 carats, the black diamonds and diamonds together weighing approximately 1.90 carats, mounted in 18 karat pink, white and blackened gold.

Accompanied by GIA report numbered 6281472378, dated 21 March 2018, stating that the 52.73 carat spessartite garnet is Orange colour.

This clown fish with a distinctive appearance has a body fashioned from spessartite garnet of 52.73 carats, set together with orange sapphires and diamonds weighing 4.40 and 1.90 carats respectively. Textural details of the fish body are cleverly revealed through the highly-translucent spessartite garnet. Under the shimmering light, the little fish appears to have peeked out from a coral reef, ready for play with other marine creatures, adding a sense of lively dynamism to this jewellery piece.

Lot 16. Agate, Ruby and Diamond “Koi” Brooch-Pendant. Agate weighing approx. 10.15 carats. Estimate: HK$ 85,000 - 125,000／US$ 10,900 - 16,000. Sold for HK$102,000. © Tiancheng International

Modelled as a koi, the articulated fish set with textured gold, the scales and fins decorated with circular-cut rubies, black diamonds and brilliant-cut diamonds extending to the tail, the forehead accented by an agate weighing approximately 10.15 carats, highlighted by circular-cut sapphire-set eyes, the rubies and diamonds together weighing approximately 2.15 and 1.70 carats respectively, mounted in 18 karat yellow, white and blackened gold.

Fish, pronounced as yu in Chinese, is a homonym for surplus. It has always been held up as an auspicious symbol. Koi, in particular, has been synonymous with achievement and success, in reference to the legend that it is able to leap over the mythical “Dragon Gate” to become a dragon. With its assemblage of agate, rubies and diamonds, this koi brooch offers a realistic depiction of a koi whose articulated fins and tail display astonishing workmanship.