Phillips. Jewels & Jadeite, Hong Kong Auction 25 November 2019
A Fine Diamond Ring, Van Cleef & Arpels
Lot 655. A Fine 7.08 carat D/IF Type IIa Diamond Ring, Van Cleef & Arpels. Estimate HK$2,900,000 - 3,500,000 ($370,000-450,000). Image courtesy of Phillips.
One marquise-shaped diamond, 7.08 carats. Two tapered baguette diamonds on the side. Platinum. Signed Van Cleef & Arpels, numbered N.Y.55540. Size 6¾
(7.08-carat Diamond): GIA report, numbered 2175728748, 4 January 2011, D colour, Internally Flawless. Diamond type classification report, Type IIa diamond.
Provenance: Christies New York, December 2016, lot 263
Note: The marquise shape cutting style originated allegedly from the French court in the 18th century. Legend has it that King Louis XV commissioned the court jewellers to fashion a diamond resembling the irresistible lips of one of his most famous royal mistresses, Marquise de Pompadour. Rumoured to be uncommonly pretty even when she was a child, Marquise de Pompadour’s beauty was equally matched by her wits and talent..