A highly rare and important jadeite and diamond parure
Lot 1660. A highly rare and important jadeite and diamond parure. Estimate: HK$12,000,000 - 16,000,000 / US$1,548,400-2,064,535. Courtesy Sotheby's.
Comprising: a necklace, composed of ten highly translucent oval jadeite cabochons of bright emerald green colour weighing 108.97 carats in total, decorated with brilliant-cut diamonds; and a pair of earrings and bracelet en suite, set with seven oval jadeite cabochons weighing 52.56 carats in total; all mounted in 18 karat white gold, necklace and bracelet length approximately 420mm and 170mm respectively, post and hinged back fittings. Largest cabochon approximately 16.33 x 15.00 x 6.45mm
Accompanied by three Hong Kong Jade & Stone Laboratory certificates no, KJ 102067, KJ 102068 and KJ 102069, all dated 3 September 2020, stating that the jadeite tested are natural, known in the trade as "A Jade".
Also accompanied by Gübelin reports no. 20081168, 20081169 / 1 and 2 and 20011170, all dated 26 August 2020, stating that all the jadeite are natural, with no indication of treatment, and may also be called "Type A" in the trade. Gübelin report no. 20081170 further commented that some of jadeite jade may also be called "Imperial Jade" in the trade. Also accompanied by an appendix, stating that "A matched set of seventeen polished jadeites...possess a richly saturated and evenly distributed green colouration, combined with the high translucency as well as their fine texture."
Imperial Reverence
In the glittering world of jewellery, jadeite is a fascinating and unique material – one that is inextricably linked to Chinese culture. Jadeite may not have the dazzling brilliance of a diamond, but it has a luminosity that seems to come from within. In the rough, jadeite is encased within a shell of weathered stone, and it is worthless if left uncut and unpolished. Only after it is carved and polished is its splendour revealed to the world. Jadeite has the character of an unassuming gentleman who is not quick to show his talents. According to The Book of Rites, ‘A gentleman would find that jadeite is akin his virtues; soft and smooth, its qualities appear just like his benevolence.’ In the Confucian intellectual ideal, the gentleman is held up as paragon of character, thus it is entirely fitting to compare such impeccable moral character to fine jadeite.
What is generally called “jadeite” actually refers to two different minerals: nephrite and jadeite. It can come in many colours, including green, lavender, yellow, red, white, and black, but the most sought-after colour is a deep emerald green called “Imperial Green,” found almost exclusively in Myanmar jadeite (jadeite). The best quality jadeite has a refined, smooth texture (grade) and excellent translucency (lustre). As the light passes through the stone, the jadeite captures the light within, diffusing it evenly so that the suffused light resembles gentle ripples on a clear pool. Currently, Myanmar is the only place in the world that produces jewellery-quality jadeite. The best jadeite pieces have a deep green colour, a smooth, exquisite texture, and a pure, even translucency. This kind of jadeite is as revered and rare as an emperor, so it is called “Imperial Green Jadeite”.
A good stone requires cutting and polishing before the beauty of jadeite can be fully realised. The cabochon is a classic shape for jadeite. The technique for cutting cabochons is akin to sculpture. The contours of the cabochon must be round yet symmetrical, and its length and width must be harmoniously proportional. When cutting a pair or a set of cabochons, significant amounts of stone must be wasted in order to achieve the optimal visual effect. The jadeite cabochon and diamond earrings (Lot 1746) and the jadeite cabochon set (Lot 1660) have been crafted from the best quality “Imperial Green Jadeite” with excellent colour, grade, and translucency. The cabochons are beautifully and symmetrically matched with a rounded, full shape. These pieces represent the perfect union of nature’s gifts and human artistry.
Sotheby's. Magnificent Jewels, 7 October 2020, Hong Kong.