Lot 1662. An Extremely Rare and Exceptional ‘Imperial Green’ Jadeite Bead and Diamond Necklace. Sold for HK$62,963,000 / US$8,124,300. Courtesy Sotheby's.

HONG KONG.- Two days after the landmark sale of the 102.39 carat D Colour Flawless Oval Diamond which sold for HK$121.6m / US$15.7m, Sotheby’s Magnificent Jewels auction tonight sold further exceptional gemstones, led by ‘Imperial Green’ Jadeite Bead and Diamond Necklace, bringing this season’s jewellery sale total to HK$426 million / US$55 million.

Wenhao Yu, Deputy Chairman, Jewellery, Sotheby's Asia, commented: “We are encouraged by this season’s jewellery auction results. Travel restrictions were no impediment to this October sale, with two-thirds of our buyers participating from outside Hong Kong, a result that is testament to our digital platform and outreach. Collectors’ taste in the region remains selective, with eyes focusing on rare, top-quality investment grade jewellery – whether diamonds, gemstones or jadeite – and pieces with a strong design appeal, whether antique, period, contemporary or signed. The other star of the show, besides the world-class diamond, was the imperial green jadeite necklace, continuing the success we saw in July for jadeite pieces of the highest calibre.”

Result Highlights:

‘Imperial Green’ Jadeite

Top lot: Lot 1662. An Extremely Rare and Exceptional ‘Imperial Green’ Jadeite Bead and Diamond Necklace. Sold for HK$62,963,000 / US$8,124,300. Courtesy Sotheby's.

Lot 1660. A Highly Rare and Important Jadeite And Diamond Parure. Sold for HK$14,090,000 / US$1,818,100 (est. HK$12,000,000 - 16,000,000 / US$1,560,000 – 2,080,000). Courtesy Sotheby's.

Exceptional Gems and Diamonds

Lot 1743. An Exceptional 6.41 Carat Unheated Burmese ‘Pigeon’s Blood’ Ruby and Diamond Ring, Designed and Mounted By FORMS. Sold for HK$21,955,000/ US$2,832,900 (est. HK$17,000,000 - 22,000,000 / US$2,200,000 – 2,900,000). Courtesy Sotheby's.

Lot 1724. 9.26 carats Colombian Emerald, Diamond and Coloured Diamond Ring. Sold for HK$9,613,000 / US$1,240,400 (est. HK$3,800,000 – 5,000,000 / US$494,000 – 650,000). Courtesy Sotheby's.

Set with a step-cut emerald weighing 9.26 carats, between tapered pentagon-shaped diamonds, the gallery decorated with brilliant-cut pink diamonds, mounted in 18 karat white and pink gold, size 6½.

Accompanied by SSEF report no. 110902, dated 13 November 2019 and Gübelin report no. 20051215, dated 28 May 2020, both stating that the emerald is of Colombian origin, with no indications of clarity enhancement; also accompanied by SSEF appendix letter stating that "the described emerald exhibits a remarkable size and weight of 9.267 ct, combined with an attractive green colour and very fine purity... this emerald shows no indications of clarity modification in fissures at the time of testing is a further sign of rarity...". Further accompanied by Muzo Certificate of Origin and Traceability.

Lot 1750. A 8.88 Carat Exceptional Fancy Vivid Yellow Diamond and Diamond Ring. Sold for HK$8,403,000 / US$1,084,300 (est. HK$4,700,000 – 6,000,000 / US$615,000 – 780,000 ). Courtesy Sotheby's.

Lot 1752. A 5.22 Carat Fancy Intense Blue Diamond and Diamond Ring, Mount by Cartier. Sold for HK$34,660,000 / US$4,472,300 (est. HK$25,000,000 – 30,000,000 / US$3,250,000 – 3,900,000). Courtesy Sotheby's.

Lot 1638. A 16.38 Carat Diamond Ring, Mount by Van Cleef & Arpels. Sold for HK$19,535,000 (est. HK$16,000,000 - 20,000,000). Courtesy Sotheby's.

Contemporary Designer Highlights

Lot 1744. Set of Three Jadeite, Diamond and Pink Sapphire Brooches, Cindy Chao Sold for HK$1,512,000 / US$195,100 (est. HK$1,200,000 – 1,500,000 / US$156,000 – 195,000). Courtesy Sotheby's.

Each set with an oval jadeite cabochon of intense green colour and very good translucency, all decorated with brilliant-cut diamonds; one brooch highlighted with brilliant-cut diamonds of yellow and brown tint; and the other highlighted with circular-cut pink sapphires; all mounted in 18 karat white and yellow gold, all signed Cindy Chao.

Cabochons approximately 13.88 x 11.45 x 5.06mm, 12.68 x 9.69 x 4.02mm and 10.93 x 8.57 x 3.90mm. 

Accompanied by Hong Kong Jade & Stone Laboratory certificate no. KJ 102019-KJ 102021, dated 26 August 2020 , stating that the jadeite are natural, known in the trade as "A Jade".

Please note that the diamonds of yellow and brown tint have not been tested for natural colour origin.

Lot 1741. 7.95 carats Burmese Sapphire and Diamond Ring, FORMS. Sold for HK$2,772,000 / US$357,800 (est. HK$1,000,000 - 1,800,000 / US$130,000 – 234,000). Courtesy Sotheby's.

Set with a cushion-shaped sapphire weighing 7.95 carats, surrounded by half-moon- and marquise-shaped diamonds, the shank decorated with brilliant-cut diamonds, mounted in 18 karat white gold, maker's mark for Forms, size 6, case stamped Forms.

Period and Antique Highlights

Lot 1652. Art Deco Emerald and Diamond Brooch, Cartier Sold for HK$1,260,000 / US$162,600 (est. HK$1,000,000 – 1,300,000 / US$130,000 – 169,000). Courtesy Sotheby's.

Lot 1655. Diamond Tiara, Possibly Carrington & Co., Late 19th Century Sold for HK$2,331,000 / US$300,800 (est. HK$1,400,000 – 1,800,000 / US$182,000 – 234,000). Courtesy Sotheby's.