A MAGNIFICENT PAIR OF JADEITE AND DIAMOND EAR STUDS

Each set with a thick high-domed jadeite cabochon of very even brilliant emerald green colour and high translucency, to the brilliant-cut diamond gallery, the back enhanced by pavé-set diamond scrolls, mounted in 18k gold, cabochons approximately 26.41 x 21.81 x 11.08 and 26.40 x 21.92 x 11.61 mm
With certificate KJ28336 and KJ28337 dated 22 October 2007 from the Hong Kong Jade & Stone Laboratory stating that the cabochons are natural jadeite and no polymer is detected (2). Price Realized: HK$18,247,500 ($2,348,818)

Christie's. Jewels:The Hong Kong Sale. 28 May 2008

GRAND CABOCHONS

Jadeite, the only cryptocrystalline precious stone, is composed of numerous tiny crystals which interlock to a greater or lesser degree, absorbing light so that the stone becomes increasingly opaque as it grows in thickness. The production of a jadeite cabochon that shows a high degree of translucency and purity while retaining desirable thickness, requires the most perfect texture, zhong, and the highest cutting skill, making the pair of cabochons offered in Lot 2277, extremely rare. These features, which are measured by observing the degree to which light can penetrate the stones, reveal high water content, shui fen, and fine ground, zhi di. The finer the crystal structure of the material, the more even and transparent the fashioned piece will be. Light passes evenly throughout these cabochons, revealing an absolute purity that is free from flaws and lucent as the morning sunlight. Combined with a vitreous translucency, the stones radiate a remarkable depth of colour, a brilliant emerald green so typical of top quality Burmese jadeite. The rarity of these stones, however, is not merely confined to their subtle optical properties. The cabochons are also impressive for their grand sizes. It is extremely difficult to find a large pair of cabochons of such graceful proportions, matching in translucency and purity, and in evenness and brilliancy of colour. Internally luminous and clear, these perfectly-formed jadeite cabochon domes are simply outstanding