Christie's Hong Kong Auction: A Sale that Merits Special Mention

A Sale that Merits Special Mention

A single cabochon emerald forms a sugarloaf clasp that connects a line of shimmering old European-cut diamonds in graduating size. Smaller baguette diamonds rest snugly between the brilliant white stones. Eight larger Euro-cut diamonds hang from the central baguette diamonds, and seven gorgeous emerald cabochons drip from these central stones. This magnificent necklace, made by famed Paris jewelers Boucheron, is expected to fetch $3-5 million at Christie's Hong Kong Magnificent Jewels {Lot 1655}. The prestigious international sale will feature over 290 impressive jewels which are expected to realize over $74 million. According to a number of prestigious gemological institutes, several of the pieces offered in the sale "merit special mention and appreciation" {cited}.

A Magnificent Diamond Necklace

One such piece is a 75.36-carat briolette-cut diamond, the largest of its kind ever to grace an auction floor. Appearing as a large drop of water suspended in motion, the dazzling gem cascades from a small purple-pink marquise-cut diamond. This massive diamond is the apex of a rosary style chain of 18k rose and white gold made up of numerous tiny white briolette-cut diamonds. This necklace, whose central diamond has been classified as the largest type IIa, Flawless/Internally Flawless, D color diamond the GIA has graded to date, is expected to sell for $8.5-12.5 million {Lot 1706}.

In a League of His Own

Famed sculptor and jeweler Wallace Chan is renowned for his innovation in jewelry design and technique. Mastering the art of titanium has earned him a reputation as an innovator. His genius with the crude metal endows his creations with an immortal quality. Christie's presents for sale tomorrow a multi-gem titanium necklace hand crafted by the native Chinese designer. Carved from an arresting black opal with tremendous play of color, the mythological sun god appears to face into the wind. The necklace is covered in sculpted flames infused with vari-cut pink and yellow sapphires, rubies, and yellow diamonds. This stunning beauty will more than likely garner more than the estimated price of $230-350,000 {Lot 1610}.

Nature's Rarest: Padparadscha

Neither a ruby nor a sapphire, padparadscha is an extraordinarily rare form of corundum characterized by its pinkish-orange hues. The presence of iron (which colors rubies red) and chromium (which colors sapphires blue) guarantees a "delicate interplay of pink and orange hues" that "make this gem one of nature's rarest" {cited}. Collectors attending the Hong Kong Magnificent Jewels sale are in for a treat when they feast their eyes upon a 73.98-carat, oval-shaped padparadscha ring. Scientists from the Gübelin Gemmological Institute report that the Sri Lankan (Ceylon) stone "displays a homogenous orange-pink colour... a finely proportioned cut causing many internal colour reflections" {cited}. This majestic ring is expected to command $1-1.5 million during tomorrow's auction.

A Veritable Feast

Christie's Hong Kong sale may prove the most noteworthy sale of the season, and it has been a great season. If you haven't seen their catalog, I highly recommend scrolling through it online. These few pieces I've mentioned may steal the show in terms of rarity and value, but they provide only a small taste of the feast the auction house will set out for collectors and investors tomorrow afternoon.

*More About Photo: Magnificent emeralds and diamonds sit atop a sculpted platinum filigree under gallery and shoulders. This stunning ballerina engagement ring features a centered 2-carat emerald cut green emerald.