Hong Kong - On 27 November, Christie’s Hong Kong will hold its Magnificent Jewels auction, featuring over 260 lots of exquisite and rare jewels. The focal point of the season is “THE PEACOCK NECKLACE”, a superb Kashmir royal blue sapphire and diamond necklace (estimate: HK$95,000,000 - 120,000,000/US$12,000,000 - 15,000,000).

Also leading the season is an array of spectacular diamonds, exceptional gemstones, including: a superb 10.04 carats Burmese Pigeon’s Blood ruby and diamond ring (estimate: HK$54,000,000 - 68,000,000/US$6,750,000 - 8,500,000), “THE MOON OF BARODA”, a 24.04 carats fancy yellow VS2 diamond necklace (estimate:HK$HK$4,000,000 - 6,000,000/US$500,000 - 750,000) and “THE ULTIMATE MOGOK BLUE TREASURE”, a Guinness World Records Certification of “The largest cabochon-cut sapphire” 396.89 carats Burmese cabochon sapphire and diamond necklace, Etcetera (estimate: HK$4,000,000-8,000,000/US$500,000-1,000,000).

Vickie Sek, Chairman, Jewellery Asia, commented “It is our great honour to once again present a diverse selection of the world’s finest and most coveted jewels to our esteemed collectors, led this season by the mesmerising Peacock Necklace. Also on offer are some of the world’s most legendary gemstones in the history of the jewellery industry, which will no doubt greatly excite global collectors as they pursue pieces of superb origin and unparalleled beauty.”

A SUPERB Burmese PIGEON’S BLOOD RUBY RING

in recent years, price per carat for rubies has increased more than any other gemstone apart from colored diamonds. This has been particularly true for “pigeon’s blood” rubies of significant sizes, which have been generating fervent bidding in auction rooms around the world.

Only the most perfect rubies of exceptional saturation and natural red fluorescence can be deemed as ‘pigeon’s blood”, and it is particularly rare for a ruby of this quality to appear in over 5 carats.

On offer this season is the superb 10.04 carats Burmese Pigeon’s blood ruby and diamond ring (estimate: HK$54,000,000 - 68,000,000/US$6,750,000 - 8,500,000). With its significant size, illuminating redness and flawless crystal structure, it will undoubtedly attract intense bidding from connoisseurs all over the world.

THE MOON OF BARODA

The 1953 cinema classic Gentlemen Prefer Blondes has made Marilyn Monroe’s song ‘Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend’ a timeless hit, along with the image of her wearing “THE MOON OF BARODA”. Once worn by the legendary actress, the 24.04 Carats Fancy Yellow VS2 Diamond Necklace (estimate:HK$HK$4,000,000 - 6,000,000/US$500,000 - 750,000) will be offered at Christie’s again, 28 years after it was auctioned at Christie’s New York. 

The history of the Moon of Baroda can be traced back to the 15th Century, as part of the vast collection of the Gaekwars of Baroda - princes of one of the oldest and most prominent ruling families of India. The diamond’s discovery and lineage in India at the time indicate that it may have been originated from the Golconda region. The Golconda mine is the first ever diamond mine to be discovered in the world, Golconda diamonds are exceptionally rare and sought-after. The stone vanishes for a few centuries until it was brought to America by Prince Ramachandra in 1926.

The stone gained most of its publicity after acquired by Meyer Rosenbaum, president of Meyer Jewellery Company in the 1950s, and gained further recognition after being offered the necklace to Monroe for a photoshoot, she signed and thanked Rosenbaum for “the chance to wear the Moon of Baroda”. (photograph is also offered in this sale, estimate: HK$80,000 - 12,000/US$10,000 - 15,000)

This autumn, the reappearance of this important and historical gem on the world market represents another milestone in the history of one of the great diamonds of the world.

THE LARGEST CABOCHON-CUT SAPPHIRE

Certified as “the largest cabochon sapphire” by the Guinness World Records, “THE ULTIMATE MOGOK BLUE TREASURE”, a 396.89 carats Burmese cabochon sapphire and diamond necklace, Etcetera (estimate:HK$4,000,000 - 8,000,000/US$500,000 - 1,000,000) is another historical gemstone which will be presented this season. Offered at auction with no reserve, this represents an incredible opportunity for collectors around the world to bid on an unprecedented natural wonder.

Falling somewhere between indigo and blue, the distinct hue of the sapphire comes from the finest Mogok valley of Burma. So exquisite is this colour, that this cabochon is considered to be of “cornflower blue”, one of the two most desired colours of sapphires.

The jewellery of Etcetera, founded by Edmond Chin in 2000, is characterised by technical innovation, and often incorporates new methods of mounting and presentation of gems, giving each of their jewels a unique and sometimes unexpected appearance. This is reflected in the exquisite design of this necklace. The exaggerated rose-cut sapphire and diamond prongs endures the weight of the gargantuan sapphire yet appearing nearly invisible, which allows appreciation of the stone in its entirety.

Sale Information:

Date: 27 November 2018

Venue: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, No. 1 Harbour Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong

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