P R E S S R E L E A S E | H O N G K O N G | 3 N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 5
TO LEAD CHRISTIE’S HONG KONG
DECEMBER SALE OF MAGNIFICENT JEWELS
THE MOST IMPORTANT “PIGEON’S BLOOD” RUBY EVER TO APPEAR AT AUCTION IN ASIA
Hong Kong - Following on the record results achieved last spring, on 1 December 2015 Christie’s Hong Kong will
present another finely curated sale of magnificent jewels. A spectacular array of diamonds, coloured diamonds,
coloured gemstones, jadeite and signed pieces will be led by , an exceptionally rare Burmese
pigeon’s blood ruby of 15 carats - by far the most important pigeon’s blood ruby to be offered at auction in Asia
(estimate: HK$78-120 million / US$10-15 million; illustrated above).
Vickie Sek, Deputy Chairman and Director of Christie’s Asia Jewellery Department: “Ruby appears to be a real
star at Christie’s Hong Kong jewellery auctions this year. Following on the record-breaking results achieved last
spring by a fabulous Burmese ruby and diamond necklace by Etcetera, this November we will present the
sensational ‘Crimson Flame’, undoubtedly the most important pigeon’s blood ruby to come to auction in Asia.
Collectors will also be mesmerised by the exceptional selection of exquisite gems and jade”.
Among the numerous top quality gems featured in Christie’s sale, is worth mentioning the “Mogok’s Fiery Red”
suite by Fai Dee comprising a Burmese pigeon’s blood ruby and diamond necklace (estimate: HK$48-66 million
/ US$6-8 million) and a pair of pigeon’s blood ruby and diamond earrings (estimate: HK$22.8-32 million /
US$2.9-4.1 million), a 7.53 carat Fancy Intense Pink diamond and diamond ring (estimate: HK$45-65 million
(US$5.8-8.3 million), and “The Afghan Emerald” an extremely rare 10.11 carat no-oil emerald ring of flawless
clarity (estimate: HK$8-12 million / US$1-1.5 million).
Highlighted by an exquisite jadeite necklace with a diamond clasp by Cartier (estimate: HK$28-38 million /
US$3.5-4.8 million), the jadeite selection will be equally important, while a wide range of exquisite jewels
created by the world’s most renowned makers will appeal to a larger group of collectors.
A special addition to Christie’s Hong Kong non-selling exhibitions series, Wallace Chan Dream Light Water will
showcase 30 of the designer’s most intricate and technically challenging jewels, some of which have never been
seen before. On this occasion, Chan’s very first illustrated monographic book will be presented to the public.
Top quality diamonds have always been highly coveted by jewellery collectors and pink diamonds are particularly sought-after in the current market. This November two exquisite gems will be on offer at Christie’s Hong Kong: a 7.53 carat Fancy Intense Pink diamond ring (estimate: HK$45-65 million / US$5.8-8.3 million; illustrated left), and a 5.22 carat Fancy Intense Pink, IF, cushion-shaped diamond ring (estimate: HK$25-35 million / US$3.2-4.5 million; illustrated right).
The emerald section is highlighted by , a truly exceptional stone of 10.11 carats estimated at HK$8-12 million (US$1-1.5 million; illustrated right). High clarity is scarcely seen in emeralds and a flawless gem such as this can be considered a real treasure.
In addition to its great quality, what makes this stone even rarer is its size which is particularly remarkable as emeralds originating from Afghan mines tend to be relatively small.
In addition to the highly anticipated, Christie’s specialists have handpicked other important ruby jewels only focusing on the best of quality. Highlights include the “Mogok’s Fiery Red” suite by Fai Dee, comprising a Burmese pigeon’s blood ruby and diamond necklace and a pair of pigeon’s blood ruby and diamond earrings to be offered as individual lots estimated at HK$48-66 million / US$6-8 million and HK$22.8-32 million / US$2.9-4.1 million respectively (illustrated together below).
Hong Kong is the preferred saleroom for the finest jadeite and this autumn Christie’s has assembled an impressive selection of the most beautiful jadeite jewellery. Among the highlights is an important two-strand jadeite bead necklace enhanced by a lavish diamond clasp by Cartier estimated at HK$28-38 million / US$3.5-4.8 million (illustrated left), and an extraordinarily lustrous jadeite cabochon ring also to be offered with the same estimate.
: Dream Light Water
This autumn, Wallace Chan Dream Light Water a special non-selling exhibition dedicated to the jewels of the renowned Hong Kong-based creator Wallace Chan will be staged at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Highlighted by A Heritage in Bloom, a unique necklace featuring 24, D, internally flawless diamonds cut from the 507.55 carats “Cullinan Heritage” including an exceptionally rare brilliant-cut, D, internally flawless, diamond of 104 carats (illustrated right), the show will feature 30 iconic pieces by Mr. Chan, some of which have never been exhibited before. Wallace Chan’s very first illustrated monograph will also be presented to the public in a limited edition.
HONG KONG MAGNIFICENT JEWELS
Venue:
Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre
1 Expo Drive, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
Auction:
1 December 2015 at 1pm
Viewings:
26-28 November > 10:30am - 6:00pm
29-30 November > 10:30am - 6:30pm
1 December > 10:30am - 12:00nn
CONTACTS:
Cristiano De Lorenzo | +852 2978 6802 | cdelorenzo@christies.com
Lee Bingle | +852 2978 9966 | lbingle@christies.com
About Christie’s
Christie’s, the world's leading art business, had global auction and private sales in the first half of 2015 that totalled £2.9 billion / $4.5 billion. In 2014, Christie’s had global auction and private sales that totalled £5.1 billion/$8.4 billion, making it the highest annual total in Christie’s history. Christie’s is a name and place that speaks of extraordinary art, unparalleled service and expertise, as well as international glamour. Founded in 1766 by James Christie, Christie's has since conducted the greatest and most celebrated auctions through the centuries providing a popular showcase for the unique and the beautiful. Christie’s offers around 450 auctions annually in over 80 categories, including all areas of fine and decorative arts, jewellery, photographs, collectibles, wine, and more. Prices range from $200 to over $100 million. Christie's also has a long and successful history conducting private sales for its clients in all categories, with emphasis on Post-War & Contemporary, Impressionist & Modern, Old Masters and Jewellery.
Christie’s has a global presence with 54 offices in 32 countries and 12 salerooms around the world including in London, New York, Paris, Geneva, Milan, Amsterdam, Dubai, Zürich, Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Mumbai. More recently, Christie’s has led the market with expanded initiatives in growth markets such as Russia, China, India and the United Arab Emirates, with successful sales and exhibitions in Beijing, Mumbai and Dubai.
*Estimates do not include buyer’s premium. Sales totals are hammer price plus buyer’s premium and do not reflect costs, third-party financing fees or application of buyer’s or seller’s credits.
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In the background
A suite of diamond jewellery, by Tiffany & Co.
A diamond necklace illustrated
Estimate: HK$800,000-1,200,000 / US$100,000-150,000