A magnificent sapphire and diamond necklace was the star of Christie’s recent Magnificent Jewels auction in Hong Kong, realising HKD 125.5 million (USD 16.1 million) and comfortably landing within its estimated range.
The centrepiece features 16 antique, cushion-shaped Kashmir sapphires, ranging from 3.43 to 13.37 carats—coveted for their velvety saturation and rarity. Each sapphire is framed by an array of D–F colour, internally flawless to VS1 diamonds, with a combined diamond weight of 121.81 carats.
According to Christie’s, the necklace dominated the 25 November sale and drew significant attention from collectors seeking exceptional provenance and craftsmanship.
The auction totalled HKD 538.1 million (USD 69.1 million), showcasing important creations from renowned maisons including Harry Winston, Van Cleef & Arpels, Cartier, and JAR.
Top 10 Lots from the Sale
1. Burmese Ruby “Red Butterfly” Earrings — HKD 25.5M (USD 3.3M)
Designed as vibrant red butterflies, these earrings feature oval Burmese rubies of 2.03, 2.11, 5.01, and 5.05 carats, set alongside pear- and marquise-cut diamonds. The pair sold within its presale estimate.
2. Kashmir Sapphire and Diamond Earrings — HKD 24.9M (USD 3.2M)
Showcasing four cushion-shaped Kashmir sapphires weighing 2.28–7.90 carats, accented by round and pear-cut diamonds, this pair also achieved its projected price range.
3. Diamond Rivière Necklace — HKD 22.1M (USD 2.8M)
A classic rivière design set with 25 diamonds (E–I colour), totalling 88.14 carats. The necklace includes five outstanding round brilliants weighing 8.57, 10.01, 12.86, 13.81, and 31.71 carats.
4. Cartier Tutti Frutti Necklace and Brooch — HKD 19.4M (USD 2.5M)
This iconic multi-gem suite features carved emeralds, sapphires, and rubies, complemented by cabochon beads and round diamonds. The result aligned with expectations.
5. 12.86-Carat Fancy Orangey-Pink Diamond — HKD 18.6M (USD 2.4M)
An unmounted round brilliant, VVS2 clarity and Fancy Orangey Pink colouration—a rare combination—fetched its forecasted price.
6. Art Deco Multi-Gem Cartier Bracelet (c. 1925) — HKD 16.4M (USD 2.1M)
Set with jadeite cabochons, a star sapphire, carved rubies and sapphires, enamel, and old-cut diamonds, this 1920s piece surged to nearly triple its high estimate.
7. 30.87-Carat D-Colour Heart-Shape Diamond Necklace — HKD 16.1M (USD 2.1M)
Featuring a detachable Type IIa, D-colour, VVS1 heart-shaped diamond, this versatile jewel achieved slightly above its lower estimate.
8. Boehmer et Bassenge Diamond Earrings — HKD 12.7M (USD 1.6M)
The earrings include two oval D-colour stones: an 11.03-carat internally flawless diamond and an 11.13-carat flawless diamond, suspended from round and marquise diamonds. The lot exceeded its high estimate.
9. Fancy Vivid Yellow Diamond Ring — HKD 10.9M (USD 1.4M)
An emerald-cut 10.39-carat Fancy Vivid Yellow diamond, VVS1 clarity, accompanied by round diamond shoulders, outperformed its HKD 6.8 million estimate.
Why This Matters to the Australian Market
High-profile auction results continue to highlight global demand for rare gemstones—particularly Kashmir sapphires, high-colour diamonds, and historically significant Cartier pieces.
As Australia’s only internationally accredited diamond laboratory, DCLA recognises how transparent, scientifically rigorous grading underpins confidence in the global secondary market. These results reinforce the premium commanded by stones with verified origin, colour, clarity, and craftsmanship.