A 21.52 carat untreated Colombian emerald fetched nearly $1.2 million at Phillips Hong Kong Jewels and Jadeite July auction. The gem sold within estimates all sales include buyer’s premium. Described by the auction house as “exceptional and very rare,” it was the top lot in an otherwise mixed sale where several important lots were left on the block.
Among the items that didn’t sell was the top lot heading into the auction: a 20.25 carat internally flawless fancy vivid yellow diamond set on a diamond ring. Its estimate was $1.1 million to $1.5 million. It was withdrawn prior to the sale. Another item that was withdrawn was a necklace featuring 11 fine oval jadeite cabochons surrounded by brilliant cut diamonds and linked by marquise and pear shaped diamonds set on 18k white gold. Its estimate was $808,000- $1 million.
In addition, a very fine pair of fine jadeite cabochon earrings set on white gold did make it to the block but failed to find a bidder. Its estimate was $750,000 to $1.1 million.
An important signed jewel that failed to attract a buyer was a one of a kind Peacock bangle by Chopard. The elaborate high jewelry creation is notable for its resplendent tail feathers that wrap around the wearer’s wrist. This design, marked by numerous details, is adorned with 7,500 gems that required hundreds of hours of study and work. Its estimate was $230,000 to $280,000.
Items that did do well in the sale held on July 8 at the JW Marriott Hong Kong were signed Harry Winston jewels and emeralds, such as the top lot.
The number two lot in the sale was a a 12.55 carat rectangular step-cut diamond set on a vintage platinum ring, 1953. The D/IF type IIa diamond sold for $1.1 million, within estimates. In addition, a “very fine” pair of 4.52 and 4.44 carat step-cut Colombian “no oil” emerald and diamond ear clips from the famed New York jeweler sold for $370,960, within estimates. A pair of classic diamond cluster ear clips totaling 21.63 carats sold for $209,673, within estimates.
A 6.38 carat cushion-shaped emerald mounted on a platinum and 18k gold ring surrounded by diamonds by Bulgari fetched $403,218, within estimates.
Three jewels featuring gem quality conch pearls by contemporary Hong Kong jewelry designer, Karen Suen, were part of the sale. One of the three jewels, a conch pearl, pink diamond and diamond necklace fetched $217,737, within estimates. The other pieces, a pair of earrings and a ring made of conch pearls and diamonds failed to sell.
Source: Anthony DeMarco Forbes