Editor’s Note
Sotheby’s recent ‘Magnificent Jewels’ auctions in Hong Kong achieved a combined total of over HKD 232 million. This overview highlights the strong performance of colored gemstones, with a standout Bulgari necklace selling for more than five times its high estimate.
On October 6 and 13, 2023, Sotheby’s successfully concluded Part I and Part II of its ‘Magnificent Jewels’ auctions in Hong Kong. The combined total sales for the two sessions reached HKD 232,177,490.
Many colored gemstones performed well in these auctions. Among the notable pieces from renowned jewelers, a Bulgari ‘Monete’ necklace featuring ancient coins paired with carnelian and diamonds stood out, hammering down at HKD 1.27 million, approximately 5.29 times its high estimate.
1. Imperial Blossom
Jadeite and Diamond Jewelry Suite
Includes a necklace, a pair of earrings, and a ring.
Set with 15 cabochon jadeites totaling approximately 180.20 carats.
All untreated, natural Type A.
Estimate: HKD 26,800,000 – 38,000,000
Hammer Price: HKD 20,415,000
2. Fancy Vivid Yellow Diamond and Diamond Necklace
Designed in a wave-like ribbon motif.
Features a cushion modified brilliant-cut Fancy Vivid Yellow diamond weighing approximately 74.48 carats.
Natural color, IF clarity.
Accented with diamonds.
Estimate: HKD 29,000,000 – 40,000,000
Hammer Price: HKD 19,810,000
3. Diamond Ring
Van Cleef & Arpels
Marquise-cut diamond weighing approximately 21.03 carats.
D color, FL clarity.
Flanked by triangular-cut diamonds.
Estimate: HKD 13,600,000 – 15,500,000
Hammer Price: HKD 15,575,000
4. Diamond Pendant Earrings
The diamond studs are from Harry Winston.
Pendants feature two emerald-cut diamonds weighing approximately 10.35 and 10.32 carats each.
Both D color, FL clarity.
The studs are set with pear-shaped and marquise diamonds.
Estimate: HKD 11,000,000 – 15,000,000
Hammer Price: HKD 13,155,000
5. Emerald and Diamond Bracelet
Set with 13 step-cut emeralds totaling approximately 25.74 carats.
All of Colombian origin, no clarity enhancement.
Accented with 13 emerald-cut diamonds totaling approximately 24.36 carats.
D to F color, VVS1 to VS2 clarity.
Estimate: HKD 9,800,000 – 12,000,000
Hammer Price: HKD 11,340,000
6. Diamond Ring
Bulgari
Emerald-cut diamond weighing approximately 20.03 carats.
D color, IF clarity.
Flanked by triangular-cut diamonds.
Estimate: HKD 3,900,000 – 8,000,000
Hammer Price: HKD 11,945,000
7. Jadeite Bead and Diamond Necklace
108 jadeite beads measuring approximately 11.88 to 8.71 mm.
Natural Type A.
The clasp is set with oval and brilliant-cut diamonds.
Estimate: HKD 8,800,000 – 12,000,000
Hammer Price: HKD 8,636,000
8. Fancy Vivid Yellow Diamond and Diamond Ring
Step-cut rectangular modified brilliant-cut Fancy Vivid Yellow diamond weighing approximately 18.08 carats.
Natural color, VVS2 clarity.
Flanked by half-moon diamonds.
Estimate: HKD 6,200,000 – 8,800,000
Hammer Price: HKD 7,874,000
9. Diamond Necklace
Pear-shaped diamond weighing approximately 21.21 carats.
E color, VVS2 clarity.
Accented with brilliant-cut diamonds.
Estimate: HKD 7,500,000 – 10,000,000
Hammer Price: HKD 5,715,000
10. Sapphire and Diamond Ring
Step-cut sapphire weighing approximately 7.14 carats.
Kashmir origin, no heat treatment.
Accented with brilliant-cut diamonds.
Estimate: HKD 2,800,000 – 5,500,000
Hammer Price: HKD 5,334,000
Emerald and Diamond Necklace
Set with 9 cushion-shaped emeralds totaling approximately 20.05 carats.
All of Colombian origin, no clarity enhancement.
Accented with brilliant-cut diamonds and round emeralds.
Estimate: HKD 4,200,000 – 5,500,000
Hammer Price: HKD 5,080,000
Emerald and Gold Scarf Clip
Van Cleef & Arpels
Octagonal step-cut emerald weighing approximately 11.50 carats.
Colombian origin, minor oil treatment.
Estimate: HKD 600,000 – 900,000
Hammer Price: HKD 3,048,000
Spinel and Diamond Ring
Oval spinel weighing approximately 13.23 carats.
Burmese origin, no heat treatment.
Accented with old-cut and brilliant-cut diamonds.
Estimate: HKD 800,000 – 1,200,000
Hammer Price: HKD 1,397,000
Source: Sotheby’s