Editor’s Note
Sotheby’s has made auction history in Asia with the first-ever “White Glove” live jewelry sale, achieving a perfect 100% sell-through rate for The PHILLIPS Family Collection from Japan. The auction realized approximately US$3.65 million, with a remarkable 60% of lots exceeding their high estimates.
Sotheby’s has achieved Asia’s first ‘White Glove’ live jewelry sale with The PHILLIPS Family Collection from Japan, realizing a total of HK$28,556,585 / US$3,647,533 / approximately ¥573 million, with a 100% sell-through rate. Notably, 60% of the lots sold above their high estimates.
The top lot of the auction was a Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Necklace (Lot 1862), which soared to HK$1,905,000 / US$243,421 / approximately ¥36.9 million after more than 20 bids, exceeding its low estimate by nearly four times.
Fierce bidding was particularly seen for demi-parures. A Van Cleef & Arpels turquoise, coral, and diamond colorful demi-parure (Lot 1932) sold for a remarkable HK$1,016,000 / US$129,824 / approximately ¥19.68 million, over ten times its low estimate (Estimate: HK$80,000-95,000). A set of Egyptian Revival necklace and bangle by the same jeweler, featuring the ancient god Horus (Lot 1924), sold for HK$762,000 / US$97,368 / approximately ¥14.76 million. A necklace and earrings set with leaf motifs in 18K yellow gold and pavé diamonds (Lot 1808) also sold for HK$762,000. Italian designer Gianmaria Buccellati’s gold demi-parure (Lot 1923) achieved an exceptional result of HK$736,600 / US$94,123 / approximately ¥14.27 million, over 14 times its estimate.
• Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Jewelry Set (Lot 1809): HK$889,000 / US$113,596 / approximately ¥17.22 million
• Bulgari ‘Alveare’ Set (Lot 1818): HK$698,500 / US$89,254 / approximately ¥13.53 million
• Bulgari ‘Boules’ Necklace and Earclips (Lot 1948): HK$635,000 / US$81,140 / approximately ¥12.30 million
• Bulgari ‘Monete’ Gold & Ancient Coin Necklace, Earclips (Lot 1823): HK$609,600 / US$77,895 / approximately ¥11.81 million
• Gianmaria Buccellati Diamond Demi-Parure (Lot 1879): HK$571,500 / US$73,026 / approximately ¥11.07 million
The Magnificent Jewels Live Auction will be held on April 6, featuring a stunning 55.55-carat ‘Fortune Five’ diamond and a remarkable 7.01-carat Fancy Vivid Yellowish Orange diamond ring. This yellowish orange diamond, one of the world’s rarest and most sought-after gemstones, is among the largest orange diamonds to appear on the market.
