Lot 584: This 75.95-carat unheated Sri Lankan cabochon sapphire can be worn in three ways: as a brooch, a pendant or a ring.
True aficionados will recognize that the concept of multi-functionality is nothing new in jewelry design. In the past, when jewelry-making depended on the artistry of highly-skilled men who spent innumerable hours to bring a single piece to life by hand, the labor-intensive final artwork ideally performed a number of functions for their wealthy and noble owners. A magnificent antique necklace often came with a tiara fitting, and component parts of a necklace or tiara could often be worn as brooches.
In this season’s Jewels & Jadeite sale in Hong Kong, collectors may be surprised to discover the same level of versatility in our offerings: there is more than meets the eye when you look closer at these ingeniously designed modern jewels.
Lot 656: An Elegant and Iconic Lapis Lazuli, Sapphire and Diamond ‘Zip’ Necklace, Van Cleef & Arpels. Estimate: HK$3,500,000 – 4,500,000.
Jewels & Jadeite at Phillips Hong Kong, 25 November.
Debuted in the early 1950s, the 'Zip' necklace is one of the most iconic and pioneering designs of Van Cleef & Arpels. Despite technical challenges, the Maison turned a high fashion accessory into a high jewelry masterpiece. Incorporating a zipper mechanism, the necklace could be zipped up to form a bracelet. This example here set with lapis lazuli, sapphires and diamonds is no exception. Each ‘zip’ necklace takes anywhere from 400 to 1200 hours for skilled craftsmen to complete, depending on the complexity of the design.
Lot 611: An Exquisite Fancy Vivid Purplish Pink Diamond, Fancy Intense Purplish Pink Diamond and Diamond Ring/ Earrings. Estimate: HK$5,800,000 – 6,800,000.
Jewels & Jadeite at Phillips Hong Kong, 25 November.
Set with two well-matched Argyle pink diamonds of superb Fancy Vivid and Fancy Intense color, the ring is designed so that the two pink diamonds and its surrounding clusters of colorless diamonds could be detached and converted to a pair of ear studs for everyday wear. As the Argyle mine in Australia nears its closure in 2020, it is estimated only approximately 150 Tender stones imbued with qualities close to these two on offer are left.
Lot 546: A Lavender Jadeite, Cultured Pearl, Ruby and Diamond ‘Goldfish’ Bangle/ Brooch. Estimate: HK$120,000 – 160,000.
Jewels & Jadeite at Phillips Hong Kong, 25 November.
A symbol of wealth and abundance in Chinese culture, the goldfish is considered a traditional motif in jadeite carvings. This lively rendition is enhanced by the dream-like palette of graduating lilac and pink dotted with pearl ‘bubbles’. It will make a stunning and fun conversational piece whether on one’s wrist or coat lapel.
Lot 584: A Cabochon Sapphire and Diamond Brooch/ Pendant/ Ring.
Estimate: HK$1,500,000- 1,800,000.
Jewels & Jadeite at Phillips Hong Kong, 25 November.
This impressive unheated Sri Lankan cabochon sapphire weighs 75.95 carats and can be styled three very different ways. For a sumptuous and extravagant look, the ribbon bow brooch design, suspending diamond ‘droplets’, will surely catch the light from all directions. When worn as a pendant the focus is firmly on the cabochon sapphire, although the diamond drops keep the design elegant and playful. The most pared-down styling of the sapphire is as a ring but the simplicity of the design does not detract from the magnificence of the stone. This ring can be worn as effectively with a gown as with jeans to complete a seriously smart casual look.
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