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Phillips’ Hong Kong Jewels Auction on 28 March Featuring a Dazzling Ensemble of Coloured Diamonds and Gemstones
Louisa Chan, Head of Sale, Hong Kong, Phillips Jewels, said: “Echoing the strong market demand for rare and important coloured diamonds, this Spring we are delighted to present a breadth of fancy coloured diamonds certified by GIA, led by a round brilliant-cut fancy vivid yellow diamond weighing 15.51 carats. The sale also brings together a stunning array of treasures – from the finest Burmese rubies, Colombian emeralds, vintage signed pieces from Bulgari, Cartier, and Van Cleef & Arpels, as well as red spinels and Paraíba tourmalines that are currently sought after by collectors and connoisseurs. We look forward to welcoming enthusiasts at one of our preview exhibitions in Asia, and to Phillips’ Asia headquarters in Hong Kong on 28 March for the live auction.”
Fancy Coloured Diamonds
Among the spectacular selection of coloured diamonds offered this season, one of the highlights is a fancy vivid yellow diamond and diamond ring weighing 15.51 carats with round brilliant-cut style which is very uncommon in coloured diamonds. This cutting style often results in high wastage of raw materials. Given the value of fancy-coloured diamonds, cutters usually prefer cutting styles that could maximize weight yield, therefore round brilliant-cuts are extremely rare, representing an opportunity for collectors to acquire an exceedingly scarce example of a coloured diamond.
Another highlight of the selection is a cushion-shaped fancy vivid purplish pink diamond ring weighing 1.38 carats. Fancy pink diamonds over 1 carat are extremely rare, and the tint of purple in the present lot imbued the diamond with a highly desirable sense of femininity. The intriguing spiraling form of the ring design could be admired from different angles, decorated by pink sapphires and diamonds that enhance the beauty of the centre stone. Another standout piece is a 2.65-carat fancy intense orangy pink diamond and diamond ring. With a touch of orange that adds warmth to the present lot, it is a true wonder of nature. Finest Burmese Rubies
For centuries, rubies have been celebrated across various cultures in Asia, embodying power, prosperity, and success. This season’s sale includes a collection of the finest natural rubies. Rubies from Burma, now Myanmar, are commonly regarded as some of the world’s most desirable. It is worth noting that Burma is yielding fewer and fewer rubies in recent decades, even more scarce are rubies from the region that are of significant size like the present 4.01-carat Burmese unheated ruby and diamond ring. Other highlights from the natural rubies collection including a bracelet composed of a line of 12 cushion-shaped, oval and circular-cut rubies that contrast beautifully with the bright, sparkling diamonds, and a ruby and diamond necklace contains 35 skillfully matched rubies, both with no indications of heating by Gübelin Gem Lab.
The finest Colombian emeralds exhibit a richly saturated and homogeneous bluish green hue. Due to the delicate balance of their formation and the demanding methods taken to obtain these precious gems, they often possess a variety of internal inclusions poetically know as 'jardin' (garden in French). This season, Phillips presents a pair of Colombian emerald and diamond ear pendants by Harry Winston and a 37.08-carat Colombian emerald and diamond ring, both with intense lush colour of classic Colombian treasures.
Of the signed pieces on offer this season, a turquoise and diamond necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels with a certificate of authenticity from the House is not to be missed. Crafted in 1985, the necklace displays classic fringe designs, which combines round cabochon turquoise with pear-shaped cabochon turquoise of matching colours. Turquoise was a symbol of true love during the Victorian era and gained popularity for being one of Queen Victoria’s favorite gemstones. The maison has often employed turquoises in the iconic designs throughout the history of the brand, including ballerinas, La Boutique brooches from the 50’s, and more recently, Ludo series.
Another highlight is an art deco Burmese unheated ruby and diamond bracelet by Cartier. The colour combination of this bracelet is typical of creations from the 1920's where white (diamonds) is juxtaposed with another prominent colour, which is red in this case. For a jewel from almost 100 years ago, a time before diamond-cutting was enhanced by computerization, exceptional workmanship from highly-skilled artisans is evident in this creation.
Today, red spinel is highly sought after by gem collectors and jewellery enthusiasts for its beauty and rarity. It is known for its intense fiery red colour, which can almost rival the most superb ruby. At Phillips, gem-quality red spinels were sold for double and triple its pre-sale estimates in recent auctions. The red spinel ring presented this season is set with a Burmese specimen of over 10 carats, fashioned as a step-cut gemstone which in itself is a rarity, and even saturated red colour throughout that makes it a collector's dream.
Paraiba tourmalines are among the rarest and sought after gemstones in the world right now. This mesmerising neon-blue gemstone rose to become the most coveted among tourmalines in recent years, fascinating gem connoisseurs with its distinctive colour and flashes of unusual ‘fire’ even under minimal light, evoking aura of spirit and vivacity. Formation of the ideal “swimming pool-blue” Paraíba calls for a delicate balance of copper and manganese, the higher the copper content, the more neon it appears, which is the iconic attribute of Paraíba tourmalines. Since its discovery more than 30 years ago, Brazilian deposits are allegedly depleted, and the supply of Brazilian specimens in the market is extremely limited. This spring, Phillips will be offering Paraiba tourmalines from both Brazil and Mozambique for collectors to meet collectors’ immense demand for this precious stone.
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Location: Phillips Asia headquarters | G/F, WKCDA Tower, West Kowloon Cultural District, No. 8 Austin Road, West Kowloon
Asia Previews:
Images: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/lzf7zi6uyerbyxx535qg3/h?rlkey=qz246wac3240ahqjalffgbml5&dl=0
ABOUT PHILLIPS Phillips: where the world’s curious and bold connect with the art, design and luxury that inspires them. As a leading global platform for buying and selling 20th and 21st century works, Phillips offers dedicated expertise in the areas of Modern and Contemporary Art, Design, Photographs, Editions, Watches, and Jewelry. Auctions and exhibitions are primarily held in New York, London, Geneva, and Hong Kong, with representative offices based throughout Europe, the United States and Asia. Phillips offers a regular selection of live and online auctions, along with items available for immediate purchase. Phillips also offers a range of services and advice on all aspects of collecting, including private sales and assistance with appraisals, valuations, and financial planning. Visit phillips.com for further information. *Estimates do not include buyer’s premium; prices achieved include the hammer price plus buyer’s premium.
PRESS CONTACTS: HONG KONG – Ingrid Hsu, Public Relations & Communications Director, Asia Ingridhsu@phillips.com +852 2318 2043
PHILLIPS NEW YORK – 432 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10022 PHILLIPS LONDON – 30 Berkeley Square, London, W1J 6EX PHILLIPS HONG KONG – G/F, WKCDA Tower, West Kowloon Cultural District, No. 8 Austin Road West, Kowloon, Hong Kong PHILLIPS GENEVA - Rue de la Confédération, 7 Geneva 1204 |
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