Christie’s, the world’s leading auction house for the sale of extraordinary jewels for over 18 years, will present its Hong Kong Autumn sale of Magnificent Jewels on 29 November 2011 at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre. The real hit of Hong Kong Autumn sale is a pair of unmounted round brilliant-cut D flawless diamonds, weighing 35.77 and 35.61 carats each, that is expected to fetch $18 Million. Offered separately, the pre-auction estimate is $7 million to $9 million each.
The auction house said it is the largest pair of its type to ever be offered at auction – each is roughly the size of a cherry tomato. These diamonds have been awarded Triple Excellent for their polish, symmetry and cut grade. Adding to their allure is that they have also been determined to be Type IIa, the most chemically pure form of diamond showing exceptional appeal transparency. The Steinmetz Diamond Group, a leading diamond manufacturer and trader, cut this pair of diamonds, both of which were uncovered in South Africa.
To find large pieces of colorless rough within the same timeframe represents an extremely rare occurrence, Christie’s said. To combine that with the vision to obtain a closely matched pair raises the project to new heights. This pair was exhibited by Steinmetz at the Guggenheim in New York in December 2010.
Other colourless diamonds presented this season include a pair of D Flawless, Type IIa brilliant-cut diamonds of 5.27 and 5.24 carats (estimated between $1,5 million and 2,25 million) that have each been rated Triple Excellent for their cut, polish and symmetry, and a diamond ring set with a pear-shaped F colour, Internally Flawless, Type IIa diamond of 12.08 carats (estimated between $900,000 and 1,15 million).
At this year Hong Kong auction, you can find:
– Jewels by Harry Winston emerald and diamond brooch that was originally purchased by a Texas oil-man and personal client to Mr. Winston who bought it for his wife. The brooch is expected to fetch between $2 million and $3 million.
– An amazing pearl necklace, made of saltwater natural pearls that have 16 matching button-shaped pearls of impressive size. This beautiful natural pearl necklace is expected to fetch $1.6 million to $2.25 million at the auction.
– Three Friends of Winter, a jadeite pendant necklace featuring a carved jadeite plaque that provides a rare balance of color, texture and translucency. This pendent is expected to fetch $2 million – $3 million.
The November 29 auction at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre will feature diamonds, colored gems, rare jadeite and signed jewels and is expected to bring in $75 million, said Vickie Sek, director of the Jewellery and Jadeite Department, Christie’s Asia.
