Hong Kong—Phillips is gearing up for an upcoming auction showcasing a curated selection of colored diamonds, gemstones, and signed jewelry, headlined by a remarkable 15.51-carat fancy vivid yellow diamond.
The highly anticipated Hong Kong Jewels Auction is scheduled to take place on March 28 at Phillips’ Asia headquarters located in the vibrant West Kowloon Cultural District of Hong Kong.
Louisa Chan, the head of sale for Phillips Jewels in Hong Kong, expressed enthusiasm for the event, noting, “Echoing the strong market demand for rare and important colored diamonds, this spring we are delighted to present a breadth of fancy colored diamonds certified by GIA.”
Chan added, “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.
A highlight of the auction is a ring featuring a round fancy vivid yellow diamond center stone weighing 15.51 carats. Notably, despite the usual preference among cutters for styles maximizing weight yield due to the value of colored diamonds, this yellow diamond stands out as “an exceedingly scarce example.” Its brilliant cut, renowned for resulting in a significant loss of material weight, renders it “extremely rare.” The estimated value of the ring is between $7.4 million to $9.7 million Hong Kong dollars ($950,000 to $1.3 million).
Another notable piece is a ring boasting a 1.38-carat cushion-shaped fancy vivid purplish pink diamond center stone, considered rare among pink diamonds weighing over 1 carat. Set on a spiraling dome-shaped mount embellished with circular-cut pink sapphires and brilliant-cut diamonds, the ring is estimated to fetch between $2.4 million to $3.5 million Hong Kong dollars ($425,000 to $560,000).
Additionally, a 2.65-carat fancy intense orangy pink diamond and diamond ring is expected to command up to $3 million Hong Kong dollars ($400,000).
Among the offerings are also a selection of ruby jewelry pieces, including a 4.01-carat Burmese unheated ruby and diamond ring with a high estimate of $1.4 million Hong Kong dollars ($180,000). The rarity of larger-sized rubies from Burma, now known as Myanmar, adds to their allure, with Phillips noting a decline in supply from the region in recent decades.
Furthermore, a 10.32-carat step-cut red spinel and diamond ring from the region is estimated to reach up to $500,000 Hong Kong dollars ($65,000).
The auction will also showcase pieces featuring Colombian emeralds, including a pair of Harry Winston ear pendants adorned with pear-shaped emeralds totaling approximately 10 carats and diamonds, with an estimated value of $950,000 to $1.5 million Hong Kong dollars ($120,000 to $180,000).
Another standout piece is a 37.08-carat cabochon-cut Colombian emerald encircled by brilliant-cut and baguette diamonds, with a high estimate of $1 million Hong Kong dollars ($130,000).
Paraíba tourmalines, recognized as among the rarest and most coveted gemstones globally, will also be featured. The auction will include rings showcasing Paraíba tourmalines sourced from both Brazil and Mozambique.
In the realm of signed jewelry, a turquoise and diamond necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels dating back to circa 1985 stands out. It is estimated to sell for $900,000 to $1.2 million Hong Kong dollars ($110,000-$150,000). Set with alternating diamonds and round cabochon turquoises, the necklace exudes a timeless elegance.
The auction will also present a nearly century-old Cartier bracelet from circa 1920, featuring Burmese unheated rubies and diamonds. Renowned for its Art Deco-style design, the piece showcases exceptional craftsmanship from a period predating the computerized enhancements of diamond cutting. It is estimated to sell for up to $600,000 Hong Kong dollars ($52,000).
Highlights from the sale will be on display in Singapore from March 8-9 and Taipei, Taiwan from March 16-17, before returning to Hong Kong for public viewing from March 20-28, leading up to the live auction.
“We look forward to welcoming enthusiasts at one of our preview exhibitions in Asia, and to Phillips’ Asia headquarters in Hong Kong on March 28 for the live auction,” remarked Chan.
