
A jadeite bead necklace of unrivalled quality, courtesy Christie's Images Ltd. (Click on image to enlarge).

A pigeon blood Burma ruby and diamond ring courtesy Christie's Images Ltd. (Click on image to enlarge).
A dramatic and one-of-a-kind diamond ring from JAR, one of the most sought-after contemporary jewellers in the world, is a highlight at Christie’s sale of Magnificent Jewels in Hong Kong on May 29. Set with three striking diamonds of exceptional quality – an oval-shaped diamond D colour, internally flawless diamond of 10.67 carats at its centre, flanked by two D colour, internally flawless diamonds of 6.07 and 6.04 carats – it marks the exquisite design for which JAR is known (US$ 2,500,000-3,500,000).
Over 300 diamond, gems and jadeite jewels valued at over $76 million US will come under the hammer. There is a superb 6.04 carat Burmese ruby and diamond ring by Etcetera (US$2,500,000-3,800,000). The no heat cushion-shaped stone possesses the most desirable ‘pigeon’s blood red’ colour and an extraordinary degree of transparency. A jadeite bead necklace of unrivalled quality is estimated at 0(US$3,200,000-4,500,000). Evenly and strongly saturated, each of the jadeite beads featured in this necklace exhibits the optimal combination of colour, translucency and texture. The glass-like translucency bolsters the rarity of these pure beads.
Last year was a milestone year at Christie’s jewellery department. Global sales rech $600.1 million US, up 41 per cent on 2010. Hong Kong is ranked alongside New York and Geneva as one of the most important centre in the world for the sale of magnificent jewellery according to Vickie Sek, director of the Jewellery and Jadeite department at Christie’s, Asia.
(See post on antiquesandartireland.com for March 30).