HONG KONG.- Tiancheng International Jewellery and Jadeite Autumn Auction 2017 achieved remarkable results today, totalling over HK$221.47 million／US$28.39 million, with seven lots sold over HK$10 million. The sale concluded with 77 % sold. In particular, jadeite achieved an impressive sold rate of nearly 90%. All timepieces on offer were sold, and nearly 90% of spinels were sold. A new world auction record was also set for Mozambican ruby jewellery.

The top lot belongs to “The Red Romance”, a Magnificent 139.14-Carat Natural Unheated Burmese Mogok Ruby and Diamond Necklace. Bidding opened at HK$40 million, after a total of 15 intense bids, the necklace was sold to a phone bidder at HK$ 67,800,000／US$ 8,692,308. Featuring 84 Burmese rubies totalling nearly 140 carats, including a centre stone exceeding 12 carats, this stunning piece stands as one of the most important unheated ruby necklaces to appear at auction over the past decade in terms of total weight. Part of the rubies are certified the most desirable “pigeon’s blood” colour by the Swiss Gemmological Institute (SSEF) and Lotus Gemology (Lotus). Set with 101.25 carats of diamonds that sparkle like flower petals accentuating the pure and saturated red of the rubies, this necklace promises to be a show-stopper.

Bidding was also particularly fierce between three telephone bidders for a pair of 14.54 and 13.12-Carat Natural Unheated Mozambican “Pigeon’s Blood” Ruby, Pink Diamond and Diamond Earrings. Bidding started at HK$26 million, the pair of exquisite earrings was sold above its pre-sale high estimate for HK$ 48,000,000／US$ 6,153,846 after 16 bids, setting a world auction record for Mozambican Ruby Jewellery. Another highlight “Golden Tiger Eyes”, a pair of 5.02 and 5.01-Carat Natural Fancy Vivid Yellow Excellent Polish and Symmetry Diamonds, fetched HK$ 17,400,000／US$ 2,230,769. These majestic stones from Zimmi sparkle with the golden glory synonymous with the legendary mine.

Jadeite pieces offered in the sale were highly coveted, achieving an outstanding sold rate of nearly 90%, which included a Jadeite and Diamond Necklace strung with 49 jadeite beads of substantial size, luxuriant green colour and wonderful translucence that realised HK$ 16,200,000／US$ 2,076,923.

Wang Jie, Managing Director of Tiancheng International, and Stewart Young, Director of Jewellery Department of Tiancheng International, remarked, “We are very delighted with the excellent results today. The fierce biddings and strong prices achieved are a testament of our thoughtfully curated sale. The top two ruby lots that achieved spectacular prices demonstrate the demand of rare coloured gemstones. Last but not least, we would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to collectors all over the world. Tiancheng International will assuredly continue to showcase quality treasures and present another extraordinary feast of jewels next year.”