HONG KONG.- This April, Sotheby’s Hong Kong will present for sale two breathtaking bracelets, each representing in their very own way the pinnacle of bracelet design. The first is a diamond and rock crystal bracelet combining the legendary artistry and craftmanship of Cartier with a phenomenal 63.66-carat pear-shaped internally flawless white diamond (est. HK$40,000,000-65,000,000 / US$5,160,000-8,390,000), the second, a sensational jadeite bracelet weighing 277.673 carats and described by the SSEF laboratory as “a true treasure of nature” (estimate upon request).

The Magnificent Jewels sale, which will take place on 20 April, is also distinguished by a wide range of signed jewellery, comprising half of the total offered lots. Celebrating craftsmanship, iconic designs, and treasures of the nature, the sale will present an impressive jewellery selection from the houses of Boucheron, Bulgari, Cartier, Chanel, Chopard, Graff, Harry Winston, Hermes, Sotheby’s Diamonds, Van Cleef & Arpels and more.

Wenhao Yu, Deputy Chairman, Jewellery, Sotheby's Asia, commented: “The appetite for high-quality jewels has never been stronger in Asia, with discerning collectors looking for rare diamonds and gemstones, as well as unique and iconic designs. The star lot of the sale, the unique diamond and rock crystal bangle-bracelet by Cartier combines a phenomenal diamond, mesmerizing design and impeccable craftsmanship, and represents a high jewellery collectible that will shine through time”.

Star Lot of the Season – Diamond and Rock Crystal Bangle-Bracelet by Cartier

Synonymous with the term ‘iconic’ in the world of jewellery, Cartier is celebrated for its exemplary collections such as Panthère de Cartier and Tutti Frutti, but the most coveted of all is their high jewellery collection.

Since the early 19th century, highly collectable diamonds and gemstones have been elevated into magnificent jewels on passing through the French maison. Enigmatic stones that bear witness to the origin of the world are reimagined and transformed into creations that shake up the conventions of high jewelry.

Taking nearly 2,000 hours to create, the Diamond and Rock Crystal Bangle-Bracelet from the High Jewellery collection “L’Odyssée de Cartier – Parcours d’un Style” pays homage to an Art Deco inspiration and features a 63.66 carat D color, internally flawless diamond set amongst rock crystal, a type of quartz celebrated for its ice-like allure. The innovative marriage of materials creates a dialogue between two colourless gemstones complementing one another in a subtle yet palpable manner, giving the design a stylistic feature full of imaginative flair and immeasurable character.

In fact, the use of rock crystal has been made popular since the 1920s by jewellers such as Louis Cartier, who was considered a pioneer in working with the material. Cartier utilized a polishing technique from the Renaissance period to give a soft shine to rock crystal which, when paired with a diamond, creates an intriguing light effect, working in harmony yet providing texturized depth and modern contrast (Estimate: HK$40,000,000-65,000,000 / US$5,160,000-8,390,000).

Exceptional Jadeites

Following the strong results for jadeite achieved last year, this season’s sale will continue to offer a captivating selection of extraordinary “Type A” jadeite jewellery in conventional shapes, alongside elegant designs by contemporary designers including Wallace Chan and FORMS.

Leading the jadeite selection is ‘Circle of Happiness’ – an Exceptional Jadeite Bangle symbolizing a perfected unity and wholesome fulfillment. Considered “a true treasure of nature” by SSEF, the bangle weighs an impressive 277.673 carats and carries a subtle range of green to vivid green colours that is characteristic of the finest green jadeite-jade from Burma (Myanmar), with an outstanding translucency that, when illuminated by a light source, results in a glowing effect.

Partnership with Celebrity Photographer Olivia Tsang and Model Zelia Zhong

This season, Sotheby’s has partnered with celebrity photographer and stylist Olivia Tsang(@oliviatsanghk) and model Zelia Zhong (@zelia) on its Spring 2021 jewellery photography campaign.

Olivia Tsang: “The charm of an auction house is how they curate a collection that is not only iconic but rare. It was a time-travelling and eye-opening experience to handle these exceptional jewels.”