HONG KONG.- This fall, Christie’s Hong Kong will hold its Magnificent Jewels sale on 25 November, presenting a spectacular spectrum of grand gemstones and jewels. The sale consists of approximately 300 lots, estimated to fetch combined total of HK$650 million / US$80 million. Led by a 10.10 carats Burmese no heat pigeon’s blood red ruby, a 2.09 carats fancy red diamond and a 3.39 carats fancy vivid blue internally flawless clarity diamond, the auction also features a dazzling rainbow of coloured gemstones from Kashmir sapphires to Colombian emeralds, as well as a grand selection of multi-coloured diamonds. Further complementing the sale are a pair of sizable jadeite cabochon ear studs and an important natural coloured pearl and diamond pendant necklace.

TOP HIGHLIGHTS
The headliner of the sale is an extremely rare 10.10 carats Burmese no heat pigeon’s blood red ruby and diamond brooch by Cartier. Burma has the most valuable gem deposits and is particularly known for its magnificent rubies. The well-known ―pigeon's blood red‖ is the most desirable colour for rubies, representing the finest quality. Combining the glowing red material with a great degree of transparency, pigeon’s blood red rubies exist only in very limited quantities, and are the benchmark by which all rubies are judged. The present lot’s notable weight and grade make it an extra-astonishing gem.

This season’s other top lots are two sensational coloured diamonds. These two top lots are both from luxury jeweller Moussaieff, one is an exceptional 3.39 carats fancy vivid blue internally flawless clarity diamond ring and the other is a stunning 2.09 carats fancy red diamond and diamond ring. Fancy vivid blue and fancy red are two uncommon shades amongst coloured diamonds and the superb quality of the stones is highly sought-after amongst jewellery collectors.

DIAMONDS AND COLOURED DIAMONDS
One of the most classic gemstones, diamonds, is celebrated for their beauty, purity and superlative strength that stands the test of time. These sparklers are judged mainly by the four Cs—carat, colour, clarity and cut. Meanwhile, modern classification divides diamonds into two main types: Type I and Type II, with the latter, lacking in detectable nitrogen, into two groups – IIa and IIb. Type IIa diamonds are the most chemically pure form of diamonds. They are exceedingly rare, representing less than 2% of the world’s production of gem-quality diamonds. The most prominent lot in this section is a stunner of such calibre: a magnificent 50.62 carats Marquise-cut D coloured VVS2 clarity (potential) Type IIa diamond.

The sale also offers a diverse number of coloured-diamond jewels, including a unique Belle Époque 52.26 carats fancy intense yellow cushion-shaped diamond, a pair of 5.64 carats fancy intense green and 5.18 carats fancy intense yellowish green diamond earrings, as well as a fancy pink internally flawless clarity Type IIa diamond weighing 5.42 carats.

COLOURED GEMSTONES
Further adding the dazzle is a colourful array of gemstones. The sale presents another showstopper from the pigeon’s blood red ruby family: a superb pair of Burmese no heat red ruby and diamond ear pendants, weighing 4.25 and 4.18 carats, respectively.

Meanwhile, an exceptional Colombian no oil emerald also takes the spotlight. Made by one of Asia’s leading jewellers, Japanese designer Gimel, the present lot is made of the supreme Colombian emerald, which is hugely coveted for its unrivalled colour, fire and intensity. The emerald weighs an impressive 20.69 carats and is in well saturated green colour, while showing no indication of clarity modification, making it a rare find.

In addition, sapphire lovers will be delighted to see two brilliant blue beauties, a 101.32 carats Ceylon no heat sapphire by Chatila and a magnificent 19.36 carats cushion-shaped Kashmir sapphire. Located high in the Himalayas, the mines of Kashmir have sourced the world’s finest and most sought-after sapphires whose unrivalled cornflower blue ensures its position as the most desirable sapphire on the market.

JADEITE AND NATURAL PEARLS
Jadeite continues to be a pivotal part of the jewellery auction at Christie’s Hong Kong. Particularly popular in various Asian regions, jadeite is commonly assessed and categorised by its colour, translucency, texture and cut. High quality jadeite must be not treated at all, and shall display a harmonious combination of tone, saturation, evenness and hue. A trio of notable lots embodies these elements, including a magnificent pair of jadeite and diamond ear studs, a jadeite bead and diamond necklace and a jadeite bangle.

Due to the fact that most pearls in the market are cultured, top quality natural salt water pearls are greatly sought-after today. Such rare gem can be found at this auction—an exquisite natural coloured pearl, ruby and diamond pendant necklace (Estimates: HK$16,000,000-25,000,000 / US$2,000,000-3,200,000). The combination of the three gemstones contributes to the piece’s aesthetic appeal, while the pearls’ large size and good lustre add to its value.