Emerald jewellery will lead Bonhams’ Hong Kong Jewels and Jadeite sale on 6 July, alongside a series of other coloured gemstones, jadeite, white and coloured diamonds.
Two standout lots include a top quality ‘no-oil’ emerald ring, weighing 8.83 carats (estimate: HK$2,800,000–3,500,000), and an exquisite Emerald and Diamond ‘Cluster’ Necklace by Graff, boasting a total of 46 carats of emerald and nearly 67 carats of white diamonds (estimate: HK$1,100,000–1,800,000).
Lauded as the world’s most desirable green gemstone, emeralds have a history dating back to ancient civilisations in Asia, Africa and South America, with the first known emerald mines discovered as early as 3,500 BC in Egypt. From these ancient mines in Egypt through to the discovery of deposits in Colombia in the mid-16th century, emeralds have long been prized and used as symbols of wealth and status.
Colombian emeralds, with their characteristic bluish green colour, are deemed the purest in the world, and those examples which are free from any form of treatment or enhancement (otherwise known in the trade as ‘no oil’) are exceptionally rare.
In the July sale in Hong Kong, Bonhams is pleased to offer some top quality ‘no oil’ Colombian emeralds, including: a 6.69 Carat Emerald and Diamond Ring (estimate: HK$1,350,000–2,500,000), and a Pair of 6.06 Carat Emerald and Diamond Pendent Earrings (estimate: HK$550,000–700,000)
Jean Ghika, Bonhams Global Head of Jewellery, commented: “Over the past five years, the increasingly strong prices achieved for emeralds at auction suggest that buyers are actively seeking out the very best examples. The most highly prized, those of Colombian origin with no evidence of oil enhancement, are extremely rare – both naturally and in the market. Given the shortage of supply and rarity of the best examples, we anticipate that this is a trend that will continue.”
Other star lots from the 6th July sale include a group of impressive jewels from the Zurich-based jeweller, La Serlas. These hail from a European Collection and include:
A Fine Diamond and Coloured Diamond Rivière Necklace, by La Serlas (Property of a European collection). Estimate: HK$780,000–1,500,000
An Impressive 20.05 Carat Sapphire and Diamond Dress Ring, by La Serlas (Property of a European collection). Estimate: HK$1,200,000–2,200,000
Other highlights of the sale include:
An Important 28.44 Carat Burmese Unheated ‘Pigeon’s Blood’ Ruby and 19.50 Carat Diamond Necklace. Estimate: HK$2,600,000–3,600,000
An Exceptional Strand of Lavender Jadeite Bead, Ruby and Diamond Necklace. Estimate: HK$ 2,500,000–3,500,000
An Important 6.65 Carat Unheated Kashmir Sapphire and Diamond Ring. Estimate: HK$2,860,000–3,200,000
A Pair of 14.65 Carat Emerald and 8.05 Carat Diamond ‘Cluster’ Pendent Earrings, by Graff. Estimate: HK$160,000–300,000
Preview and bidding will be done in accordance with the latest government guidelines. This includes the option of an appointment-only preview and a ‘behind-closed-doors’ auction, where an auctioneer will be present on the rostrum, and bids will be accepted in the following formats: online, on the phone, or by leaving an absentee bid.
A 8.83 Carat Colombian Untreated Emerald and Diamond Ring
Estimate: HK$2,800,000 – 3,500,000
