Sotheby’s Hong Kong Magnificent Jewels and Jadeite Autumn Sale 2015 will take place on 7 October at Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The upcoming sale will highlight two exceptional jewels of illustrious European aristocratic provenance.
These include the Cowdray Pearls and the Dowager Viscountess Harcourt Diamond Necklace incorporating 28 diamonds from the 1887 landmark auction of the French Crown Jewels, accompanied by thorough documentation of its passage through various notable owners over more than a century.
These are complemented by a fine selection of superb natural coloured gemstones, diamonds, jadeite and jewels from the most coveted brands worldwide, including iconic designs from Cartier from the 1920s to the present, among them an exquisite ‘Panther’ ring featuring a 10.62-carat natural Burmese ruby.
Connoisseurs will also be delighted to find a rare and impressive 27.68-carat Kashmir sapphire among the highlights. Approximately 270 lots estimated in excess of HK$600 million will be offered.
Quek Chin Yeow, Deputy Chairman of Sotheby’s Asia and Chairman of International Jewellery, Asia said, “This Autumn Sotheby’s is honoured to present extraordinary jewels of European aristocratic provenance that are rarely seen at auction in Asia. Formerly in the collection of distinguished connoisseur Viscountess Cowdray, her namesake natural grey pearl necklace is one of the finest and rarest of its kind ever known. The Dowager Viscountess 2 Harcourt Diamond Necklace featuring diamonds from the French Crown Jewels auction is a remarkable piece whose story is told through meticulous documentation of its journey from Europe to Asia through more than a century. Collectors around the world will also be delighted by a fine selection of iconic designs from world renowned brands as well as Burmese rubies and Kashmir sapphires that are highly coveted in the recent years.”
The jadeite jewellery on offer is led by a Pair of Jadeite ‘Peapod’ and Diamond Pendent Earrings (Est. HK$8 –11 million that are highly desirable for the plump shape as well as transparent green hue and the Jadeite ‘Monkey’ and Diamond Pendant Est. HK$1.85 –2.2 million Ranking ninth in the Chinese zodiac, the monkey is a common motif in jadeite art pieces, most often depicted as a lively spirit holding a peach, symbolizing longevity and good health.
