HONG KONG.- Sotheby’s Hong Kong announced today that the Magnificent Jewels and Jadeite Autumn Sale 2011 will take place on 5 October 2011 at Hall 3, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The sale will be led by Jewels of India – a fascinating array of magnificent and extremely rare jewellery associated with the exotic Mogul Kingdom of old, including ethereal diamonds from the ancient mine of Golconda, among them the Golconda Pink, a Highly Important and Rare 9.27-Carat Golconda Fancy Vivid Pink Diamond and Diamond Ring (Est. HK$100 – 150 million / US$13 – 19 million. These extraordinary jewels will be complemented by an important selection of colourless and coloured diamond, gemstone, natural pearl and jadeite of superb quality. Altogether the sale will offer 359 lots estimated to achieve a total of HK$660 million / US$85 million*.

QUEK Chin Yeow, Deputy Chairman and Head of Jewellery Department, Sotheby’s Asia, said, “Sotheby’s Hong Kong will kick-start the international season of jewellery sales with its Autumn Sale of Magnificent Jewels. Following Spring’s strong showing – and the fact that the market in China and Asia for jewellery looks to remain strong – Sotheby’s is to offer some rarefied coloured diamonds and several spectacular, large Internally Flawless diamonds. We are also thrilled to be offering for auction the Golconda Pink diamond which will be the first jewel to carry a HK$100 million / US$13 pre-sale estimate in a Hong Kong auction.”

JEWELS OF INDIA
First discovered in India centuries ago, Golconda diamonds were the choice adornment of kings and royalty of old. With only a handful existing today as the legendary mine has long ceased production, Golconda diamonds are considered an extreme rarity and highly sought after by true connoisseurs for their prized optical translucency and purity. This season Sotheby’s proudly presents the Jewels of India, led by extremely rare coloured and colourless Golconda diamonds, which are complemented by carved and faceted coloured gemstones and natural pearls that conjure the rich and dazzling colours of the exotic ancient kingdom.

The ancient mine of Golconda is known for producing diamonds of Type IIa quality, which indicates the purest chemical composition virtually free of nitrogen. These diamonds constitute less than 2% of all gem diamonds and are of exceptional optical transparency and radiance, surpassing the highest colour grading of D for white diamonds. To represent the most iconic treasures from the legendary ancient mine, the sale highlights a Magnificent 30.31-Carat Pear-Shaped Golconda Diamond Ring (Est. HK$40 – 50 million / US$5 – 6.5 million), cut in elegant antique style yet exuding a modern flair at the same time, and a Very Rare Pair of 6.57 and 6.60-Carat Round Golconda Diamond Pendent Earrings (Est. HK$17.5 – 22 million / US$2.2 – 2.8 million) - the first pair of round Golconda diamonds to appear at auction. These rare gems are destined to draw diamond connoisseurs from around the world.

These stunning white Golconda diamonds are accompanied by another extremely rare gem of the most exceptional beauty, quality and origin – Golconda Pink, a Highly Important and Rare 9.27-Carat Golconda Fancy Vivid Pink Diamond and Diamond Ring (Est. HK$100 – 150 million / US$13 – 19 million) as named by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). As most Golconda-type diamonds are colourless, pink diamonds from this rarefied group are even more precious.

Diamonds aside, carved coloured gemstones evoking the lavish and exotic allure of the Mogul era were beautifully married with Cartier’s aesthetics in the 1920s, resulting in the famous Tutti Frutti jewels that have captured the imagination of connoisseurs worldwide and remained an icon of Art Deco jewellery. This historically important group is represented in this sale by a charming Art Deco 19-Carat Carved Colombian Emerald and Diamond Ring, Cartier, circa 1925 (Est. HK$550,000 – 650,000 / US$70,000 – 80,000), which is set to attract lovers of historic jewels.

Large, lustrous natural pearls that adorned Indian kings and princes of old are exceedingly rare today; this season, however, Sotheby’s is delighted to offer a Rare Natural Pearl and Diamond Necklace (Est. HK$9 - 11 million / US$1.15 – 1.4 million). Comprising 35 graduated natural saltwater pearls of a gleaming white sheen, measuring 13.10mm to 8.00mm and alternated by diamond beads, this is a true gem of nature.

On top of the Jewels of India, this season Sotheby’s Hong Kong continues to offer a diverse selection of colourless and coloured diamonds, coloured gemstones, natural pearls and jadeite of exceptional quality:

MAGNIFICENT DIAMOND
While the ancient cut of Golconda diamonds gives a softer radiance, modern diamonds dazzles with captivating brilliance, thanks to the modern cutting technique. This is best represented by a 39.99-Carat D-colour Internally Flawless Pear-Shaped Diamond Pendant (Est. HK$50 – 60 million / US$6.5 – 7.5 million). Attaining the highest possible grading of colour and clarity for white diamonds, this impressive gem is also certified by GIA to be of Excellent Polish and Symmetry. This remarkable diamond is complemented by the offering of a Suite of Diamond Necklace and Earrings (HK$12 – 15 million / US$1.5 – 1.9 million) composed entirely of D-colour Internally Flawless white diamonds. The necklace, comprising 41 DIF Pear Shaped diamonds totalling 51.49 carats, can be combined perfectly with the aforementioned 39.99-carat DIF diamond pendant for the most dazzling effect. Lovers of top-quality white diamonds will be further delighted by a 14.43-Carat Art Deco Square Emerald-cut Diamond Ring, Cartier London, 1931 (Est. HK$16 – 20 million / US$2 – 2.6 million). GIA-certified to be of D colour, Internally Flawless clarity and highly coveted Type IIa quality, the diamond is fashioned in classic square emerald-cut, exuding a refined elegance. Also in offer is a matching Pair of DIF Diamond Pendent Earrings (Est. HK$14 – 16 million / US$1.8 - 2 million), each featuring a pear-shaped diamond weighing 7.11 and 7.36 carats respectively, surmounted by a brilliant-cut diamond weighing 2.50 and 2.57 carats respectively. All four diamonds are of D colour, Internally Flawless clarity and Type IIa quality.

Apart from classic colourless gems, this season also highlights a delightful selection of coloured diamonds. The Golconda Pink aside, Sotheby’s is pleased to offer an Important 6.01-carat Cushion-Shaped Fancy Vivid Blue Diamond and Pink Diamond Ring (Est. HK$70 – 85 million / US$9 – 11 million; pictured on P.1 left). Certified by GIA to be of the highest grading of Fancy Vivid colour, the blue diamond glows with a saturated sky-blue colour highlighted by the flanking pink diamonds, also of the highest grading of Fancy Vivid colour – a notable jewel of divine grace and beauty combining two of the most coveted hues in the realm of coloured diamonds. Connoisseurs of rare coloured diamonds will also be enchanted by the extremely rare offering of a Rare 4.19-Carat Fancy Vivid Orange Diamond and Diamond Ring (Est. HK$19 – 23 million / US$2.4 – 3 million), a rare occurrence on the auction market. Of impressive size, unusual clarity of VVS1 and graded Fancy Vivid colour in pure, flamboyant natural orange without modifying hues, this is an exceptionally rare gem not to be missed.

COLOURED GEMSTONE
Coloured gemstones achieved notable prices in the Spring Sale in April at Sotheby’s Hong Kong with an Important 27.67-Carat Burmese Ruby Cabochon and Diamond Ring, Bulgari, bringing HK$17,460,000 / US$2,238,462, indicating the sophisticated taste and growing demand in the Asian market for superlative gemstones. This season Sotheby’s Hong Kong continues to offer spectacular coloured gemstones including a Burmese Ruby and Diamond Necklace (Est. HK$9.5 – 12 million / US$1.2 – 1.5 million) featuring 27 natural unheated Burmese rubies, all of highly coveted “pigeon’s blood” red colour, with a total weight of 66.47 carats. This is complemented by a matching pair of natural unheated 6.08 and 6.23-carat Burmese Ruby and Diamond Pendent Earrings (Est. HK$8 – 10 million / US$1 – 1.3 million). The regal beauty of sapphire has captured the world’s imagination since the royal wedding of Duke and Duchess of Cambridge of the United Kingdom. In response to the increasing interest in this sumptuous gem of understated elegance, Sotheby’s will offer a Very Fine 10.40-Carat Cushion-Shaped Kashmir Sapphire and Diamond Ring (Est. HK$6.5 – 8 million / US$800,000 – 1 million). Complemented by white diamonds, the natural and unheated Kashmir gem glows with a warm velvety blue colour and mesmerising velvety softness as a result of tiny light-scattering needle inclusions unique to sapphire of Kashmir origin.

Emerald is strongly represented this season by an Important Colombian Emerald and Diamond Necklace, Cartier, with Two Emeralds Weighing 44.42 and 42.50 Carats Respectively (Est. HK$8 – 10 million / US$1 – 1.3 million). Featuring natural Colombian emeralds of stunning proportions and impressive quality complemented by white diamonds together weighing approximately 75.00 carats, this regal necklace is nothing short of spectacular. This rare natural treasure is complemented by an auspicious and Very Fine 8.88-carat Colombian Emerald and Diamond Ring (Est. HK$4 – 4.8 million / US$510,000 – 620,000). Certified to be of superior colour, uncommon clarity and well-proportioned cut, this natural and untreated gem is an exceptional rarity.

NATURAL PEARL
Formed in pristine ocean untouched by pollution, natural saltwater pearls of significant size and quality have become increasingly rare and, therefore, highly coveted in the market. This season Sotheby’s is pleased to present a Very Fine Natural Pearl and Seed Pearl Pendant Necklace (Est. HK$3 – 3.6 million / US$380,000 – 460,000). Comprising a string of seed pearls set at intervals with brilliant-cut diamonds culminating in a charming and lustrous tear-drop-shaped natural saltwater pearl of impressive size, measuring approximately 13.45 x 13.50 x 20.70mm, this pendant necklace is the epitome of refinement and feminine beauty.

JADEITE
Coveted by jewellery lovers for its captivating beauty and rarity, fine jadeite offered this season is highlighted by an Impressive and Rare Jadeite Cabochon and Diamond Necklace (Est. HK$8.5 – 12 million / US$1.1 – 1.5 million; pictured on P.1 right). Featuring 19 graduated luminous jadeite cabochons of significant size, superb translucency and alluring emerald green colour alternating with sparkling white diamonds, this stunning necklace embodies the finest and most iconic of Chinese and Western jewellery. Another delightful marriage of jadeite and diamond is a Fine Pair of Jadeite Cabochon and Coloured Diamond Pendent Ear Clips (Est. HK$3 – 4 million / US$380,000 – 500,000). Of a luscious emerald green colour and highly translucent, the matching jadeite cabochons are each offset by a cluster of flower petals brilliant-cut white, yellow and black diamonds, offering a striking contrast of colours and texture that would complement the most stylish wearer. Complementing these two luscious offerings is a Jadeite Plaque and Diamond Ring (Est. HK$7.5 – 9 million / US$960,000 – 1.15 million) of outstanding size and quality. Measuring approximately 30.66 x 19.73 x 5.60mm, the rectangular jadeite plaque exhibits a strong emerald green colour and fine translucency.

*Estimates do not include buyer’s premium.