Hong Kong – As part of the inaugural sales at the new Asia headquarters, Bonhams’ Hong Kong Jewels & Jadeite on 28 November concluded with strong results. The top lot was an exceptional 30.10 carats very light pink coloured, round brilliant-cut diamond from the property of a prestigious Asian collector, kept in the same private collection for over 50 years. The magnificent and rare unmounted very light pink diamond of VVS2 clarity, weighing 30.10 carats, is classified as type IIa, which is the most chemically pure diamond, sold for HK$20,419,000 (US$2,623,190) (US$87,163 per carat) against a pre-sale estimate of HK$12,000,000–18,000,000 (US$1,541,608 – 2,312,413).
The live sale showcased exquisite coloured fancy diamonds and gemstones, including rubies, sapphires, emeralds along with jewels from traditional maisons, achieving HK$69 million.
Stewart Young, Bonhams Director of Jewellery and Head of Jewellery Asia, commented: “We are absolutely delighted with the sale results, which reflect the quality of the pieces offered and the continued strong demand for coloured diamonds and gemstones. Particularly noteworthy is the outstanding result achieved for the exceptional 30.10-carat very light pink round brilliant-cut diamond, a true rarity in carat weight, colour, and cut. It was exciting to present the remarkable coloured diamond at auction."
Notable Results for Coloured Diamonds:
- A Fancy Coloured Diamond Three Stone Ring (pictured above left), from a private collection. Set with a 2.27 carat fancy pink diamond to the centre, flanked by 2.08 and 2.25 carats of fancy deep yellow and fancy intense yellow-green diamond respectively, sold for HK$2,544,000 – over four times the pre-sale estimate (HK$600,000 – 1,200,000)
- A Fancy Vivid Yellow Diamond and Diamond Ring (pictured above centre), weighing 6.51 carats, achieved HK$2,290,000 (estimate: HK$1,800,000 – 2,500,000)
- A Fancy Intense Yellow Diamond and Diamond Ring (pictured above right), weighing 13.49 carats, sold for HK$2,036,000, exceeding pre-sale estimate (HK$1,600,000 – 2,500,000)
Strong Performance for Coloured Stones:
- A Kat Florence Paraiba-type Tourmaline and Diamond Pendant Necklace (pictured above left). The design featured an exceptional quality oval Mozambique Paraiba-type tourmaline of natural greenish-blue colour, weighing 126.25 carats set on a necklace pavé-set throughout with 16.28 carats brilliant-cut diamonds. The necklace sold for HK$4,195,000 after 22 bids – almost three times the pre-sale estimate (HK$1,500,000-2,500,000)
- An Emerald and Diamond Pendant Necklace (pictured above right). The pear-shaped emerald weighing 135.90 carats, surmounted by a round brilliant-cut diamond weighing 5.01 carats, sold for HK$2,290,000 – over 9 times its pre-sale estimate (HK$250,000 – 500,000)
- A Sapphire and Diamond Necklace and Pendent Earring Set, sold for HK$1,591,500, more than three times its estimate (HK$450,000 – 900,000)
- A Ruby and Diamond Ring, sold for HK$829,500 (estimate: HK$500,000 – 1,000,000)
Other Notable Lots:
- Eight jewellery pieces from Cartier achieved a combined total of HK$1,504,000, almost doubling their pre-sale estimate, led by A Pair of Diamond ‘Habana’ Earrings that sold for HK$358,400 (pictured above)
