Press Release Hong Kong For Immediate Release Hong Kong Rhonda Yung +852 2822 8143 rhonda.yung@sothebys.com Dick Lee/ Eliza Chan +852 2822 8129/41 dick.lee@sothebys.com/eliza.chan@sothebys.com London Sarah Rustin sarah.rustin@sothebys.com New York Lauren Gioia lauren.gioia@sothebys.com Geneva Frédéric Leyat frederic.leyat@sothebys.com SOTHEBY S HONG KONG TO HOLD MAGNIFICENT JEWELS AND JADEITE AUTUMN SALE 2009 ON 7 OCTOBER - Highlighting an Impressive 8.74-carat Emerald-cut Fancy Intense Blue Diamond (expected to fetch over HK$35 million/ US$4.5 million) - Hong Kong, September 2009 Sotheby s Hong Kong is delighted to announce the Magnificent Jewels and Jadeite Autumn Sale 2009, to be held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre on Wednesday, 7 October. Comprising over 320 lots and estimated to fetch in excess of HK$270 million/ / US$34.6 million*, the sale will feature an array of white diamonds, coloured diamonds, gemstones and jadeite, of which the most notable is an impressive 8.74-carat Emerald-cut Fancy Intense Blue Diamond (expected to fetch over HK$35 million/ US$4.5 million), as well as an auspicious 28.88-carat D-colour Flawless Round Brilliant-cut Diamond (est. HK$29-35 million/ US$3.7-4.5 million).
QUEK Chin Yeow, Deputy Chairman and Head of Jewellery Department, Sotheby s Asia, said, We anticipate continuing purchasing strength from savvy Asian collectors, especially buyers from Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore and Indonesia. The market trends and buying pattern in Asia are set to remain. We are very much privileged to be asked by an Asian private collector to auction an 8.74-carat fancy intense blue diamond. This and a spectacular 28.88-carat D-colour flawless white diamond are expected to draw strong international attention. COLOURLESS DIAMONDS One of the focal points for this sale is an impressive 28.88-carat D-Colour Flawless Round Brilliant-cut Diamond (est. HK$29-35 million/ US$3.7-4.5 million). This exemplary diamond boasts the highest possible grading for white diamonds by the esteemed Gemmological Institute of America (GIA) - excellent cut, polish and symmetry, which adds alluring brilliance and sparkle to the most desirable D-colour and flawless clarity. Round diamonds of such superb quality weighing over 25 carats are rare. In addition, the carat weight 28.88 is an auspicious number in Chinese culture connoting wealth and fortune, conferring blessings of abundance to the new owner. Also on offer is a Pair of Round Brilliant-cut Diamond Earrings s weighing 10.12 and 10.65 carats respectively (Est. HK$9.5-11 million/ US$1.2-1.4 1.4 million). These two round diamonds are perfectly matched, both of F-colour, VS1 clarity, also boasting excellent cut, polish and symmetry. Further highlights among the colourless diamonds are two stunning regal Golconda diamonds a 10.85-carat D-Colour Internally Flawless Pear-shaped Diamond Necklace/ Ring (pictured right; est. HK$6.9-8 million/ / US$880,000-1 million), and a 7.30-carat D-Colour Oval- shaped Diamond Ring (est. HK$3.3-4 million/ / US$420,000-510,000). Golconda region is a legendary diamond source in India, mined since antiquity and long depleted, producing some of the world s most famous and historically important diamonds. The crystal devoid of nitrogen, Golconda stones are considered chemically the purest, displaying the finest white colour. The present examples are both reputedly old stones of this sought-after Type IIA quality, sumptuous and elegant in their own right, and each displays a degree of transparency particular to the finest diamonds, characteristic of Golconda diamonds. The diamond pendant can be detached from the necklace and worn as a ring. 2
COLOURED DIAMONDS After breaking a 20-year old price-per-carat world record for any gemstone at auction in October 2007 with a 6.04-carat fancy vivid blue diamond ring, Sotheby s Hong Kong is delighted to offer another captivating Emerald-cut Fancy Intense Blue Diamond (expected to fetch over HK$35 million/ US$4. 4.5 million). This rare diamond has been entrusted to Sotheby s for auction this season by a private collector from Asia. Weighing 8.74 carats, this astonishing blue diamond is of a beautiful sky blue hue and is potentially flawless (being of VVS1 potential clarity). Apart from its remarkable size, this emerald-cut diamond also boasts of being a coveted shape for coloured diamonds, which best reflects the natural true colour of a gemstone. Acquired well over 30 years in the 1970 s, this precious diamond has remained in the same Asian private collection. Also featured among the palette of coloured diamonds is an exquisite 4.27- carat Fancy Purple-Pink Pink Diamond and Coloured Diamond Ring (pictured right on the right; est. HK$5.8-6.6 million/ US$750,000-850,000). The centre diamond displays the radiance and splendour of the amalgamation of purple and pink colours. The presence of purple in the diamond adds a mix to the subtle pink, further enhancing its striking visual colour. Complementing the purple-pink diamond are ten pastel fancy coloured diamonds, altogether creating a diamond ring full of vivacity and femininity. From the same owner, denoted as Property of a Lady, is the cover lot of the sale a rare and exquisite Pink Diamond, Coloured Diamond and Emerald Choker Necklace (est. HK$5-6 million/ US$640,000-770,000) 770,000). The 346 pink briolette diamonds are spatially sculpted and meticulously mounted within a delicately crafted three-dimensional setting, lending a new level of radiance and vigour to the emerald at the front which exhibits high clarity and saturated noble green colour. As with the ring featured above, this sensational necklace is another fine example of superb craftsmanship and ingenuity of colour and form. An 8.88-carat Oval-shaped Fancy Vivid Yellow Diamond Ring (left) and a 4.27- carat Fancy Purple-Pink Diamond and Coloured Diamond Ring (right). An 8.88-carat Oval-shaped Fancy Vivid Yellow Diamond Ring (pictured ( above on the left; est.. HK$4.8-6.2 million/ US$620,000-800,000) will also be amongst the much sought-after pieces. 8 is an auspicious number 3
in Chinese culture connoting wealth and fortune, and the 8.88 carat weight of the present yellow diamond makes the piece triply propitious. This diamond demonstrates a very pleasing outline and is of a superb Fancy Vivid Yellow - the finest yellow saturation. Its vibrant golden tone enhances the saturated yellow hue, a colour which has been historically and culturally associated with Imperial Emperors, royalty and wealth, making this diamond a much coveted specimen for discerning connoisseurs. A further highlight is an unusual Flower Diamond and Gem em-set Ring by Michael Youssoufian estimated at HK$1.5-2.8 million/ US$190,000-360,000 360,000. Finely set in an elevated mount of flora design with conch pearls and demantoid garnets, the 7.39-carat octahedral diamond in the centre of the ring is a truly extraordinary occurrence. It is a singular example that displays six unusually large petal-shaped cloud inclusions that form a delicate flower pattern, in all of the eight facets of the diamond (pictured right), demonstrating an unusual and complex growth history. Each of the petals is composed of billions of tiny pinpoints, and, under long wave ultraviolet (UV) light, the flower itself emits a delicate greenyellow luminescence. Designed by Hong Kong-based jewellery designer Michael Youssoufian, this diamond ring is both a rare creation of Nature, and homage to Nature. PRECIOUS GEMSTONES Leading the precious gemstones section will be a Kashmir Sapphire and Diamond Ring (expec ( expected to fetch over HK$10 million/ / US$1.3 million). This unheated 18.08-carat Kashmir sapphire is of a desirable cushion-shape, and displays a warm and saturated velvety blue colour. The optimal cutting proportion and even colour distribution bestow depth and intensity to the stone which is gracefully flanked by two cushion-shaped old mine-cut diamonds. Kashmir sapphires of over 10 carats make infrequent appearances at auction, and the rich colour and exceptional size of this fine Kashmir is certainly noteworthy. Fine rubies are the rarest amongst all precious stones, and those weighing over 5 carats are increasingly scarce globally. This autumn, we are delighted to offer an impressive 10.15-carat Burmese Ruby Ring (est. HK$6.3-7.5 million/ US$800,000-960,000). Embellished by fine white baguette diamonds, the rich and typically fiery red colour of the unheated and sizable cushion-shaped ruby is emphasised. Its dazzling brilliance and pleasant outline should attract coloured gemstone connoisseurs. 4
NATURAL PEARLS A Natural Pearl and Diamond Double-strand Necklace (est. HK$4.2-5 million/ US$540,000-640,000) made up of 155 natural saltwater pearls will also be on offer. All of these natural pearls (ranging from 9.92mm to 5.73mm) are amazingly well-matched and of the finest qualities rarely found in natural pearls - round in shape, white in colour; beautiful rosé overtones and strong lustre. JADEITE A stunning Pair of Jadeite Huaigu and Diamond Pendant Earrings (est.. HK$2.8 3.8 million/ US$360,000-480,000) will no doubt tempt collectors. The Huaigu, one of the most traditional shapes in jadeite, is fashioned as a circular disc with a central perforation. As there is no beginning or end to a circle, Huaigu is said to be representative of heaven in Chinese tradition. The pair of jadeite Huaigu pendant earrings on offer is of vivid and luminous emerald green colour with exceptional translucency, both of which are certainly desirable in jadeite, especially in a matching pair. Restricted by the availability in size and quality of fine boulders, jadeite bangles remain a very challenging creation in jadeite jewellery, and as such they are highly sought-after by all jadeite collectors. A magnificent Jadeite Bangle (est. HK$5-8 million/ US$640,000-1 million) on offer in this autumn sale is prized for its lavish and even colour. Bearing a significant thickness of 9.54mm and width of 16.06mm, the alluring translucency remains, underscoring the marvellous intrinsic quality of the piece. An impressive Jadeite Bead and Diamond Necklace (est. HK$6.8-8.5 8.5 million/ US$870,000-1.1 million) making up of 29 highly translucent jadeite beads will also be featured. The beads in this timeless classic are exceptionally large (ranging from 17.73mm to 10.86mm) and translucent, retaining their extraordinary watery appearance while showing a soft luminosity from within. Complementing such qualities is the glorious emerald green hue throughout the necklace. * Estimates do not include buyer s premium ***Images available upon request*** Press releases are now available at sothebys.com 5
NOTES TO EDITORS Sotheby's Hong Kong Autumn Sales 2009 Calendar Exhibition Date Auction Date Auctions - 3 4 October Wine 3 4 October 5 October Fine Chinese Paintings 3 5 October 6 October 20th Century Chinese Art Modern and Contemporary Southeast Asian Paintings Contemporary Asian Art 3 6 October 7 October Important Watches Magnificent Jewels and Jadeite 3 7 October 8 October Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art Hong Kong Exhibition and Auction Venue Hall 3, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (New Wing), 1 Expo Drive, Wan Chai, Hong Kong Travelling Exhibitions 5 6 September Shanghai 8 9 September Beijing 12 13 September Singapore 15 16 September Bangkok 19 20 September Taipei 6