A new addition to the “Heirloom” collection, this one-of-a-kind piece features 32 custom-cut gemstones.
Check Out the 118-Carat Blue Sapphire Heading to Auction
It’s up for sale at Sotheby’s Hong Kong just two days after the “perfect” 102.39-carat diamond is being sold without reserve.
A 118.88-carat unheated Burmese sapphire (pictured above), dubbed “royal blue” in color by both the SSEF and Gübelin labs, will lead Sotheby’s Hong Kong
The rare cushion-shaped stone is surrounded by pear-shaped diamonds weighing 16.06 total carats and set in a platinum pendant.
It’s the largest Burmese “royal blue” sapphire to be put up for auction at Sotheby’s in the last 20 years, the company said.
Sotheby’s said it expects the stone to sell for more than $5 million.
The Oct. 7 Magnificent Jewels auction in Hong Kong has 118 lots, many of which celebrate color, Sotheby’s said, including several rare colored gemstones and diamonds, avant-garde designs from contemporary Hong Kong jewelers, and iconic designs from houses like Harry Winston and Cartier.
Another expected top lot of the sale is a ring featuring a 4.84-carat fancy vivid blue internally flawless pear-shaped diamond with two brilliant-cut diamond accents weighing 1.10 carats each in platinum and pink gold.
Pictured below, it’s estimated to sell for between $7.2 million and $8.5 million.
There will also be a pair of 18-karat white gold earrings set with pear-shaped colorless diamonds weighing 5.95 and 5.24 carats suspended from a pair of fancy intense blue diamonds weighing 1.95 and 1.63 carats.
They are expected to garner between $3.6 million and $4.6 million.
A 6.41-carat unheated Burmese pigeon’s blood ruby and diamond 18-karat gold ring (seen below) designed and mounted by Hong Kong high jewelry house Forms could sell for as much as $2.9 million.
The auction will also include a selection of “imperial green” jadeite pieces—referring to the finest specimen of Type A, or natural, jadeite jade with a vibrant green color that’s almost transparent.
Highlighting this section is a necklace comprised of 43 jadeite beads of highly translucent brilliant emerald green color weighing approximately 630 carats in total with a clasp set with brilliant-cut and baguette diamonds, as seen below.
A pre-sale estimate for this piece was not available by press time.
Also pictured is a jadeite, fancy vivid purplish-pink diamond and diamond ring designed by Hong Kong designer Nicholas Lieou that could sell for between $1.4 million and $2 million.
In pairing an imperial green jadeite cabochon with pink diamonds, the designer bridged Eastern and Western aesthetics, the auction house said.
The Magnificent Jewels auction is scheduled to take place just two days after the close of another notable sale at Sotheby’s Hong Kong.
On Oct. 5, the house will hold the live auction of a 102.39-carat oval-shaped D flawless diamond that’s being offered without estimate or reserve.
Online bidding for the stone started Sept. 15.
As of Thursday morning, the highest online bid was about $11 million at current exchange rates.
Editor’s note: This story was updated on Oct. 1 to reflect the pre-sale estimate of the 118.88-carat blue sapphire provided by Sotheby’s post-publication.
The Latest
Last month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.
The move will allow the manufacturing company to offer a more “diverse and comprehensive” range of products.
With Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
From now through mid-May, GIA will be offering the reports at a 50 percent discount.
De Beers’ rough diamond sales were down 18 percent year-over-year in its latest round of sales.
Sponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show
For over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.
The Patek Philippe expert will serve as personal curator for the brand-focused company.
The 553-square-foot shop is aboard the Carnival Jubilee cruise ship.
NDC filed a complaint against Skydiamond for use of phrases like “diamonds made entirely from the sky.”
John Carter received the AGS’s highest honor Tuesday afternoon at Conclave in Austin, Texas.
LVMH said the company performed well despite an uncertain geopolitical and economic environment.
B&D Sales and Service held a ribbon-cutting event for its new location in Cranston, Rhode Island.
It’s ultra-feminine and filled with gold, pearls, and soft pastels.
Emily Highet Morgan and Emily Bennett have joined the agency’s team.
Its updated book for mountings is also now available.
She has been with the organization since 2010, most recently serving as its chief officer of PR and industry relations.
Joyce’s Jewelry sued the bank after cybercriminals drained its accounts of nearly $1.6 million through a series of wire transfers.
He is remembered by loved ones for his loyalty, integrity, and kindness.
From lab-grown diamonds and AI to the inevitable Taylor Swift mention, here are some of Conclave’s most intriguing educational offerings.
From cybersecurity liability to trade show coverage, insurance experts share tips on how to build the right policy.
The charm is a modern rendition of the evil eye amulet that has been worn for thousands of years.
Ahead of its trade show next month, TJS awarded free registration and accommodations to one jewelry professional and three students.
By the end of this year, SRK’s diamond manufacturing complexes will achieve net zero emissions, one of an impressive array of achievements.
Members can still sell lab-grown stones, it said, but only natural gems are allowed on the show floor.
He is remembered for his charisma, passion, integrity, kindness, and wit.