Bonhams Reports Strong Demand at HK Rare Jewels and Jadeite Auction

(IDEX Online) – A fancy colored diamond and diamond dress ring by Cindy Chao’s iconic Ribbon Collection sold at Bonhams Rare Jewels and Jadeite auction for HK$9,100,000 ($1.16 million), the half-way point of its pre-sale estimate.

The fancy pink-purple oval-cut diamond, weighing 4.23 carats, is wrapped within a setting of ribbon design, pave-set with brilliant and cushion-cut diamonds, Bonhams said.

Led by Bonhams CEO and Group Head of Jewellery, Matthew Girling, the 123-lot sale in Hong Kong totaled HK$55,236,250 ($7.1 million).

Interest was strong for a rare 10.02-carat fine ‘no oil’ emerald and diamond ring which went under the hammer for HK$6,100,000 ($780,000) which was well above the high end of its pre-sale estimate. It features a cushion-shaped set between trillion-cut diamond shoulders.

The sale ended with a heated bidding war for an impressive 10.03 carats diamond and colored diamond ring by British jewelry designer Stephen Webster which sold for HK$3,580,000 ($460,000).

Graeme Thompson, Head of Jewellery, Asia, said, “Overall the sale was very positive with strongest interest from local and global collectors in white colorless diamonds, fine gemstones and rare jewels. Bids came in from around the world including Pan-Asia, the Middle East, Europe and America reflecting Hong Kong as an international auction market hub.”

Highlights from the sale included an important jadeite bead, ruby and diamond necklace, an early 20th century natural pearl and diamond necklace by Tiffany & Co., and, a 10.27-carat marquise-cut diamond single-stone ring by Harry Winston.

Upcoming auctions for Fine Jewellery at Bonhams will take place on 4 December in New York, and 7 December in London.