Christie's - Page 6

The diamond of Cardinal Mazarino

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Il diamante Grand Mazarin




The diamond of Cardinal Mazarino, from the four Musketeers to Christie’s auction ♦
Cardinal Mazarino, in addition to being a character used by Alexandre Dumas in his novels with the four Musketeers, was really a great statista. Giulio Raimondo Mazzarino, born in Pescina (Abruzzo, Italy) in 1602, also known as the Franch name of Jules Raymond Mazarin, was a kind of Prime Minister of Louis XIV and, at the death of the king, became in practice the regent of France. He left as inheritance to the mortals not only an intense and important political life, but also a diamond. And now this diamond is auctioned out by Christie’s on November 14 in Geneva. The stone is called Grand Mazarin and was part of the jewelery of the Crown of France.
The name sparks the fantasy, but in any case the stone is of value: it is a fancy pink diamond of 19.07 carats. It was extracted in the now depleted mines of Golconda, India, and was part of the crown treasure. Hand by hand, in 1810 the diamond was worn by Empress Maria Luisa, mounted on a tiara on commission by Napoleon I at jeweler François Regnault Nitot. Napoleon III then handed it over to Empress Eugenia. The Grand Mazarin was auctioned in 1887 and bought by the great jeweler Frédéric Boucheron. In 1962 he came back to the fore, until he was bought by a private person in Europe. The same one that now sells the diamond from Christie’s. The estimate varies between 6 and 9 million dollars. Federico Graglia




Il Grand Mazarin (in basso) in un catalogo d'epoca
Il Grand Mazarin (in basso) in un catalogo d’epoca

Il diamante Grand Mazarin
Il diamante Grand Mazarin
Il Grand Mazarin, diamante rosa da 19,07 carati
Il Grand Mazarin, diamante rosa da 19,07 carati

Philippe de Champaigne, il cardinale Mazarino
Philippe de Champaigne, il cardinale Mazarino







At Christie’s a de Grisogono masterpiece

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Creation I, alta gioielleria de Grisogono




An exceptional necklace with one of the greatest diamonds in the world: Christie’s sells de Grisogono’s masterpiece ♦ ︎
An international stage for an exceptional jewel. The appointment by Christie’s on November 14, in Geneva, is particularly interesting for high-end jewelers. And also for those who will be able to buys a piece that will make history: The Art of de Grisogono, Creation I, named after a unique necklace, which fits a 163.41 carat, D flawless and type diamond IIA.
A stone record
The extraordinary stone used and the composition of the jewel is a record. Not surprisingly, he was the founder and creative director of de Grisogono, Fawaz Gruosi, to drive all the work from the original rough diamond cutting of 404.20-carat “monster” to the completion of the necklace. The perfect white diamond is not only the largest in its category ever auctioned and the most precious stone that Maison has ever worked on, but is also representative of de Grisogono’s revolution, now close to the 25th birthday.
The story starts from Lulo
The big diamond has a date of birth: it was extracted on February 4, 2016, in the Lulo mine in East Angola. It was named 4 de Fevereiro, which is also the day Angola has begun the long way towards independence from Portugal. The diamond is the 27th in the ranking of the largest ever extracts, and the first one for size never found in Angola. To buy it was de Grisogono, thanks to the collaboration with the Nemesis International diamond trading company. The American Gemmological Institute in New York declared the rough stone a type IIA diamond and color D, that is to the top. From the rough diamond the cut stone of 163.41 carats, D color, was obtained, with the characteristic of Flawless purity. This is also a record.

Creation I, alta gioielleria de Grisogono
Creation I, alta gioielleria de Grisogono

The working phase
The diamond has remained 11 months to be analyzed and mapped to clamp, laser cut and finally polishing. The almost rectangular shape of the diamond led the cutter to opt for an emerald cut, performed on June 29, 2016 using the jewelery tradition instruments. The first cut was hand-made in New York in the presence of Fawaz Gruosi and his team, probably with some anxiety.
In December 2016, the 163.41-carat diamond left New York to reach de Grisogono’s headquarters in Geneva. On the table there are 50 design proposals. After two months to win is the design of an asymmetrical necklace with 163.41 carat diamonds in the center, emphasized by rectangular cut diamonds and emeralds. “I chose the emerald because I adore the green color and I love joining it with other stones. Green gives a fascinating contrast and enhances both colors. And then, good Italian, I’m superstitious. Green is a lucky color: you will often see it in my collections, “commented Fawaz Gruosi.
The transformation into jewelery
It took six months for the necklace, with a team of 14 craftsmen, including eight jewelers, five decorators and an engraver. All in all, 1700 hours in the ateliers of de Grisogono High Jewelry to manually work each stone of the necklace.
And here’s the necklace: a round neck with soft curves is characterized by two forms filled with gems that touch the neck. On the one hand, the 18 emerald diamond scales (ranging from 0.48 to 8.10 carats for a total of 48.64 carats) blend with bright green emeralds on the other side of the necklace. Each of the diamond bases is connected to the next on the bottom, imperceptibly, giving a great flexibility to the chain. The gold bases of each diamond are decorated with 862 diamonds brilliant cut, for a total weight of 6.52 carats, further enhanced by small emeralds embedded on the surface of each gold part. A total of 5949 emeralds have been embellished on the necklace, brilliantly cut from the weight of 38.84 carats.
On the other side of the necklace there is a white gold spiral embedded in emeralds and emerald cut diamonds tapering to the glacial charm of the diamond of 163.41 carats. In addition, 66 drops of emerald pear cut (from 120.42 carats weight) caress the skin and take on vibrating vibration read at every movement. To enhance the contrast between diamond white and emerald green, every visible gold component was plated in black rhodium, creating a chiaroscuro effect.

The base containing the 163.41 carat diamond is adorned with 399 diamonds brilliant cut, while the labels disappear under four baguette cut diamonds for a bright shiny effect. On the back of the base is engraved: 163.4 D Flawless. As if it were not enough, under the clip is concealed a 0.54-carat emerald, and the back of the necklace features refined finishes with the characteristic motif of the Maison.
The Future of Creation I
The diamond can be detached thanks to a complex mechanism developed specifically to allow easy removal of stone and ensure maximum safety. When the necklace has a legitimate owner, the Maison de Grisogono will propose to work in close contact to create other designs, for example a bracelet, a tiara or a brooch that can accommodate this unique diamond.
The Art of de Grisogono and Christie’s
With a diamond of this relief, it is a must for sale that is fairly. Having dealt with diamonds of greatest value in the world, de Grisogono and Christie’s have concluded an agreement for the sale of The Art of de Grisogono collections. Creation I will be the protagonist of the auction season in the evening sale of November 14th.
“Throughout its 251 years of activity, Christie’s had the privilege of treating the world’s most valuable and valuable diamonds. This perfect and sensational 163.41 carat diamond, suspended on an elegant emerald and diamond necklace, makes de Grisogono a Maison of rare excellence” commented Rahul Kadakia, international director of Christie’s Jewelery. Federico Graglia



4 de Fevereiro, diamante da 404,20 carati
4 de Fevereiro, diamante da 404,20 carati

La misurazione del diamante grezzo
La misurazione del diamante grezzo
Il diamante taglio smeraldo, da 163,41 carati, D flawless e di tipo IIA
Il diamante taglio smeraldo, da 163,41 carati, D flawless e di tipo IIA
La preparazione della collana Creation I
La preparazione della collana Creation I
La lavorazione della collana di de Grisogono
La lavorazione della collana di de Grisogono
La collana terminata
La collana terminata
Particolare degli elementi in smeraldo della collana
Particolare degli elementi in smeraldo della collana

Sketch della collana
Sketch della collana







Rockfeller emerald sold to Harry Winston

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L'anello con lo smeraldo Rockfeller, venduto per 5,5 milioni di dollari

The Rockefeller emerald sold to Harry Winston for $ 5.5 million from Christie’s ♦ ︎
The green gem with a story behind, the 18.04-carat emerald mounted on a ring, which for many years was owned by the Rockefeller family, was auctioned for $ 5.5 million (you can find the story here). Christie’s auction in New York also marked price record for each carat ($ 305,000) for an emerald sold in auction. The presale estimate was between $ 4 and $ 6 million: the price therefore don’t has get the maximum forecast, but went close. The emerald ring is now property by a famous Maison, the American Harry Winston, who had decided to conquer the gem at any price. The previous record belonged to an emerald mounted on a brooch of Bulgari and belonged to Elizabeth Taylor, sold for 6.5 million, that is, $ 280,000 per carat. What makes Rockfeller emerald is particularly valuable is its color, typical of the stones extracted in Colombia. American experts describe emerald as exceptional, with “an unusual combination of size, origin, lack of treatment and quality factors that contribute favorably to its rarity and desirability.”
Christie’s Magnificent Jewels auction ended, in any case, with a total sale of over $ 26 million. The results above the estimates, says Christie’s, have been reached for jewelery from a private collection and signed by Louis Comfort Tiffany and Tiffany & Co., including a green tourmaline, diamond and gold necklace, a nephrite, amethyst and sapphire necklace and a pendant necklace with different enamels with a large sapphire drop. Stellar results were made by a group of Cartier Art Deco crates accessories, including a lacquered silver box ($ 235,000) and a Cartier tiara with pearls, coral and diamonds. Federico Graglia

L'anello con lo smeraldo Rockfeller, venduto per 5,5 milioni di dollari
L’anello con lo smeraldo Rockfeller, venduto per 5,5 milioni di dollari
Collana con pendente firmata Louis Comfort Tiffany, con tormalina e diamanti
Collana con pendente firmata Louis Comfort Tiffany, con tormalina e diamanti
Box di Cartier in argento, diamanti e lacca
Box di Cartier in argento, diamanti e lacca
Collier multi gemma di Louis Comfort Tiffany. Venduta per 271.000 dollari
Collier multi gemma di Louis Comfort Tiffany. Venduta per 271.000 dollari
Collier di Louis Comfort Tiffany con nefrite, ametista, diamanti. Venduta per 247.000 dollari
Collier di Louis Comfort Tiffany con nefrite, ametista, diamanti. Venduta per 247.000 dollari
Tiara di Cartier in corallo, diamanti, perle. Venduta per 775.000 dollari
Tiara di Cartier in corallo, diamanti, perle. Venduta per 775.000 dollari
Anello con raro diamante verde, diamanti bianchi e rosa. Venduto per 1,24 milioni di dollari
Anello con raro diamante verde, diamanti bianchi e rosa. Venduto per 1,24 milioni di dollari
Collier di Van Cleef & Arpels in oro e diamanti
Collier di Van Cleef & Arpels in oro e diamanti


 
 


 

Harry Winston top lot at Christie’s

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Anello con smeraldo colombiano con taglio rettangolare firmato Harry Winston. Venduto per 480.000 dollari

An emerald ring of Harry Winston was the king at Christie’s auction in London ♦ ︎
A look at the result of the important Jewels auction of Christie’s in London. The 1870s Victorian parure with diadems and necklace, diamond stars garland, were not the top lot, but ranked third. The set, made by Collingwood & Son, was sold for over $ 404,000 (on an estimated 100-150,000): a good result, but the most prestigious crown is touched by a Colombian Emerald ring with a rectangular cut signed Harry Winston. The ring was sold for $ 480,000 to an anonymous buyer. It should be noted that 44% of sales were concluded online or by phone. Great result also for a Sri Lankan Sapphire pendant with 50.36-carat cushion-shaped pendant, sold for $ 434,000. Federico Graglia



Anello con smeraldo colombiano con taglio rettangolare firmato Harry Winston. Venduto per 480.000 dollari
Anello con smeraldo colombiano con taglio rettangolare firmato Harry Winston. Venduto per 480.000 dollari
Parure datata 1870 composta da diadema e collana con stelle composte da diamanti
Parure datata 1870 composta da diadema e collana con stelle composte da diamanti
Pendente con zaffiro dello Sri Lanka con taglio a forma di cuscino da 50,36 carati, venduto per 434.000 dollari
Pendente con zaffiro dello Sri Lanka con taglio a forma di cuscino da 50,36 carati, venduto per 434.000 dollari
Anello con diamante Fancy Deep Brown-Yellow da 12,04 carati. Venduto per 174.675 dollari
Anello con diamante Fancy Deep Brown-Yellow da 12,04 carati. Venduto per 174.675 dollari
Anello con smeraldo colombiano e diamanti, venduto per 205.275 dollari
Anello con smeraldo colombiano e diamanti, venduto per 205.275 dollari
Spilla con zaffiro del Kashmir taglio cuscino e diamanti. Venduta per 342.975 dollari
Spilla con zaffiro del Kashmir taglio cuscino e diamanti. Venduta per 342.975 dollari

Anello con diamante chiarezza VVs2, taglio brillante, da 10,78 carati. Venduto per 251.175 dollari
Anello con diamante chiarezza VVs2, taglio brillante, da 10,78 carati. Venduto per 251.175 dollari







The charm of vintage tiara

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La parure composta da una tiara con diamanti a stella staccabili, argento e oro, circa 1870 e collana di disegno simile, firmate Collingwood & Son

A Victorian parure with tiara is the jewel more refined in Christie’s auction in London ♦
The charm of Old England combined with that of traditional France. Two aspects of jewelery that can be identified with the Victorian period and that of Belle Epoque and Art Deco. These two cultural trends, which influenced art, architecture and crafts, were also a point of reference for jewelery. Two great moments, which are well represented in Christie’s auction scheduled in London on June 13th. Among the most representative pieces for sale, in fact, there is a Victorian parure with necklace and tiara characterized by 14 single diamond stars, made by Collingwood & Son, around 1870. The estimate is between 100,000 and 150,000 pounds.
Christie’s also points out that the stars, in that historical period, were part of a secret language of symbols, a way to communicate feelings that were kept secret or almost. The stars represented spiritual direction and path. But in the sale of Christie’s there are other attractions as well. For example, the auction includes 50 pieces Cartier, Maison, representing the most classic French jewelery. And there are, of course, jewels Bella Epoque or Art Deco. Federico Graglia




La parure composta da una tiara con diamanti a stella staccabili, argento e oro, circa 1870 e collana di disegno simile, firmate Collingwood & Son
La parure composta da una tiara con diamanti a stella staccabili, argento e oro, circa 1870 e collana di disegno simile, firmate Collingwood & Son

Tiara e collana vittoriana
Tiara e collana vittoriana
Anello con diamanti e smeraldo a cuscino di 10,42 carati
Anello con diamanti e smeraldo a cuscino di 10,42 carati
Collana con rubini e diamanti
Collana con rubini e diamanti
Bracciale Art Deco con diamanti e smeraldo
Bracciale Art Deco con diamanti e smeraldo
Spilla di Cartier con diamanti e smeraldo
Spilla di Cartier con diamanti e smeraldo
Spilla con diamanti e zaffiro taglio cuscino di 5 carati
Spilla con diamanti e zaffiro taglio cuscino di 5 carati

Set di Cartier in oro e diamanti
Set di Cartier in oro e diamanti







Christie’s Belle Epoque style

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Collana di Cartier Belle Epoque con diamanti. Venduta per 1,4 milioni di euro

A Belle Epoque by Cartier necklace triumphed at Christie’s auction in Paris ♦
A $ 1.4 million Belle Epoque cartier necklace was the top star at Christie’s auction in Paris. The auction house notes that it is the highest price achieved in a sale in the French capital, which was followed remotely by buyers in over 20 countries. The necklace is made up of old cut diamonds with pear-shaped mobile pendants and other round cut diamonds on platinum frame. The auctioneer also sold all the lots in the collection of princess Isabella of Bourbon Parma, who disappeared in 2015 and descended from the ancient noble dynasty. The noble woman’s jewelry was sold for 624,250 euros, three times the basic estimate. A bracelet by Cartier, deux chimères, with coral and diamond, was sold for 374,500 euros, against a forecast of 20,000-30,000, and the 59% of the lots, Christie’s said, were sold above their initial estimate. Federico Graglia



Anello con smeraldo e diamanti. Venduto per 230.000 euro
Anello con smeraldo e diamanti. Venduto per 230.000 euro
Anello con diamante a taglio esagonale. Venduto per 164.000 euro
Anello con diamante a taglio esagonale. Venduto per 164.000 euro
Clip di perle e diamanti di Cartier. Venduta per 206.500 euro
Clip di perle e diamanti di Cartier. Venduta per 206.500 euro
Collana di Cartier Belle Epoque con diamanti. Venduta per 1,4 milioni di euro
Collana di Cartier Belle Epoque con diamanti. Venduta per 1,4 milioni di euro
Collana di perle di Van Cleef & Arpels appartenuta alla principessa Isabella di Borbone Parma. Venduta per 1650.000 euro
Collana di perle di Van Cleef & Arpels appartenuta alla principessa Isabella di Borbone Parma. Venduta per 1650.000 euro
Orecchini a clip a forma di foglie e ribes. Venduti per 362.00 euro
Orecchini a clip a forma di foglie e ribes. Venduti per 362.00 euro

Bracciale Deux Chimères di Cartier, con corallo e diamanti. Venduto per 374.500 euro
Bracciale Deux Chimères di Cartier, con corallo e diamanti. Venduto per 374.500 euro







The Jonker 5 sold for 5.3 million

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Il diamante Jonker 5

A legendary diamond, Jonker number 5, sold for 5.3 million from Christie’s ♦
The sale of Magnificent Jewels by Christie’s in Hong Kong totaled $ 79.4 million. Of this nursery, 5.3 million were spent for a diamond, the Jonker number 5, above its pre-sale estimate of 2.2 to 3.6 million. The diamond weighs 25.27 carats, has a rectangular cut, type IIa, color D, VVS2 clarity. The Jonker No. 5 is part of the legendary diamond collection cut from a rough 726 carat stone, discovered by Jacob Jonker in South Africa in 1934. That stone was, in that moment, the fourth largest diamond ever found. It also has a long history: that diamond had bought it from Sir Ernest Oppenheimer’s Diamond Corporation. Then, it was sold to Harry Winston in 1935 and was exhibited during the celebrations of the Coronation Jubilee of King George V and Queen Mary in London, and then at the American Museum of Natural History in New York.
Harry Winston later cut the big diamond with help by Lazare Kaplan: the result is 13 pieces with a weight of 3.53 to 142.90 carats, although the largest was later reduced to 125.35 carats to increase his brilliance.
Another piece of value sold in Hong Kong is a necklace created by Edmond Chin for Boghossian. It consists of 11 perfect emeralds that shape the shape of a small palm, with a diamond outline. Sales price: $ 6 million. Federico Graglia



Top lots

Anello con un eccezionale diamante blu e diamanti rosa firmato Moussaieff. Venduto per 8,9 milioni di dollari
Anello con un eccezionale diamante blu e diamanti rosa firmato Moussaieff. Venduto per 8,9 milioni di dollari
Collana di giada e diamanti. Venduta per 7,1 milioni
Collana di giada e diamanti. Venduta per 7,1 milioni
Collana Palmette, con smeraldi e diamanti. Venduta per 6 milioni di dollari
Collana Palmette, con smeraldi e diamanti. Venduta per 6 milioni di dollari
Il diamante Jonker 5
Il diamante Jonker 5
Bracciale con zaffiri e diamanti. Venduto per 4,7 milioni
Bracciale con zaffiri e diamanti. Venduto per 4,7 milioni

Orecchini con diamanti rosa e bianchi. Venduti per 3,4 milioni
Orecchini con diamanti rosa e bianchi. Venduti per 3,4 milioni







The Adrian Cheng’s Olympus

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Adrian Cheng and his Chow Tai Fook in the Asian’s Design olympus ♦
At Christie’s Auction at the end of May in Hong Kong, a set designed by Adrian Cheng composed of a complicated geometric necklace with rectangular green tourmaline inside a perforated onyx, rubies, sapphires and diamonds, bracelet and a ring, mounted in gold and made by Chow Tai Fook, was sold for $ 32,239. But, in reality, it is not the price that counts, but the recognition for a designer young and out of the ordinary. Adrian Cheng Chi-kong was born in 1979 and is the founder of K11 and K11 Art Foundation, but also executive director of Hong Kong’s Chow Tai Fook Jewelery Group. He is also a patro. He was born in a wealthy family: he is Cheng Yu-tung’s grandson and heir to one of China’s most influential families, with companies rated at 16.6 billion. Cheng, however, chose more creativity than business: he graduated in Art before going to Japan to study the culture of the country. He is also one of the largest Chinese art collectors.

Suite di Adrian Chen venduta da Chtistie's
Suite di Adrian Chen venduta da Chtistie’s

Last year Chow Tai Fook presented a collection inspired by the great painters of abstractism, Le Labyrinthe Artistique. The high-end jewelery collection, of course, is the diamond face (of course) of the Maison specializing in jewelry for wedding or ceremonies, with hundreds of stores in China. Now Christie’s has consecrated it among the great designers too. Giulia Netrese
Read also: The Art According to Chow Tai Fook

Les Bloc de Fantasie, orecchini con tormalina verde, rubini, diamanti, zaffiri su oro
Les Bloc de Fantasie, orecchini con tormalina verde, rubini, diamanti, zaffiri su oro
Le Glissement du Flamant, bracciale con diamanti, zaffiri rosa e blu
Le Glissement du Flamant, bracciale con diamanti, zaffiri rosa e blu
Le Glissement du Flamant, anello con diamanti, zaffiri rosa e blu
Le Glissement du Flamant, anello con diamanti, zaffiri rosa e blu
Le Glissement du Flamant, collana con diamanti, zaffiri rosa e blu
Le Glissement du Flamant, collana con diamanti, zaffiri rosa e blu
Le Glissement du Flamant, orecchini con diamanti, zaffiri rosa e blu
Le Glissement du Flamant, orecchini con diamanti, zaffiri rosa e blu
Chow Tai Fook, Les Gouttes de Charisme, bracciale
Chow Tai Fook, Les Gouttes de Charisme, bracciale
Chow Tai Fook, Les Gouttes de Charisme, orecchini
Chow Tai Fook, Les Gouttes de Charisme, orecchini
Chow Tai Fook, Les Gouttes de Charisme, collana
Chow Tai Fook, Les Gouttes de Charisme, collana
Les Goutte de Charisme, oro bianco e diamanti
Les Goutte de Charisme, oro bianco e diamanti



 

 

 

Christie’s has a heart of 12.9 million

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Diamante con taglio a cuore di 92 carati

A heart-shaped diamond weighing 92-carat and sold to 12.9 million dollars: it was the top lot at Christie’s auction in Geneva ♦
Among jewels, but also wines and watches, Christie’s in Geneva has totaled 113.7 million dollars. It is useless to make comparisons, since the end result of an auction is also conditioned by individual pieces that can raise or lower the pitch. As for jewelery and precious stones, it was waiting for the heart-shaped diamond: it was sold for $ 15 million, at a price per carat of $ 163,016. It’s a new record in auction, says Christie’s, for a diamond with this particular cut, surpassing the previous $ 10.9 million record set just by Christie’s in May 2011. The initial diamond estimate ranged between 14 and 20 million. The diamond, color D, weighs 92.15 carats and was set by Boehmer et Bassenge in a sautoir.
To sell it to an anonymous buyer (by phone) it took only three minutes. This too is a record, of speed. But a good result was also obtained by an oval cut Burmese ruby. Even in this case, the bid price was halfway between the minimum and maximum of the estimate: $ 12.9 million (the starting point was between 10 and 15 million). Another price tag for auction carat was achieved by a blue diamond, cushion cut, fancy intense, almost 8 carats. It was awarded 12.7 million. Federico Graglia

Diamante con taglio a cuore di 92 carati
Diamante con taglio a cuore di 92 carati
Rubino birmano a taglio ovale da 15 carati montato su anello
Rubino birmano a taglio ovale da 15 carati montato su anello
Diamante fancy intense blue con taglio a cuscino
Diamante fancy intense blue con taglio a cuscino
Anello con diamante rosa di David Morris. Venduto per 1,1 milioni
Anello con diamante rosa di David Morris. Venduto per 1,1 milioni
Anello con zaffiro burmese. Venduto per 2,4 milioni di dollari
Anello con zaffiro burmese. Venduto per 2,4 milioni di dollari
Collier di diamanti con diamante pendente staccabile da 56 carati a forma di pera. Venduto per 1,6 milioni di dollari
Collier di diamanti con diamante pendente staccabile da 56 carati a forma di pera. Venduto per 1,6 milioni di dollari
Spilla di Boucheron a forma di fiore con rubini e diamanti, circa 56 carati. Venduta per 2,2 milioni di dollari
Spilla di Boucheron a forma di fiore con rubini e diamanti, circa 56 carati. Venduta per 2,2 milioni di dollari


Rockfeller Emerald is on sale

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Il Rockfeller Emerald montato su anello di platino e diamanti

A superb ring with a superb emerald that belonged to Rockfeller for sale by Christie’s ♦
May is the month of the emerald. And that this stone is matched to this time of the year is also demonstrated by Christie’s choice, announcing the sale of a magnificent ring with emerald. The auction of Rockefeller Emerald in New York will take place on June 20th. The emerald ring is valued at $ 4 and $ 6 million, and was owned by a John D. Rockefeller, Jr., who bought it in 1930.
The stone was, however, set in the center of a brooch and donated to his wife, Abby Aldrich. The green stone, weighing 18.04 carats, in 1948 was inherited by his youngest son, David Rockefeller, who gave it to the jeweler Raymond Yard for a new frame. Turned into platinum ring with diamonds, the jewel was subsequently sold to an important American collector who acquired it more than a decade ago. According to Tom Burstein, by Christie’e, “The Rockefeller Emerald is one of the best gems to offer on auction. The beauty and the superior quality correspond only to its historical name.” Federico Graglia




Il Rockfeller Emerald montato su anello di platino e diamanti
Il Rockfeller Emerald montato su anello di platino e diamanti

Il Rockfeller Emerald, oltre 18 carati
Il Rockfeller Emerald, oltre 18 carati
Abby Aldrich con il giovane David Rockefeller
Abby Aldrich con il giovane David Rockefeller

John D. Rockefeller, Jr
John D. Rockefeller, Jr







Anna Hu crowned by Christie’s

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Anello Sirens Aria, con uno smeraldo da oltre 20 carati

Anna Hu in exhibition at Christie’s, it’s the top of her fast career fast as a light (of genius) ♦
Everybody know she is one of the stars of the world jewelery. But few would have guessed that Anna Hu would be the first contemporary designer to be invited by Christie’s to exhibit in her new hall at St James in London. A selection of his refined jewels, which are considered artworks, were on display for five days. On the other hand, in addition to incredible architectures with gemstones, the jewels of Anna Hu often inspire paintings and sculptures. In short, in many cases they are a kind of meta-art, that is art of art.
Anna Hu was born in Taiwan in 1977, but since childhood she has travels the world together with her father, a merchant of precious and rare gems. Curiously, however, she began her artistic fortune as a cellist: she even won several prizes, but a shoulder injury forced her to stop. Luckily, you could add. She then took the jewelery road. After the Gia, she placed in the drawer two academic titles related to jewelery from Parsons School of Design and Columbia University. A sort of record.
She worked at Christie’s, Van Cleef and Arpels, and Harry Winston. Then, she opened her exclusive jewelery boutique in December 2008, just 29 years old, at the New York Plaza Hotel. She create about than 30 exclusive Haute Jewelery pieces per year for lucky (and wealthy) collectors. In short, she has already achieved success. But in reality her career is still to be written. Margherita Donato
Also read: The High Jewelry of Anna Hu




Anelli Orchidea, oro bianco, diamanti e zaffiri
Anelli Orchidea, oro bianco, diamanti e zaffiri

Anello Butterfly Lovers
Anello Butterfly Lovers
Anello Sirens Aria, con uno smeraldo da oltre 20 carati
Anello Sirens Aria, con uno smeraldo da oltre 20 carati
Anello Non ti scordar di me, con un grande zaffiro blu
Anello Non ti scordar di me, con un grande zaffiro blu
Anna Hu, spilla in giada che si ispira a un dipinto con gazze
Anna Hu, spilla in giada che si ispira a un dipinto con gazze
Anello Onda, con smeraldo. Ispirato alla famosa onda del pittore giapponese Kanagawa
Anello Onda, con smeraldo. Ispirato alla famosa onda del pittore giapponese Kanagawa
Anna Hu con David Warren di Christie's (da Facebook)
Anna Hu con David Warren di Christie’s (da Facebook)
Anello con giada e diamanti Orpheus, battuto da Christie's
Anello con giada e diamanti Orpheus, battuto da Christie’s
Spilla con grosso zaffiro, diamanti e smeraldi
Spilla con grosso zaffiro, diamanti e smeraldi

Orecchini Turandot, con rubellite
Orecchini Turandot, con rubellite







Van Cleef & Arpels wins the heart

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Anello di Van Cleef 6 Arpels con diamante taglio smeraldo di 22 carati

At Christie’s, Van Cleef & Arpels diamond beats the heart shaped diamond. Here are the results of the Magnificent Jewels auction ♦
Christie’s closes the Magnificent Jewels auction in New York with a result of $ 35.2 million, with 90% of the sold lots and 85% in value. The day’s champion was the Lot 151, which was a Van Cleef & Arpels ring with an emerald-cut, D-color, perfect inside, of about 22 carats. The jewel was sold for $ 2.6 million, almost the top of the range of the starting estimate. A ring with diamonds and a big ruby ​​of 8,6 karat, however, in proportion was go better: estimated at between $ 600 and $ 800,000, it has touched the 2 million. It is no finish interest to pink diamonds. A ring with a pink diamond with an unusual rectangular cut with beveled corners of over 3 carats was beaten for 1.9 million.
There was a lot of curiosity on the auction, also for a heart-cut stone: a 15.87-carat diamond suspended from a platinum chain. It was sold in compliance with forecasts for $ 1.86 million. Finally, a Cartier bracelet of 1930s, platinum and diamonds, Art Deco style: sold for $ 991,000. Tom Burstein, head of Christie’s jewelery department in the US: “Our goal was to align the contents of the April auction with what is currently in demand and provide estimates that fit well into the context of today’s market prices. This approach led to a very strong sell-through resulting from competitive bidding on diamonds, colored stones and signed jewelry, thereby demonstrating strengths in the most vital areas of the jewelry market.” Federico Graglia




Anello con rubino e diamanti
Anello con rubino e diamanti

Anello con diamante rosa e diamanti bianchi baguette
Anello con diamante rosa e diamanti bianchi baguette
Anello di Van Cleef 6 Arpels con diamante taglio smeraldo di 22 carati
Anello di Van Cleef 6 Arpels con diamante taglio smeraldo di 22 carati
Bracciale di cartier Art Deco, circa 1930, in platino e diamanti
Bracciale di cartier Art Deco, circa 1930, in platino e diamanti

Diamante tagliato a cuore di 15,87 carati
Diamante tagliato a cuore di 15,87 carati







Apollo and Artemis: the Sotheby’s divinities

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I diamanti Apollo e Artemide

Two Greek gods in the form of blue and pink diamond up for auction at Sotheby’s in Geneva ♦
The match among auctions takes place, as usual, in Geneva. One day before the Christie’s auction, will be the turn of Sotheby’s on May 16 to put on sale the Magnificent Jewels and Noble Jewels at the Mandarin Oriental. And, as always, there will be an exceptional piece to fly the imagination of collectors: Apollo and Artemis Diamonds. They are not two Greek gods descended from Olympus, but two diamonds, one is Fancy Vivid blue, the other is deep pink Fancy. The two stones are cut pear-shaped and have been used for a pair of earrings, which Sotheby’s has defined as the most important appeared in the auction. But they are offered separately. The Apollo Blue from 38 million to 50 million dollars, while The Pink Artemis is estimated at between 12.5 and 18 million.
The Apollo Blue is listed as Fancy Vivid blue by the Gemological Institute of America and weighs 14.54 carats, internally flawless: it is the largest of its kind ever to be offered at auction. According to the GIA, Apollo Blue is a type IIb diamond, which includes less than 0.5% of all diamonds. Artemis Pink weighs 16 carats. According to the Gia is a type IIa diamond, the more chemically pure, with an exceptional optical transparency. Not more than 3% of the diamonds mined are colored diamonds and fewer than 5% are pink.
But how come the two diamonds were baptized with names of Apollo and Artemis? It’s called marketing, of course. In Greek mythology, Leto (Latona in Latin), the daughter of Titan and Phoebe, had an affair with Zeus and became pregnant with twins. When Hera, wife of Zeus, discovered yet another betrayal, she wasn’t unable to oust her husband from Olympus, and she has forbidden Leto to give birth on land. Found refuge in Delos, Leto gave birth to Artemis and Apollo. And in Greek and Roman mythology, diamonds were considered tears of the gods.
Next to the two top diamonds, in any case, the auction offers several interesting points. As the riviére diamond necklace that belonged to Princess Anna Murat, or a ring with intense pink diamond from 7 carats, or even a pair of earrings signed Reza rose gold and diamonds, with an estimated 1-1.5 million. Also notable is a ring by Van Cleef & Arpels with one of the considerable weight of 45.74 carat Burmese sapphire. Federico Graglia




La coppia di orecchini con i diamanti Apollo Blue e Artemis Pink
La coppia di orecchini con i diamanti Apollo Blue e Artemis Pink

Collana di diamanti rivière appartenuta a Anna Murat
Collana di diamanti rivière appartenuta a Anna Murat
Anello con diamante rosa di oltre 7 carati
Anello con diamante rosa di oltre 7 carati
Orecchini in oro e diamanti firmati Reza
Orecchini in oro e diamanti firmati Reza

Anello di Van Cleef & Arpels con uno zaffiro birmano del ragguardevole peso di 45,74 carati
Anello di Van Cleef & Arpels con uno zaffiro birmano del ragguardevole peso di 45,74 carati







Liz Taylor’s jewels come back at Christie’s auction

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Christie’s unveils new exceptional jewelry in the auction catalog of 17 May in Geneva ♦
In Geneva, on 17 May, Christie’s will auction a 92 carat exceptional diamond-shaped heart, perfect. We’ve talked about here.
But that day will be for sale also many other interesting jewelry. In addition to those already anticipated in this article, there are others that the auction house has anticipated. Among them, there are some that belonged to Liz Taylor. In December 2011, Christie’s has already put on sale the collection of Elizabeth Taylor with these earrings and bracelet burmese rubies and diamonds signed Cartier. The jewels were part of the parure of jewels given to Elizabeth Taylor in August 1957 by her then husband, Mike Todd. Now are back on sale. The actress was famous for his passion for jewelry. But he was not the only woman with this enjoyable hobby. At the auction in Geneva, for example, you are selling the collection of an anonymous “elegant lady”, who apparently does not like the fame. The collection, however, is really top level. It includes a diamond necklace by Chopard, with a shaped D color diamond weight of approximately 56.03 carats pear (has a rating of up to US $ 7 million), in addition to exceptional jewelry created by Graff, De Grisogono and David Morris.
The space of the virtuous
For those who love the high jewelry, high design, there is a piece signed Jar (Joel Arthur Rosenthal) mysterious as creative maestro of jewelry. American by birth, Parisian by adoption, is considered a creative worship. Her earrings with diamonds are a delicious candy for collectors. An other talented designers is the Indian Viren Bhagat, who from Mumbai produces no more than 60 pieces a year. In the auction there will be a pair of her earrings with diamonds and rubies.
Cartier view from Éric Nussbaum
It has been recognized as one of the most eminent experts of Cartier and was hailed by his peers as “Eye”, an homage to the virtuoso level of its taste and refinement. And now the pieces of the vast collection owned by the expert, who died in 2003, are to be auctioned. It’s an interesting occasion: suffice it to say that the Nussbaum collection consists of over 1,600 jewelry and objects.
The charm of the sixties
The jewelry in Italy has experienced a moment of glory in the sixties. At the «dolce vita» of the jewel it is dedicated to a Christie’s auction section. From Buccellati to Villa or Bulgari, will be offered 40 jewels of that magical time. Federico Graglia




Liz Taylor con gli orecchini in rubini e diamanti di Cartier
Liz Taylor con gli orecchini in rubini e diamanti di Cartier

La parure di orecchini e bracciale di Cartier appartenuti a Liz Taylor
La parure di orecchini e bracciale di Cartier appartenuti a Liz Taylor
Spilla di Boucheron con diamanti e rubini birmani
Spilla di Boucheron con diamanti e rubini birmani
Anello con smeraldo colombiano di 13,16 carati
Anello con smeraldo colombiano di 13,16 carati
Anello con zaffiro, smeraldi e rubini birmani di Bulgari
Anello con zaffiro, smeraldi e rubini birmani di Bulgari
Orecchini con diamanti e rubini birmani di Viren Bhagat
Orecchini con diamanti e rubini birmani di Viren Bhagat
Orecchini con diamanti di Jar
Orecchini con diamanti di Jar
Pendente con diamante a pera da 56 carati. Stima: 5-7 milioni di dollari
Pendente con diamante a pera da 56 carati. Stima: 5-7 milioni di dollari

Chocker di diamanti di Graff
Chocker di diamanti di Graff







Chan and Cartier are the stars at Christie’s

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Particolare dell'anello di Wallace Chan

A Cartier ring and two new pieces of Wallace Chan at the Magnificent Jewels auction at Christie’s in New York ♦
The Magnificent Jewels do not disappoint: in the Christie’s auction in New York on April 26, there are plenty of great pieces, but also some curiosity. For example, in the auctionthe Maison is selling a diamond with 15.87 carats heart-cut, quality first. Would not it be strange if it were not that Christie’s is preparing to sell an identical diamond, but weighing over 92 carats in Geneva in May. So, two hearts beating for several portfolios.

Another reason of interest are two pieces by Wallace Chan, the designer-artist makes few works every year and therefore ring and earrings are offered at the center of attention. Also for their amazing shape: the ring is made with a great cabochon amethyst. At the center of amethyst is a diamond embedded in a motherpearl gallery. The whole mounted on a titanium circle. The same technique is for earrings. If you are interested in these unique pieces, they are estimated of 20-30,000 dollars ring and earrings 16-22000 dollars. The top lot could instead be a Cartier Panthère platinum ring, made with a paved diamonds, the nose and polka dots onyx, eyes with emeralds, and a large ruby ​​with more than 10 carat cushion cut. The estimate is between 2.3 and 2.8 million. Break the piggy bank. Federico Graglia




Diamante taglio a cuore di 15,87 carati
Diamante taglio a cuore di 15,87 carati, colore D, senza inclusioni

Un curioso bracciale in oro a forma di Colosseo
Un curioso bracciale in oro a forma di Colosseo
Particolare di un bracciale Art Deco di Cartier, con perle con zaffiri e diamanti
Particolare di un bracciale Art Deco di Cartier, con perle con zaffiri e diamanti
Anello Panthère di Cartier: platino con pavé di diamanti, onice, smeraldi e un grande rubino
Anello Panthère di Cartier: platino con pavé di diamanti, onice, smeraldi e un grande rubino
Collana.tiara Art Deco con diamanti
Collana.tiara Art Deco con diamanti
Orecchini di Wallace Chan, ametista e diamanti su titanio
Orecchini di Wallace Chan, ametista e diamanti su titanio
Anello di Wallace Chan visto dall'alto, ametista e diamante su madreperla e titanio
Anello di Wallace Chan visto dall’alto, ametista e diamante su madreperla e titanio

Particolare dell'anello di Wallace Chan
Particolare dell’anello di Wallace Chan







A heart beats for Christie’s

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Diamante con taglio a cuore di 92 carati

A Christie’s auction in Geneva will be loved by collectors: in fact at the top there is a heart-shaped diamond ♦
The return of the big auction of jewelry, the return of dreams for who only can only leaf through the catalog, return the attention of collectors and enthusiasts. An important event has already been set: at the Four Seasons in Geneva on May 17, is scheduled the next auction of Magnificent Jewels organized by Christie’s. The hammer of the auctioneer will mark the judgment of some 250 jewelery. Meanwhile, the jewelry will go on tour as a theater company to be seen live: after Hong Kong, are in Rome (5-6 April), London April 10 to 12, in New York April 21 to 25 and May 5 to 8, before returning to Geneva.
As often happens, the center is a diamond. Large, heart-shaped, 92-carat, D, Flawless, signed by Boehmer et Bassenge. La Maison de Haute Joaillerie that debuted last year is already a star of the auctions. He works exclusively with large diamonds and the highest quality. And with these super stones creates equally precious jewels. The diamond in question has been baptized with the name of La Legende. It is part of a sautoir of pearls: the whole is estimated 14 to 20 million dollars. It is the largest D color diamond heart shape, Flawless, offered at auction.
Earrings and rubies
Another piece in the spotlight: La Vie Bohème, a pair of chandelier earrings, each with a large marquise cut diamond in suspension and a bow with pink diamonds. Each drop is D color, flawless clarity, perfectly symmetrical cuts. So much perfection is valued at 2-3 million dollars.
Rubies like this, until the mid-nineteenth century, only the ruler of Burma or an individual deemed worthy by the sovereign could have had a 15 carat stone ​​ring like the one auctioned at Christie’s. The Burmese rubies were not exceeded in quality. Historically were extracted in the Mogok valley, in the northern part of Burma, only two miles long and half a mile wide. One of the main reasons for the quality of these rubies is due to the high chromium content in the soil, which makes it extremely saturated red, often referred to as pigeon blood. Another factor is their natural fluorescence which has the effect of making the stone come to life and appear internally illuminated. The ring estimate of 10-15 million dollars. But in the auction there is also a ring with a 14.88 carat Kashmir sapphire, characterized by an attractive blue color and excellent purity of a combination rarely encountered in stones of this size (estimate: 1,000,000 to 1.5000000). There are also pieces that belonged to the wealthy ladies of the last century, such as necklace of Doris Duke collection, heiress and benefactor. The necklace is made of platinum, signed Cartier, who has sold 30 April 1937. Federico Graglia




Collana di perle con il diamante La Legende
Collana di perle con il diamante La Legende

Diamante con taglio a cuore di 92 carati
Diamante con taglio a cuore di 92 carati
Orecchini chandelier La Vie Bohème
Orecchini chandelier La Vie Bohème
Anello con zaffiro del Kashmir e diamanti
Anello con zaffiro del Kashmir e diamanti
Collana di diamanti a frange appartenuta a Doris Duke
Collana di diamanti a frange appartenuta a Doris Duke
Anello con diamanti blu taglio cuscino di quasi 8 carati
Anello con diamanti blu taglio cuscino di quasi 8 carati
Anello con grande rubino birmano da 15 carati
Anello con grande rubino birmano da 15 carati

Orecchini con diamanti e specchio firmati Jar
Orecchini con diamanti e specchio firmati Jar







A palm for Christie’s

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The Emerald and Diamond Palmette Necklace

Christie’s has two exceptional pieces in view of Magnificent Jewels auction in Hong Kong.
Well in advance, but with the certainty to make headlines: Christie’s is preparing an auction of Magnificent Jewels on 30 May in Hong Kong with the announcement of two outstanding pieces. The first is The Emerald and Diamond “Palmette ‘Necklace. The series was created by the designer Edmond Chin to Boghossian, where he became creative director. the necklace has a delicate pattern in multiple palm emeralds, alternating with white diamonds. The green stones palm shape are 11. The estimate for this piece of great value is between 3.6 and 5 million dollars. The second piece announced is Jonker V. It is a diamond that is part of a legendary collection created by a large stone of 726 carats, discovered by Jacob Jonker.
When it was brought to light, January 17, 1934, was the fourth largest gem-quality diamond ever discovered. The stone was later purchased by Diamond Corporation, a company owned by Sir Ernest Oppenheimer. In 1935 the stone was purchased by Harry Winston and then displayed during the celebration of the Silver Jubilee of the coronation of King George V and Queen Mary. In the raw state the Jonker was cut, examined, and then divided into 13 pieces worked. Jonker in the auction is, in fact, the number 5. It has a kind emerald cut and weighs 25.27 carats. Federico Graglia

Il diamante Jonker V
Il diamante Jonker V

The Emerald and Diamond Palmette Necklace
The Emerald and Diamond Palmette Necklace
The Emerald and Diamond Palmette Necklace, particolare
The Emerald and Diamond Palmette Necklace, particolare

The first auction in 2017 is by Christie’s

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Orecchini con diamanti, rubini e smalto a forma di rana

The first auction of 2017 jewelry is by Christie’s and is scheduled in London. Here are the most interesting pieces for sale.
The auctions of jewelry are back. You start plan, on January 18 in London: the first auction of 2017 is signed Christie’s and is routine. There are not Magnificent Jewels, but normal jewels, although of big names and with prices that do not exceed $ 25,000, at least in the estimates. But the sale will decide the price of jewelry such as the Alhambra necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels, with shamrocks pearl linked by a chain (the estimate is between 9,800 and 14,000 US dollars). Or of the group of Cartier jewelry with tourmaline and diamonds, composed of a ring and a pair of earrings. There are also curious earrings in the shape of a frog with rubies and green enamel (maximum $ 1900 estimate). And the gentle clip-on earrings Délices de Goa, by Cartier, made with diamonds, amethyst and coral. Among the items for sale also we signal the oval necklace with diamonds and rubies of Burmese 45.5 cm. It’s original also the necklace with lapis lazuli and rock crystal Art Deco (4908-6135 dollars the estimate). Federico Graglia

Betsy lights Christie’s

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Anello con diamante taglio a pera appartenuto a Betsy Bloomingdale. Venduto per 1,9 milioni

The Betsy Bloomingdale jewels illuminate the Christie’s auction in New York, but the top lot is a platinum ring.
The jewels belonged to Betsy Bloomingdale were sold out. Stones and jewels were of excellent quality and, perhaps, also the history of these pieces auctioned at Christie’s in New York fascinated buyers. They were eventually collected over $ 4 million from the sale of these Magnificent Jewels. Betty Lee Newling, Betsy, had married Alfred Bloomingdale, heir to the dynasty that gave birth to Bloomingdale stores. In america was a well known couple. She died last summer at age 93. Her ring with diamond from 1.29 carat, pear-cut, flanked by three baguette diamonds, was sold for 1.9 million dollars was the fourth in the sale price. A diamond necklace signed Harry Winston has instead been sold for 1 million. Always the same jeweler was for sale a pair of earrings with diamond pendants, each with marquise and pear cut diamonds group: they were beaten at $ 487,500, while a diamond brooch rose from pre-sale estimate of 150,000 dollars at a price of 223,500. But the top lot was a platinum ring with a 51.35 carat diamond, rectangular cut, sold for 5.6 million, followed by a ring of cushion-cut sapphire of 75.41 carats, went to 3.8 million. Federico Graglia

Anello in platino con diamante taglio smeraldo. Venduto per 5,6 milioni
Anello in platino con diamante taglio smeraldo. Venduto per 5,6 milioni

Anello con grande zaffiro. Venduto per 3,8 milioni
Anello con grande zaffiro. Venduto per 3,8 milioni
Anello con smeraldo e diamanti. Venduto per 1,4 milioni
Anello con smeraldo e diamanti. Venduto per 1,4 milioni
Anello con diamante taglio a pera appartenuto a Betsy Bloomingdale. Venduto per 1,9 milioni
Anello con diamante taglio a pera appartenuto a Betsy Bloomingdale. Venduto per 1,9 milioni
Collana con diamanti a grappolo di Harry Winston, fotografata da Cecil Beaton. Venduta per 1 milione di dollari
Collana con diamanti a grappolo di Harry Winston, fotografata da Cecil Beaton. Venduta per 1 milione di dollari

Christie’s: blue diamond overcomes Ruby

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Anello con diamante blu di Moussaieff

The results of the auction of Magnificent Jewels at Christie’s in Hong Kong: a blue diamond sold for $ 11.8 million beats all.
Surprise: The Ratnaraj Ruby, ring with stone from the bright red color and a perfect crystal structure, it is not the most beautiful of them all. At least in a Christie’s auction in Hong Kong. The crowning, instead, has been a ring with blue marquise cut diamond by Moussaieff, sold for 11.8 million dollars. The ruby, however, came soon after: the stone was baptized ratnaraj, which means “king of precious stones” in ancient Sanskrit (the historical language of India). In reality, the ruby, weighing over 10 carats, mounted on a ring and surrounded by diamonds, it comes from Burma. This stone is considered to be of exceptional color and is called pigeon blood, a very rare quality. The estimate for this ring was between 8.8 and 12.5 million US dollars. It was sold for 10.2 million: exactly in the middle. In short, no record, but still quite successful. As always in auctions in the East is a highly valued the jade. A jade necklace was sold for 3.4 million dollars, while a suite of jadeite and diamond has carried 3.1 million. Of note is the two diamond earrings Boehmer et Bassenge newborn, sold for 2.8 million. Not bad for a rookie. Well even a pin with emerald signed Van Cleef & Arpels sold for 1 million. Federico Graglia

Anello con diamante blu di Moussaieff
Anello con diamante blu di Moussaieff
Ratnaraj Ruby
Ratnaraj Ruby
Collana di giada e diamanti
Collana di giada e diamanti
Set di giada e diamanti
Set di giada e diamanti
Orecchini di diamanti Boehmer et Bassenge
Orecchini di diamanti Boehmer et Bassenge
Spilla con smeraldo e diamanti di Van Cleef & Arpels
Spilla con smeraldo e diamanti di Van Cleef & Arpels
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