The allure of vintage and heirloom jewellery transcends generations, growing ever more valuable and cherished with the passage of time. Desired for their rarity, artistic quality, or historical provenance, jewellery—and important jewellery in particular—simply never diminishes in appeal. Whether you’re a jewellery lover, collector, or just on the hunt for something distinctive to wear on special occasions, Christie’s upcoming Magnificent Jewels Hong Kong auction is not an event you’ll want to miss.
Headlining the auction house’s highly anticipated sale are one-of-a-kind jewellery creations featuring gemstones that come from some of the world’s best mines, such as Kashmir, Colombia, and Burma. Without any doubt, Christie’s top lot this time is the largest pear-shaped Fancy Vivid Pink Type IIa 18.18-carat diamond ever to go on sale. Named the Fortune Pink, it joins vintage and antique jewellery from some of the best maisons in the business, such as Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Bulgari, Graff, and Tiffany & Co. to name just a few.
In addition, of the auction’s 181 lots in all, there will be a selection of 51 magnificent pieces derived from the personal collection of Hong Kong actress, Rosamund Kwan. With a total low estimate of over HK$80 million, the pieces range from vintage pieces by renowned jewellers to timeless creations featuring a variety of gemstones from diamonds and coloured diamonds, to rubies, natural pearls, jadeites, and emeralds. A portion of the sale proceeds will be donated to charity, furthering Kwan’s philanthropic contributions.
The ‘live’ auction, which is slated to take place on 28th November at 2pm Hong Kong Time, is now open for bids. You can follow the results online in real time, and participate digitally, over the phone, or in person if you’re keen on experiencing first-hand the electrifying atmosphere of an auction room. Christie’s Magnificent Jewels sale will take place at Hall 3D of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Here are Vogue Singapore’s top 10 picks from the sale to get your heart pumping.
1 / 10
Buccellati diamond bangle and brooch
If you’re a fan of signature Buccellati jewellery crafting techniques such as rigato engraving and openworked enchaining, then this bangle and brooch set just what you need. The bangle is signed M. Buccellati while the brooch is signed Gianmaria Buccellati, who is the second generation family owner of the Milanese jeweller. Offered with no reserve price, this set is priced at an estimated HK$80,000 to HK$120,000
2 / 10
Cartier Tutti Frutti multi-gem brooch
Undoubtedly one of Cartier’s most sought-after and distinctive jewellery series, the Tutti Frutti style defies any and all trends, and manages to be at once classical yet contemporary. This elegant brooch is set with sculpted ruby, emerald, and blue sapphire leaves, along with cabochons of each stone emulating berries. Further, round and baguette-cut diamonds outline its silhouette which is crafted in white gold. Christie’s estimates this item at HK$250,000 to HK$350,000.
3 / 10
Ruby and diamond ring by Boghossian
This fantastic ring from Rosamund Kwan’s collection features a cushion-shaped ruby of 12.46 carats surrounded by triangular, shield-shaped, and round diamonds. Accompanied by an SSEF report certifying it as an exceptional unheated Burmese ruby, this ring in white gold is a collector’s piece certain to climb in value over time. Christie’s estimates it to sell for HK$22,000,000 to HK$35,000,000.
4 / 10
Van Cleef & Arpels sapphire and diamond brooch
This beautiful platinum and gold brooch highlights Van Cleef & Arpels’ timeless craftsmanship and effortless elegance. Featuring round diamonds and blue sapphires set in graduating sizes yet identical hues, it emphasises the maison’s incredible attention to detail, the soft curves of two intertwined leaves leading the eye to forget just for a moment the innate hardness of gemstones and gold. Estimated at HK$80,000 to HK$120,000.
5 / 10
Wallace Chan multi-gem earrings
Artist-jeweller Wallace Chan is widely celebrated for bringing a bold new perspective to contemporary jewellery design. This pair of drop earrings are as much art as they are jewellery pieces. Appreciate the contrast of buff top amethysts with the faceted sparkle of diamonds, pink sapphires, and shield-shaped diamonds, all set on ultra-light titanium. Estimated at HK$500,000 to HK$800,000.
6 / 10
Ruby and diamond earrings by Boghossian
Fluid lines meet faceted points in this pair of leaf motif earrings by six-generation jeweller, Boghossian. It offers a unique aesthetic that juxtaposes an octagonal step-cut ruby (5.10 carats) on one side with an antique cushion-shaped ruby (5.07 carats) on the other. More cushion brilliant-cut diamonds, rectangular step-cut diamonds, and diamonds of various cuts complete the piece, along with octagonal and round cut rubies. Estimated at HK$8,000,000 to HK$12,000,000.
7 / 10
Tiffany & Co. Schlumberger Bird on a Rock brooch
It’s always hard to say no to a Tiffany & Co. Schlumberger Bird on a Rock brooch, and this one is no exception. For an estimated HK$320,000 to HK$500,000, you will be getting the signature little bird with its pineapple tuft standing on a rectangular-cut aquamarine all crafted in platinum and gold.
8 / 10
Star ruby and star sapphire ring
It is rare to find star rubies and star sapphires of such colour, quality, and with a wonderful asterism that lends these gemstones their names. In this white gold toi et moi ring, Christie’s offers a 17.04-carat oval double cabochon sapphire and a 12.73-carat oval double cabochon ruby, for an estimated price of HK$300,000 to HK$500,000.
9 / 10
Opal and diamond ring
No longer shrouded in superstition, opals are the new superstars of the gemstone world, with every major jewellery house creating high jewellery pieces featuring this shimmery stone. This beautiful statement ring in white gold features a large dazzling cabochon opal surrounded by white diamonds cascading towards the ring shank. Estimated at HK$50,000 to HK$80,000.
10 / 10
Baroque pearl and coloured diamond earrings
Another outstanding piece from Rosamund Kwan’s collection, this pair of baroque pearl drop earrings is utterly unique and completely timeless. The two large and naturally shaped pearls are held onto round pink diamonds bezel set on yellow gold. Yours for an estimated HK$8,000 to HK$12,000.
