Christie’s Hong Kong to auction Jonker Diamond No. 5

Christie’s Hong Kong Jewellery department has outlined exceptional offerings for the Hong Kong Spring auctions, slated on May 30th. The auction house will present two unique pieces of craftsmanship renowned for their extreme rarity, impeccable workmanship, and historical significance.

One of the highlights is the Emerald and Diamond ‘Palmette’ Necklace created by designer Edmond Chin for the illustrious House of Boghossian. It features a delicate repeating palmette motif with white diamonds as spacers. Eleven perfectly matching no oil emeralds are used in this piece, marking the first time such an exclusive selection of emeralds will be offered at auction.

The second exceptional highlight is the Jonker No. 5 diamond, which forms a key part of a legendary collection of diamonds from the world famous 726 carats Jonker rough, discovered by Jacob Jonker. It was unearthed on January 17th, 1934, and at the time was the fourth largest gem quality diamond ever uncovered. The stone was subsequently purchased by the Diamond Corporation Ltd., a company owned by Sir Ernest Oppenheimer. In 1935, it was purchased by Harry Winston and was displayed during the Silver Jubilee Celebrations of the Coronation of King George V and Queen Mary. Before the Jonker rough was cut, it was examined for months before taking its final form of 13 exquisite polished pieces, of which the Jonker Diamond No. 5 was created as a rectangular- cut diamond of 25.27 carats.

The auction will take place at the James Christie’s Room, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.