
The most important set of Chameleon diamonds ever to be presented at auction leads the forthcoming Rare Jewels and Jadeite sale at Bonhams Hong Kong on 25 November. The exquisite diamond necklace features nine Chameleon diamonds weighing 13.87-carats total and is expected to fetch between HK$1,600,000 and HK$3,000,000.
“Chameleon diamonds are amongst the rarest and most mysterious of coloured diamonds. Depending on temperature and light conditions, the diamond’s colour transforms from “olive” green to a mesmerising brownish yellow or yellow,” explains Bonhams Asia Director of Jewellery, Graeme Thompson.
“Due to their rarity, little gemmological information exists on Chameleon diamonds and scientists have yet to confirm the mechanism that causes their colour-changing behaviour. We are excited to present this extremely rare phenomenon in our upcoming sale.”
Alongside this piece, the Hong Kong sale features an exceptional range of best-in-class diamonds, coloured gemstones, and signed jewellery. There are more than 150 lots with estimates ranging from HK$30,000 for a cultured pearl and diamond necklace, to HK$7,500,000 for the finest jade bangle to be offered at auction this year.
Coloured Diamonds
In addition to the Chameleon diamonds, Bonhams presents a kaleidoscopic selection of rare coloured diamonds including an Intense Blue, three green diamonds, a 7-carat faint pink, and a striking collection of Vivid Yellows.
Highlight pieces include:
“Natural coloured diamonds can be found in almost every tone of the rainbow and can come in over 230 colour combinations. They are formed when certain elements are captured within the diamond structure as it is forming from carbon atoms and this process can produce the breathtaking and rare colours we see.” Thompson adds.
Jadeite
The sale headlines its jadeite selection with an exceptional jade bangle. Expected to fetch between HK$7,500,000 and HK$10,000,000, it is highly translucent with an intense to bright emerald green colour throughout.
“This bangle is the finest example to come to market this year that we know of, with its divinely rich colour and incredible translucency. We are delighted to be able to offer it,” said Thompson.
Coloured Gemstones
The sale features an extensive but carefully curated selection of coloured gemstones including Kashmir Sapphires, Colombian Emeralds, Burmese Rubies, Sapphires, Spinels, Brazilian Paraiba Tourmaline and Sri Lankan. Padparadschas.
Highlights include:
Kashmir Sapphire
Four significant Kashmir Sapphire and diamond rings – 1.82-carats (HK$130,000 to HK$200,000), 2.55-carats (HK$300,000 to HK$400,000), 5.02-carats (HK$2,500,000 to HK$3,500,000) and 6.71-carats (HK$2,500,000-3,500,000)
Colombian Emerald
Burmese Ruby
Brazilian Paraiba Tourmaline
Burmese Spinel
A collection of 32 Natural Burmese Unheated Spinels from Mogok set in mother-of-pearl l as an impressive necklace, bracelet, earring and ring suite for HK$1,500,000-2,000,000.
Signed Jewellery
Reflecting the ever-growing market interest in signed jewellery, Bonhams features an exquisite range of signed jewellery in this sale with a selection from the important Houses including Bulgari, Cartier, Chaumet, Graff, Harry Winston and Van Cleef & Arpels as well as from contemporary designers such as Alexander Laut.
Highlights include:
Bulgari:
Cartier:
Van Cleef & Arpels:
Harry Winston:
The sale also highlights a range of motif brooches including:
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