Highlight Christie’s Fall Sale of Magnificent Jewels

Hong Kong – Christie’s, the world’s leading auction house for the sale of extraordinary jewels at auction, will present its annual Fall sale of magnificent jewels on 1 December at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre. Featuring over 250 jewels valued in excess of HK$260 million/US$33 million, this sale will present to the region’s sophisticated collectors and connoisseurs an array of important diamonds, fine coloured gemstones, signed creations from the likes of Bulgari, Cartier, Graff, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Wallace Chan, as well as top jadeite jewels.

MAGNIFICENT JEWELS FROM AN ESTEEMED PRIVATE COLLECTION

The December 1 sale will include four magnificent jewels from an esteemed private collection, led by “The Vivid Pink”, one of the finest Vivid Pink diamonds to ever appear for sale at auction (estimate: HK$39,000,000-$55,000,000/US$5,000,000-7,000,000). Weighing an exacting 5.00 carats and set in a ring by leading international jeweller Graff, it is the largest Fancy Vivid Pink Potentially Flawless diamond to ever be offered for sale at auction. While the vast majority of natural pink diamonds exhibit a colour modifier like purple, orange or grey, “The Vivid Pink” shows absolutely no trace of a secondary colour, making it exceedingly rare both commercially and naturally.

“The Vivid Pink”, an exquisite coloured diamond and diamond ring, by Graff. photo Image 2009 Christie's Ltd

Set with a cushion-shaped fancy vivid pink diamond weighing 5.00 carats, flanked on either side by a shield-shaped diamond, mounted in platinum and 18k rose gold, ring size 5. Signed Graff - Est. HK$39,000,000 - HK$55,000,000 ($5,054,751 - $7,128,495)

Accompanied by report no. 12956371 dated 23 July 2009 from the Gemological Institute of America stating that the 5.00 carat diamond is fancy vivid pink, natural colour, VS1 clarity; with a working diagram indicating that the clarity is potentially flawless

Also accompanied by a supplemental letter from the Gemological Institute of America stating the 5.00 carat diamond has been determined to be a type IIa pink diamond. Type IIa pink diamonds are very rare in nature, often have relatively few inclusions and are noted for their mostly homogenous colour in the rough. Unlike many other coloured diamonds, the colour in pink diamonds can not only be caused by impurities, but it may also be a result of the diamond's exposure to heat and pressure during transportation into the earth's crust. Type IIa pinks have been found in a number of mining regions around the world. Historically they were found in India (particularly from the Golconda region) and, in more recent times, most notably from Brazil and Africa.

Among famous gem diamonds, the 70.39 carat Empress Rose and the 28.15 carat Agra are examples of type IIa pinks.

Also offered from this important collection is a superb oval-shaped Fancy Vivid Yellow VVS1 diamond of 9.03 carats (estimate: HK$7,000,000-9,000,000 / US$900,000-1,200,000). Set in a ring by Graff, this stone offers the first-rate combination of pure colour, high clarity and important size which together combine in an eagerly sought-after stone that is rare on today’s market. While yellow is a common coloured diamond hue, most yellow diamonds seen on the market do not offer the depth and intensity of colour exhibited in this stone. The outstanding saturation and strong colour of this stone place it in a coveted category of its own.

A superb coloured diamond and diamond ring, by Graff. photo Image 2009 Christie's Ltd

Set with an oval-shaped fancy vivid yellow diamond weighing 9.03 carats, flanked on either side by a pear-shaped diamond, mounted in platinum and yellow gold, ring size 5, in navy blue leather Graff pouch. Signed Graff - Est. HK$7,200,000 - HK$9,000,000 ($933,185 - $1,166,481)

Accompanied by report no. 11386714 dated 20 July 2009 from the Gemological Institute of America stating that the 9.03 carat diamond is fancy vivid yellow, natural colour, VVS1 clarity

Accompanied by a supplemental letter stating that the diamond has been determined to be a type Ia diamond. Type Ia diamonds occurs in a range from near-colourless to yellow and brown. Because of their historic occurrence in South Africa, type Ia diamonds are often called 'Cape' diamonds. Today, diamonds of this type have been found in all major diamond-producing regions of the world

Among famous gem diamonds, the 127.00 carat Portuguese and the 101.29 carat Allnatt are examples of type Ia.

From Van Cleef & Arpels comes a sumptuous 16.65-carat cushion-shaped Kashmir sapphire ring (estimate: HK$5,600,000-8,000,000 / US$700,000-1,000,000). Sapphires from Kashmir are the world’s finest and most sought-after sapphires. Discovered in 1881, the Kashmir mines were exhausted by the early decades of the twentieth-century,making their sapphires exceedingly rare today. Featuring a finely-proportioned cut, this 16.65 carat azure gem is an exemplary specimen of the fabled Kashmir sapphire and its highly-esteemed ‘cornflower’ blue, a splendid and unrivalled depth of colour that is distinctive and treasured for its velvety appearance.

An exceptional sapphire and diamond 'pierres de caractère' ring, by Van Cleef & Arpels. photo Image 2009 Christie's Ltd

Set with a cushion-shaped sapphire weighing 16.65 carats, to the baguette and brilliant-cut diamond openwork gallery and half-hoop, mounted in 18k white gold, ring size 5¼, with French assay mark for gold, in black suede Van Cleef & Arpels case. Signed Van Cleef & Arpels, No. ML3245 (indistinct) - Est. HK$5,600,000 - HK$8,000,000 ($725,810 - $1,036,872)

Accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from Van Cleef & Arpels

Report no. 0405118 dated 1 June 2004 from the Gübelin Gemmological Laboratory stating that the 16.65 carat sapphire is of Kashmir origin, with no indications of thermal enhancement

Report no. 54512 dated 25 September 2009 from the SSEF Swiss Gemmological Institute stating that the 16.65 carat sapphire is of Kashmir origin, with no indications of heating

The final jewel offered from this esteemed private collection is The Cartier Diamond Love Cuff (estimate: HK$2,000,000-3,000,000 / US$250,000-350,000). Studded with high-quality diamonds, this jewel-cuff is a custom one-of-a-kind creation commissioned from Cartier’s famed Love collection – a series of the most romantic jewellery formed around the idea of a screw-head covered bracelet which could only be locked and unlocked with a screwdriver, representing one’s commitment to a beloved. The jewel opens as a clasp and while it does not require a screwdriver, it bears three onyx screw-head designs at its opening, symbolising those heartfelt connotations of the collection. Luxurious, stylish and elegant, The Cartier Diamond Love Cuff is the only one of its kind in the world. Demand for one-of-a-kind jewels and special contemporary creations has risen dramatically in recently years, making the appearance of such a remarkable jewel on the auction market a singular opportunity for collectors around the world.

A unique diamond and onyx 'love cuff', by Cartier. photo Image 2009 Christie's Ltd

Designed as a pavé-set diamond tapered cuff, to the screw head motif onyx and half-moon diamond clasp, mounted in 18k white gold, inner diameter 5.4 cm, in red leather Cartier case. Signed Cartier, No. 39700B - Est. HK$2,000,000 - HK$3,000,000 ($259,218 - $388,827)

Accompanied by a valuation report from Cartier

The Cartier Diamond Love Cuff

The House of Cartier has a long and distinguished history of serving the glittering royal houses of Europe in the West to the opulent dynasties of Siam, Nepal and India in the East. Today Cartier creates and evolves remaining true to its original ethos as an innovator in taste and fashion. This esteemed French jeweller continues to create one-of-a-kind emblamatic jewels, rare and imaginative pieces so beautiful and unique that they can only be associated with Cartier. Studded with high quality white diamonds, The Cartier Diamond Love Cuff is custom-made, commissioned from the house' famous Love collection - a series of the most romantic jewellery formed around the idea of a screw-head covered bracelet which could only be locked and unlocked with a screwdriver, representing one's commitment to a beloved. This symbol of love has since been adopted as a cult jewel by some of Hollywood's most celebrated couples including Nancy and Frank Sinatra, Sophia Loren and Carlo Ponti, Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor. The present diamond cuff is an ambitious extension in concept requiring the highest levels of professional craftsmanship. Cartier demonstrates that the beauty of a jewel does not depend on the use of large gemstones but that the sparkle of smaller diamonds can be equally effective in a combination of superb design and brilliant skill. The mille-grain setting, where the metal surface was punctured into tiny beads that caught light, ensures that not only the diamonds but the metal shimmers and glows, so increasing the hard refractive brilliance of the white stones. The jewel opens with a clasp and while it does not require a screwdriver, it bears three onyx screwhead motifs at its opening symbolising those heartfelt connotations of the Love collection. Luxurious, stylish and elegant, The Cartier Diamond Love Cuff is the only one of its kind in the world.

SUPERB COLOURED & COLOURLESS DIAMONDS

Among the many stand-out colourless diamonds offered is a magnificent unmounted 16.99 carat brilliant-cut, D colour, Flawless clarity, Type IIa diamond (estimate: HK$17,000,000-25,000,000 / US$2,200,000-3,200,000). Unlike 98% of all diamonds, Type IIa diamonds have no traces of the colorant nitrogen. The absence of this element makes Type IIa diamonds the most chemically pure type of diamond in the world, with a purity of colour and degree of transparency that is exceptionally rare and observed only in the finest stones originating from the fabled mines of Golconda, Brazil and South Africa. In addition to its Type IIa classification, the present diamond flaunts the GIA’s top grading with Excellent polish, Excellent cut, and Excellent symmetry, resulting in truly superlative stone.

A magnificent unmounted diamond. photo Image 2009 Christie's Ltd

Weighing 16.99 carats - Est. HK$17,000,000 - HK$25,000,000 ($2,203,353 - $3,240,225)

Accompanied by report no. 1674833800 dated 5 October 2009 from the
from the Gemological Institute of America stating that the 16.99 carat diamond is D colour, flawless clarity, with excellent cut, polish and symmetry

Also accompanied by a supplemental letter from the Gemological Institute of America stating the 16.99 carat diamond has been determined to be a type IIa. Type IIa diamonds are the most chemically pure type of diamond and often have exceptional optical transparency. Type IIa diamonds were first identified as originating from India (particularly from the Golconda region) but have since been recovered in all major diamond-producing regions of the world. Among famous gem diamonds, the 530.20 carat Cullinan and the 105.60 carat Koh-i-noor, are examples of Type IIa

Also of note among the colourless diamonds is an important 11.00 carat pear-shaped D colour, Flawless clarity, Type IIa diamond pendant necklace (estimate: HK$6,500,000-8,500,000 / US$800,000-1,200,000). The impressive size, pleasing shape, and high quality material of this stone result in a truly first-class gem for discerning collectors.

An elegant diamond pendant necklace. photo Image 2009 Christie's Ltd

Suspending a pear-shaped diamond weighing 11.00 carats, joined to the marquise-cut diamond spacer weighing 1.34 carats and the heart-shaped diamond surmount weighing 3.51 carats, alternated by rectangular-shaped fancy intense pink diamonds each within a brilliant-cut diamond quatrefoils, to the fine twin-row neckchain enhanced by intense pink and colourless diamonds, mounted in 18k white and rose gold, 40.5 cm long - Est. HK$6,500,000 - HK$8,500,000 ($842,459 - $1,101,677)

Accompanied by seven reports dated from 29 June 2006 to 13 March 2009 from the Gemological Institute of America with the following detail:

Report Date Weight Colour Clarity Cut
16926337 13/03/09 11.00 D Flawless Pear, ex/ex
14602251 29/06/06 3.51 D IF Heart
16772263 29/01/08 1.34 D IF Marquise, ex
17491732 15/10/08 0.27 Fancy intense purple-pink Rectangular
2101393250 25/11/08 0.22 Fancy intense purplish pink Rectangular
2105114621 22/09/08 0.21 Fancy intense purplish pink Rectangular
12814455 03/06/08 0.21 Fancy intense purplish pink Square

Also accompanied by a supplemental letter from the Gemological Institute of America stating the 11.00 carat diamond has been determined to be a type IIa. Type IIa diamonds are the most chemically pure type of diamond and often have exceptional optical transparency. Type IIa diamonds were first identified as originating from India (particularly from the Golconda region) but have since been recovered in all major diamond-producing regions of the world. Among famous gem diamonds, the 530.20 carat Cullinan and the 105.60 carat Koh-i-noor, are examples of Type IIa

The sale will also offer a number of rare and important coloured diamonds in addition to “The Vivid Pink.” Of note is a rare rectangular-cut Fancy Intense blue diamond of 3.02 carats (estimate: HK$7,500,000-10,000,000/US$940,000-1,280,000). Strongly coloured blue diamonds are one of the most sought-after gems; indeed, supply has been far outstripped by the demand. Blue diamonds have historically come from very few sources and their rare presence on the market offers an uncommon opportunity for collectors.

An important coloured diamond and diamond ring, by Tiffany & co. photo Image 2009 Christie's Ltd

Set with a rectangular-shaped fancy intense blue diamond weighing 3.02 carats, to the square-shaped diamond quarter-hoop, mounted in platinum, ring size 8, in black suede Tiffancy & Co. case. Signed Tiffany & Co. No. 23624184 - Est. HK$7,500,000 - HK$10,000,00 ($972,068 - $1,296,090)

Accompanied by report no. 6107994843 dated 10 August 2009 from the Gemological Institute of America stating that the 3.02 carat diamond is a fancy intense blue, natural colour, VS1 clarity.

Highly saturated diamonds ranging in the red to purple hues are considered to be the rarest of all fancy coloured diamonds, making the sale of the rectangular-shaped Fancy red diamond of 0.84 carats a most remarkable event for diamond connoisseurs (estimate: HK$2,000,000-3,000,000/ US$250,000-375,000). While the cause of its colour is not yet thoroughly understood, it is generally concluded that the red colour results from structural features in the diamond's crystal lattice combined possibly with minute quantities of nitrogen.

A rare coloured diamond and diamond ring. photo Image 2009 Christie's Ltd

Set with a rectangular-shaped fancy red diamond weighing 0.84 carat, within a pear-shaped diamond surround, to the pavé-set diamond fluted three-quarter hoop, mounted in 18k white and rose gold, ring size 5½ - Est. HK$2,000,000 - HK$3,000,000 ($259,218 - $388,827)

Accompanied by report no. 1102729888 dated 14 May 2009 from the Gemological Institute of America stating that the 0.84 carat diamond is fancy red, natural colour.

Additional coloured diamond highlights include a pair of 8.52 and 8.39-carat pear-shaped Fancy Yellow Internally Flawless diamond ear pendants (HK$3,200,000-4,800,000 / US$400,000-600,000). These well-matched diamonds boast a bright, beautiful strong colour worthy of the Fancy Yellow designation, making them rare and desirable collectors' specimens.

A pair of stunning coloured diamond and diamond ear pendants. photo Image 2009 Christie's Ltd

Each set with a pear-shaped fancy yellow diamond weighing 8.52 and 8.39 carats, joined to a baguette-cut diamond spacer and square-shaped diamond weighing 1.14 and 1.13 carats, mounted in platinum and 18k gold, 3.9 cm long - Est. HK$3,200,000 - HK$4,800,000 ($414,749 - $622,123)

Accompanied by two reports nos. 14999892 dated 6 December 2006 and 14999891 dated 20 December 2006 from the Gemological Institute of America stating that the 8.52 and 8.39 carat diamonds are fancy yellow, natural colour, internally flawless clarity

Accompanied by two reports nos. 15000983 dated 21 April 2006 and 15138656 dated 17 July 2006 from the Gemological Institute of America stating that the 1.14 and 1.13 carat diamonds are F colour, VS2 and VVS2 clarity respectively.

IMPORTANT GEMSTONES, NATURAL PEARLS & JADEITE, PLUS ELEGANT SIGNED JEWELS

An elegant 25.04-carat pear-shaped Burmese sapphire and diamond pendent necklace is featured among the offerings of coloured gems featured in the sale (estimate: HK$4,800,000-6,500,000 / US$600,000-800,000). Possessing a rich and finely saturated colour, this remarkable sapphire has been spared thermal treatment, a key factor for collectors today. Such a combination of characteristics is rare in natural Burmese sapphires of this size, making this stone among the top sale highlights.

An elegant sapphire and diamond pendent necklace. photo Image 2009 Christie's Ltd

Suspending a pear-shaped sapphire weighing 25.04 carats, within a brilliant-cut diamond surround, joined to the neckchain set with brilliant-cut diamonds alternating with circular-cut sapphires, mounted in platinum, 39.0 cm long. Est. HK$4,800,000 - HK$6,500,000 ($622,123 - $842,459)

Accompanied by report no. 98017011 dated 26 August 2008 from the AGTA Gemological Testing Center stating that the 25.04 carat sapphire is of Burma (Myanmar) origin with no indications of heating.

From famed Italian jewellery house Bulgari comes an emerald and diamond necklace from its Perentisi collection (estimate: HK$650,000-850,000/US$80,000-120,000). Showcasing a modern interpretation of one of the firm’s iconic creative designs originally inspired by the joints of the Roman pavements, this graceful necklace exhibits the superior workmanship reflective of Bulgari’s ancient roots and Italian craft heritage and is one of only ations ever produced by the jeweller.

An emerald and diamond necklace, by Bulgari. photo Image 2009 Christie's Ltd

Centering upon a pavé-set diamond plaque of geometric motif, enhanced by circular-cut emeralds, joined to a similarly-set spacer and length adjustable neckchain, mounted in 18k white gold, 43.0 to 47.5 cm long, in black leather Bulgari case. Signed Bulgari, Made in Italy, No. 1250RM - Est. HK$650,000 - HK$850,000 ($84,246 - $110,168)

Accompanied by a certificate of authenticity by Bulgari.

THE BVLGARI PARENTESI

The jeweller Bulgari is renowned for its bold, elegant and highly distinctive style that was inspired by Greek and Roman classicim, the Italian Renaissance and the nineteenth-century Roman school of goldsmiths. Each Bulgari creation is the culmination of a unique heritage and tradition of excellence which, today, fuses the classic with the contemporary. Since its beginnings in Rome in 1884 and throughout its years of expansion worldwide, Bulgari has launched jewellery trends and revivals that has captivated royalty, movie stars and others for more than a century. Within each category, Bulgari creates a few of those very special collectible pieces, commissioned exclusively for the discerning collector. Last spring, Christie's included a piece of high jewellery from the Astrale collection. This fall, Christie's is pleased to offer another high art piece - from the new Parentesi collection.

Bulgari's current Parentesi collection is an unconventional, original and modern reinterpretation of one of the most famous of the firm's iconic creative designs, originally inspired by the joints of Roman pavements. Lot 2412 is a stunning emerald and diamond necklace from the new Parentesi series - only two were ever produced by this Roman maison. The exciting openwork and stylised decorative motif comprising clean, geometric shapes combine to present a strong, well-balanced design while keeping an unmistakable femininity and elegance; their superior workmanship reflective of the jeweller's ancient roots and Italian craft heritage. Carefully-selected high quality emeralds set amongst sparkling white diamonds present a vivid impression of colour and beauty - a testament to the house' aesthetic vision. This glamourous Parentesi jewel demonstrates a predilection for very fine, exclusive pieces and will appeal to the lady with taste for an important Italian jewel.

Among the ruby highlights is an exquisite Art Deco ruby and diamond bracelet by Cartier (estimate: HK$5,000,000-8,000,000/US$625,000-1,000,000). Featuring a sleek and simple geometric design indicative of this bold period in the history jewellery, this rare jewel displays 24 untreated Burmese rubies, favoured by collectors for their distinct ‘pigeon’s blood’ red hue.

A highly important art deco ruby and diamond bracelet, by Cartier. photo Image 2009 Christie's Ltd

Designed as a stylised articulated band, centering upon an arched panel set with two rows of twenty-two oval and cushion-shaped rubies, alternated by square-shaped diamonds, within a baguette and brilliant-cut diamond trim, to the tapered pavé-set diamond panels joined by interlocking geometric links and an oval-shaped ruby accent, mounted in platinum, 1938, 17.5 cm long, in fitted red leather Cartier case. Signed Cartier London, No. 4821 - Est. HK$5,000,000 - HK$8,000,000 ($648,045 - $1,036,872)

Accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from Cartier

Also accompanied by report no. 41428 dated 22 July 2003 from the SSEF Swiss Gemmological Institute stating that the twenty-four rubies are of Burma (Myanmar) origin with no indications of thermal enhancement

The total weight of the certified rubies is 38.06 carats

Note: At the height of their dominance of the jewelry industry Cartier's power came from three offices around the world, Paris, New York and London. Each office was run by a member of the Cartier family, three brothers, Louis Cartier in Paris, Pierre in New York and Jacques in London. Cartier's office in London was opened in 1902 at 4 New Burlington Street, Jacques moved there in 1906 and moved the firm to 175/176 New Bond Street where it remains to this day. Each office was relatively independent establishing a style for themselves but also manufacturing pieces for one another. Cartier London was well known for their important jewelry (that was distributed to Paris and New York), Clocks and Tiaras. The stylized geometric style illustrated in this bracelet was mostly the work of the designer Frederick Pew who collaborated closely with Jacques Cartier. Protocol and etiquette had changed little since the First World War and formal jewelry was still obligatory at the Court of St James 's. Rubies and emeralds were the favored colored gems and this bracelet would probably be one of the last extremely important pieces made before the outbreak of World War II when business was to change dramatically.

Natural pearls have been highly prized throughout the ages and are a strong draw for collectors in Asia. Among this season’s natural pearl highlights is an elegant pair of diamond and natural pearl ear pendants from Chaumet (estimate : HK$1,800,000-2,800,000/US$230,000-350,000), a multicoloured graduated natural pearl necklace (estimate: HK$1,200,000-1,800,000/US$150,000-230,000), and a rare pair of natural pearl and diamond ear clips by Cartier (estimate: HK$1,280,000-1,800,000 / US$160,000-230,000).

A pair of fine natural pearl and diamond ear pendants, by Chaumet. photo Image 2009 Christie's Ltd

Each suspending a detachable natural pearl drop measuring 17.4 x 14.2 x 12.8 and 16.7 x 13.1 x 12.0 mm, joined to a floral motif surmount set with a brilliant-cut diamond pistil within collet-set pear-shaped diamond petals, mounted in platinum, 4.5 cm long, in red leather Chaumet case. With maker's marks for Chaumet (indistinct) - Est. HK$1,800,000 - HK$2,800,000 ($233,296 - $362,905)

Accompanied by report no. 96022712 dated 24 June 2009 from the AGTA Gemological Testing Center stating that the two part-drilled baroque drop pearls are natural saltwater pearls

Report no. 176818 dated 26 October 2006 from the CCIP French Gemological Laboratory stating that the two drop pearls are natural.

A very fine natural pearl necklace. photo Image 2009 Christie's Ltd

Composed of seventy-nine multi-coloured graduated natural pearls measuring from 4.0 to 9.9 mm, joined to the navette-shaped onyx clasp accented by a marquise-cut diamond, mounted in platinum, 52.5 cm long, in fitted red leather case. Est. HK$1,200,000 - HK$1,800,000 ($155,531 - $233,296)

Accompanied by report no. 54043 dated 15 July 2009 from the SSEF Swiss Gemmological Institute stating that the analysed properties confirm the authenticity of these seventy-eight saltwater natural pearls with one freshwater pearl (no. 40 from the clasp), with no indications of artificial colour modification.

A pair of rare natural pearl and diamond ear clips, by Cartier. photo Image 2009 Christie's Ltd

Each set with a button-shaped natural pearl measuring 14.6 x 11.1 and 14.3 x 9.5 mm, to the pavé-set diamond clip, mounted in 18k white gold, circa 1935, 1.7 cm long, with French assay mark for gold. Signed Cartier - Est. HK$1,280,000 - HK$1,800,000 ($165,900 - $233,296)

Accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from Cartier

Also accompanied by report no. 53059 dated 16 December 2008 from the SSEF Swiss Gemmological Institute stating that the analysed properties confirm the authenticity of these two saltwater natural pearls

Jadeite forms an important cornerstone of Christie’s sales of magnificent jewels each season in Hong Kong is season’s stand-out offerings are a magnificent carved jadeite Guanyin (estimate: HK$8,000,000-12,000,000 / US$1,000,000-1,500,000) and a carved jadeite figure of Metteyya Buddha, commonly referred to as the “Laughing Buddha” or “Buddha with a Big Belly” due to his physical features (estimate: HK$6,000,000-8,000,000 / US$750,000 – 1,000,000). These two extremely precious objects are carved from old-mine jadeite and boasts uniform colour, rich and detailed texture, excellent translucency despite its thickness, and extraordinary craftsmanship in the carving.

A magnificent carved jadeite Guanyin. photo Image 2009 Christie's Ltd

Designed as a very fine carved jadeite guanyin of brilliant emerald green colour and high translucency, mounted in 18k white gold, to the carved rock crystal stand, carving approximately 67.66 x 38.79 x 9.33. Est. HK$8,000,000 - HK$12,000,000 ($1,036,872 - $1,555,308)

Accompanied by report no KJ44882 dated 9 October 2009 from the Hong Kong Jade & Stone Laboratory stating that the carving is natural jadeite and no polymer is detected.

An exceptional carved jadeite of Milefo. photo Image 2009 Christie's Ltd

Designed as a very well-carved jadeite laughing Buddha of brilliant emerald green colour and high translucency, mounted in 18k white gold, to the carved rock crystal stand, carving approximately 47.83 x 47.78 x 9.33 - Est. HK$6,000,000 - HK$8,000,000 ($777,654 - $1,036,872)

Accompanied by report no KJ44881 dated 9 October 2009 from the Hong Kong Jade & Stone Laboratory stating that the carving is natural jadeite and no polymer is detected.

Also of note is a rare jadeite bi and diamond pendant necklace (estimate: HK$4,500,000-6,500,000 / US$565,000-800,000). The exquisite material of the jadeite with its even emerald green colour and high translucency is enhanced by its form: a flattened disc with a hole in the centre, referred to as bi. In ancient Chinese cosmology, the bi mirrored the rounded arch of the sky across which the sun moved and the stars revolved. This outline also recalled the ancient Chinese pictograph for the sun, a circle with a dot within.

A impressive jadeite bi and diamond pendant necklace. photo Image 2009 Christie's Ltd

Suspending a jadeite hoop of even vivid emerald green colour and high translucency, to the pear-shaped diamond surmount weighing 1.52 carats and a detachable silver cord, mounted in 18k white gold, hoop diameter approximately 31.05 mm, thickness approximately 6.03 mm, necklace 42.5 cm long - Est. HK$4,500,000 - HK$6,500,000 ($583,241 - $842,459)

Accompanied by report no. KJ44449 dated 10 September 2009 from the Hong Kong Jade & Stone Laboratory stating that the hoop is natural jadeite and no polymer is detected.

Other jadeite highlights include a stylish pair of jadeite ear pendants from Hong Kong jewellery designer Wallace Chan (estimate: HK$1,200,000-1,800,000 / US$150,000-230,000); and a pair of three-coloured jadeite bangles (estimate: HK$1,800,000-2,800,000 / US$230,000-350,000).

A pair of stylish jadeite, coloured diamond and sapphire ear pendants, by Wallace Chan. photo Image 2009 Christie's Ltd

Each suspending a jadeite bar of brilliant emerald green colour and high translucency, enhanced by the pavé-set diamond tudor arcs with jadeite cabochon accents, to the oval-shaped yellow diamond link and pavé-set sapphire hook, mounted in titanium, rods approximately 28.70 x 5.15 x 6.08 and 28.41 x 5.25 x 6.20 mm, ear pendants 7.5 cm long. Signed Wallace Chan - Est. HK$1,200,000 - HK$1,800,000 ($155,531 - $233,296)

Accompanied by report nos. KJ44385 and KJ44386 dated 8 September 2009 from the Hong Kong Jade & Stone Laboratory stating that the rods are natural jadeite and no polymer is detected (2).

A pair of three-coloured jadeite bangles. photo Image 2009 Christie's Ltd

Each highly translucent semi-cylindrical circular jadeite band of bright emerald green, russet and very light yellow colour, representing the rebus 'good fortune, prosperity and longevity', inner diameter approximately 57.20 and 55.17 mm, width approximately 14.16 and 14.70 mm, thickness approximately 8.80 and 8.18 mm - Est. HK$1,800,000 - HK$2,800,000 ($233,296 - $362,905)

Accompanied by report nos. KJ44301 and KJ44302 dated 1 September 2009 from the Hong Kong Jade & Stone Laboratory stating that the bangles are natural jadeite and no polymer is detected (2).

Auction: Jewels: The Hong Kong Sale Tuesday, December 1, 3:00pm

Free Public Exhibition: - Fubon Life Assurance Building, Taiwan Saturday to Sunday, November 21-22, 10.30am-6.30pm
- Grand Hall, Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre Thursday November 27-Tuesday December 1, 10.30am-6pm