The Ones to Watch at Phillips’ Jewels & Jadeite Auction

By Annie Davidson Watson | May 11, 2023

On May 23, Phillips auction house will host its Jewels & Jadeite sale in Hong Kong, headlined by a Bulgari necklace with diamonds and a 118 ct. Sri Lankan sapphire. “Unique in its size, color, and origin, the stone embodies the transparency and luminosity pursued by Bulgari for its high jewelry creations,” said Benoît Repellin, Phillips’ worldwide head of jewelry, in a statement. “This jewel is a holy grail for any collector, with a classic and elegant design typical of Bulgari that emphasizes the beauty and extraordinariness of the gem.” The necklace goes to auction with an estimate of $3.05 million to $4.5 million.

Further, the auction will include pieces from other leading houses. “In addition to the exceptional Bulgari sapphire and diamond necklace to lead this season’s sale, we are delighted to offer an array of iconic signed pieces such as the Zip necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels and the vintage Tutti Frutti brooches by Cartier,” said Charlene Lau, the head of Phillips Jewels’ Hong Kong department, in a statement. “The sale is also highlighted by a selection of the finest Burmese rubies and rare colored diamonds that are highly sought after in the market.

“We have witnessed a significant growth with unprecedented participation and sell-through rates last season,” Lau said, “and we look forward to carrying on this sturdy buying momentum to our new sale room in Hong Kong this May.” Here’s a closer look at a few of those highlights.

Tiffany ring — *Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co. ring in yellow gold and platinum with a 6.26 ct. sapphire and marquise-shape and brilliant-cut diamonds, estimate $260,000–$360,000*

Chanel brooch — *Chanel Camellia brooch in white gold and platinum with carved onyx and diamonds, estimate $28,000–$40,000*

Ruby and diamond bracelet — *Bracelet in white gold with oval- and cushion-shape Burmese rubies and diamonds, estimate $88,000–$120,000*

Yellow Diamond earrings — *Earrings with 7.05 ct. and 7.28 ct. cut-cornered square modified brilliant-cut fancy intense yellow diamonds and baguette diamonds mounted in white gold, estimate $170,000–$230,000*

Cartier brooches — *Cartier Tutti Frutti brooches (circa 1920s) in platinum with single-cut diamonds and carved rock crystals, estimate $62,000–$88,000*

Van Cleef Arpels necklace — *Van Cleef & Arpels Zip necklace in pink gold and platinum with brilliant-cut diamonds and circular-cut pink sapphires, estimate $150,000–$200,000*

Top: Bulgari necklace in platinum and white gold with 118.35 ct. Sri Lankan sapphire, 2 ct. brilliant-cut diamond, and pear-shape diamonds, estimate $3,050,000–$4,500,000 (photos courtesy of Phillips)

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