Sotheby’s Hong Kong will present for sale two breathtaking bangles, each representing in their very own way the pinnacle of bangle design. The first is a diamond and rock crystal bangle-bracelet combining the legendary artistry and craftmanship of Cartier with a phenomenal 63.66-carat pear-shaped internally flawless white diamond (est. HK$40,000,000-65,000,000 / US$5,160,000-8,390,000), the second, a sensational jadeite bangle weighing 277.673 carats and described by the SSEF laboratory as “a true treasure of nature” (estimate upon request).
The Magnificent Jewels sale, which will take place on 20 April, is also distinguished by a wide range of signed jewellery, comprising half of the total offered lots. Celebrating craftsmanship, iconic designs, and treasures of nature, the sale will present an impressive jewellery selection from the houses of Boucheron, Bulgari, Cartier, Chanel, Chopard, Graff, Harry Winston, Hermes, Sotheby’s Diamonds, Van Cleef & Arpels and more.
The appetite for high-quality jewels has never been stronger in Asia, with discerning collectors looking for rare diamonds and gemstones, as well as unique and iconic designs. The star lot of the sale, the unique diamond and rock crystal bangle-bracelet by Cartier combines a phenomenal diamond, mesmerizing design and impeccable craftsmanship, and represents a high jewellery collectible that will shine through time.
Star Lot of the Season – Diamond and Rock Crystal Bangle-Bracelet by Cartier
(EST. HK$40,000,000-65,000,000 / US$5,160,000-8,390,000)
Synonymous with the term ‘iconic’ in the world of jewellery, Cartier is celebrated for its exemplary collections such as Panthère de Cartier and Tutti Frutti, but the most coveted of all is their high jewellery collection.
Since the early 19th century, highly collectable diamonds and gemstones have been elevated into magnificent jewels on passing through the French Maison. Enigmatic stones that bear witness to the origin of the world are reimagined and transformed into creations that shake up the conventions of high jewelry.
Taking nearly 2,000 hours to create, the DIAMOND AND ROCK CRYSTAL BANGLE-BRACELET from the High Jewellery collection “L’Odyssée de Cartier – Parcours d’un Style” pays homage to an Art Deco inspiration and features a 63.66 carat D colour, internally flawless diamond set amongst rock crystal, a type of quartz celebrated for its ice-like allure. The innovative marriage of materials creates a dialogue between two colourless gemstones complementing one another in a subtle yet palpable manner, giving the design a stylistic feature full of imaginative flair and immeasurable character.
In fact, the use of rock crystal has been made popular since the 1920s by jewellers such as Louis Cartier, who was considered a pioneer in working with the material. Cartier utilized a polishing technique from the Renaissance period to give a soft shine to rock crystal which, when paired with a diamond, creates an intriguing light effect, working in harmony yet providing texturized depth and modern contrast (Estimate: US$5,160,000-8,390,000).
Exceptional Jadeites
Following the strong results for jadeite achieved last year, this season’s sale will continue to offer a captivating selection of extraordinary “Type A” jadeite jewellery in conventional shapes, alongside elegant designs by contemporary designers including Wallace Chan and FORMS.
