Sotheby’s Hong Kong’s Magnificent Jewels Spring Sale is set to happen on 20 April 2021. It will offer a diverse selection of jewellery, honouring the workmanship and designs of the skilled artisans from Bulgari, Cartier, Chanel, Hermes, and more. The stars of this impressive line-up are two breathtaking pieces which represent the zenith of bracelet designs.
Wenhao Yu, Deputy Chairman of Jewellery with Sotheby’s Asia, feels that this auction would be of special significance or the Asian market, saying, “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.”
On the subject of the auction’s two centrepieces, Yu commented, “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”.
A Radiant Marriage of Diamond and Rock Crystal
A part of the High Jewellery Collection “L’Odyssée de Cartier – Parcours d’un Style”, the Diamond and Rock Crystal Bangle-Bracelet is truly a sight to behold. Taking almost 2000 hours to craft, the Cartier bracelet is an homage to an Art Deco inspiration that illustrates the prowess of the Maison’s artisans.
Cartier has made a name for itself since the early 19th century, taking brilliant stones and transforming them into the most magnificent pieces of art that the defy norms of High Jewellery. This piece is no different, featuring a 63.66 carat, D colour diamond at its heart. The craftsmen at Cartier elevated the bracelet’s elegance by adorning it with rock crystals, polished using a traditional technique from the Renaissance period, pioneered by Louis Cartier himself. The ice-like crystals and diamond shimmer with a celestial brilliance, subtly complementing each other and providing depth and contrast to the whole design, elevating the bracelet’s incandescent beauty.
The Diamond and Rock Crystal Bangle-Bracelet is estimated to command a price of HK$40,000,000-65,000,000 or US$5,160,000-8,390,000
A Graceful Symbol of Unity
Jade and jadeite have long held a special significance in Asia, embodying beauty and nobility. It seems only fitting that Sotheby’s Magnificent Jewel Sale should feature a plethora of “Type A” jadeite jewellery from the likes of Wallace Chan and FORMS. The highlight of this selection is the “Circle of Happiness”. The jadeite bangle, considered “a true treasure of nature” by SSEF, weighs a remarkable 277.673 carats and seems to be a direct contrast to the previous piece from Cartier. While the Diamond and Rock Crystal Bangle-Bracelet was brilliantly eye-catching, the Circle of Happiness exudes a much more understated beauty. Crafted from the finest jadeite mined in Myanmar, the bangle possesses many subtle shades of green which reveal themselves to the wearer upon closer inspection. Under a light, it reveals an enchanting translucency, and seems to glow from within.
Sotheby’s Hong Kong did not reveal the estimated value of this piece, choosing only to divulge it to prospective buyers upon request.
Beauty And The Beholder
As they say, “beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder”. To fully capture the beauty of these magnificent jewels would require someone with a deep personal appreciation for such artistry. Sotheby’s thus joined forces with model Zelia Zhong, and celebrity stylist and photographer Olivia Tsang, herself a lover of High Jewellery.
Olivia Tsang found her passion combining the worlds of photography and women’s styling following an established career in magazines, specialising in men’s wear. She describes her work as bringing out the distinct character of her subjects. For this shoot, it was about highlighting Zelia Zhong’s energy and the synergy between her and the pieces she wore.
“I love Zelia’s energy and her smile. The way she interacts with the jewellery really brings the pieces to life. It was about positivity and new beginnings like spring – a revival of energy after a quiet winter,” Tsang said. “There were no static poses and more candid happy vibes.”
In this shoot, she broke away from established norms, choosing to mix and match the pieces of High Jewellery with simpler clothes, creating a more understated, grounded look. “I feel that more women are wearing high jewellery in a way that it’s no longer about making a statement but dressing down. Traditionally high jewellery was meant to be worn for special occasions and in the evening, but with the pandemic I think there is a more relaxed trend happening globally. The chemistry between casualwear and high jewellery is exciting – there are no rules. Today you can wear diamonds with a T-shirt, blazer and jeans.”
Sotheby’s Magnificent Jewel Spring Sale will feature preview exhibitions by appointment in Shanghai, Shenzhen, Singapore, Taipei and Hong Kong, before the auction set for 20 April at Sotheby’s Gallery at One Pacific Place in Hong Kong. For more details on the auction and pieces, head over to Sotheby’s website.
All images courtesy of Sotheby’s.