Precious gems, watches expected to earn big bids

An array of diamonds, gemstones, jadeite and natural pearls worth more than HK$210 million will be showcased by Sotheby's in Hong Kong on Tuesday.

The highlight is a 28.28-carat diamond and seed-pearl pendant necklace expected to bring as much as HK$28 million. The heart-shaped diamond represents white diamonds at their best - D-colour, internally flawless clarity, type IIA purity, excellent polish and impeccable symmetry, as graded by the Gemological Institute of America. The weight of 28.28 carats is auspicious in China. The unique design is augmented by a fringe of seed pearl tassels.

The necklace was designed by James de Givenchy, who works under the name Taffin. He is also the creative director of Sotheby's Diamonds.

A 12.13-carat fancy purplish-pink diamond ring is expected to fetch up to HK$22 million, a pair of marquise-shaped diamond earrings totalling 16.58 carats could yield HK$14 million and a 3.72-carat blue diamond ring is estimated to sell for up to HK$22 million.

'Savvy buyers are offered unprecedented saleroom opportunities to acquire well-estimated top diamonds and jewellery,' said Quek Chin Yeow, head of Sotheby's Asia jewellery department.

Also on Tuesday, Sotheby's will auction more than 160 watches with an estimated value of HK$27 million, including fine examples of minute repeating watches by Patek Philippe, Vacheron Constantin, Jaeger LeCoultre and Corum.