A pair of earrings adorned with “pigeon’s blood” rubies of 4.04 carats and 4.03 carats, respectively, is the star of Phillips’ Jewels & Jadeite sale scheduled for June 23 in Hong Kong.

The earrings, further accentuated with 9.89 carats of brilliant cut diamonds, have a pre-sale estimate of HK$15 million to HK$18 million (around US$2 million to US$2.3 million). According to the auction house, both rubies are characterised by “an outstanding purity and an attractive saturated red colour” – a combination rarely encountered in Burmese rubies of such size.

Another highlight of the sale is a 20.30-carat, D-flawless, oval-shaped diamond, which has been certified by the Gemological Institute of America as having “the highest colour and clarity,” revealed Phillips. The diamond is expected to fetch HK$12 million to HK$15 million (around US$1.5 million to US$1.9 million).

Featuring 124 lots, the sale will also offer signed pieces by Bulgari, Boucheron, Cartier, Chaumet, Chopard, Graff, JAR, Tiffany & Co and Van Cleef & Arpels. 

Worldwide Head of Jewellery at Phillips Graeme Thompson said the event follows a record year for Phillips Jewels in Hong Kong, which saw the resilience of jewellery market worldwide. He noted, “We expect our carefully curated auction will continue to attract Phillips’ ever-growing community of collectors from across the globe, achieving solid prices and sell-through rates.”