Exceptional coloured gems were the stars of Sotheby’s Magnificent Jewels auction, demonstrating rising demand for stellar, top-quality investment-grade gemstones and jewellery.

An imperial green jadeite bead and diamond necklace, which sold for HK$63 million (around US$8.12 million), topped the bill at the October 7 sale, followed by a rare jadeite and diamond parure, which was snapped up for HK$14.09 million (around US$1.81 million). 

The latest auction brought this season’s jewellery sale total to HK$426 million (around US$55 million) for Sotheby’s.

Wenhao Yu, deputy chairman, Jewellery at Sotheby's Asia, said the encouraging auction results were achieved despite travel restrictions, with two-thirds of buyers participating from outside Hong Kong – a testament to the company’s digital platform and outreach. 

“Collectors’ taste in the region remains selective, with eyes focusing on rare, top-quality investment grade jewellery – whether diamonds, gemstones or jadeite – and pieces with a strong design appeal, whether antique, period, contemporary or signed,” noted Yu. 

Appetite for jadeite pieces of the highest calibre also remains unabated based on auction results since July. 

Another highlight of the sale was a 6.41-carat unheated Burmese “Pigeon’s Blood” ruby and diamond ring designed and mounted by Hong Kong-based gemstone jewellery specialist FORMS. The piece fetched HK$22 million (around US$2.83 million). Other show-stoppers were an emerald, white and fancy colour diamond ring, which generated HK$9.61 million (around US$1.24 million); and a 5.22-carat fancy intense blue diamond and diamond ring, which raked in HK$34.66 million (around US$4.47 million).