JNA Nov/ Dec 2020

JNA Nov/Dec 2020 | 15 專題報道 ‘Tutti Frutti’ bracelet by Cartier sold by Sotheby’s in April 蘇富比於 4 月售出的卡地亞 Tutti Frutti 手鐲 likewise implemented a booking system on its website in preparation for a resumption in physical viewings to control the number of customers and ensure their safety. With the pandemic altering companies’ business strategies, Whittaker said the majority of its auctions are now timed and online only as opposed to holding a number of live auctions per month pre-pandemic. Its flagship auctions – Fine Jewellery and The Luxury Watch Sale – are still held live on alternating months. “Our customers have enjoyed the new timed format as we have seen record registrations and the same demand, if not more,” explained Whittaker. “Our overall business strategy is to prioritise user experience – whether this is the customer’s bidding journey or the vendor’s interactions with our team when selling in one of our auctions.” Online auctions also indicate evolving customer preferences in light of the coronavirus crisis. Charlene Lau, head of Phillips Hong Kong’s jewellery department, said buyers’ appetite for fine gems and jewellery was even stronger this year since they are motivated to invest in high-value items. “Buyers are looking to purchase jewels, diamonds and gemstones as a store of wealth and as a hedge against possible future inflation,” Lau noted. “Also, they have become very sentimental during the pandemic, buying jewels for themselves and their loved ones as a reward during these difficult times.” Phillips tripled the number of its online sales compared to last year to adapt to changes in a Covid-19 world. It also incorporated new features in its digital events, including images of every item worn by models and 360-degree videos. For instance, Phillips hosted two cross-category online sales this year, which were curated with a lifestyle concept and included contemporary art, watches and jewellery. The response was overwhelming, and each sale saw nearly 56 per cent of buyers new to Phillips, revealed Lau. Top-performing jewellery and gemstone pieces during various auctions in 2020 were confined to the realm of the rare and valuable. Here’s a list of the eight most sought-after lots at jewellery auctions. 2020 年各拍賣會上表現最出色的珠 寶和寶石不離至珍至罕之列。其中成 交最高的拍品如下： A 12.11-carat fancy intense internally flawless marquise brilliant-cut blue diamond ring, named The Yan Diamond, which sold for HK$122.38 million (US$15.78 million) at a live auction by Christie’s in July 12.11 克拉內部無瑕濃彩欖尖明亮型切割藍鑽戒指 '燕蘭'， 7 月在佳士得的現場拍賣會上，以 1.2238 億 港元( 1,578 萬美元)成交 A 102.39-carat D-colour flawless oval diamond, which sold for HK$121.6 million (around US$15.7 million) at a Sotheby’s auction in October 102.39 克拉 D 色無瑕橢圓形巨鑽， 10 月在蘇富比的 拍賣會上，以 1.2156 億港元(約 1,570 萬美元)成交