The Bonhams Hong Kong 2013 Spring Fine Jewelry & Jadeite Auction held on 25 May at the Island Ballroom of the Island Shangri-La Hotel offers sparks of marvels that will entice collectors and aficionados alike.
Headlining the sale is Lot 1092, a magnificent art deco ruby and diamond necklace, by Cartier, circa 1925, with an estimate of HK$3,000,000 – 4,000,000. Featuring approximately 20.00ct of rubies and 30.00ct of diamonds, the necklace’s linear outline and geometric design are classic examples of the art deco period. This important necklace was illustrated in the book “Bijoux Art Deco” by renowned French author Sylvie Raulet.
The Art Deco period is one of the most popular and enduring design periods in the history of jewelry. The style reflected the flamboyant and playful attitudes of the era and gave birth to forms and motifs that continue to live on today. Defined by geometric forms and bold colors, the Art Deco jewelry style was in sharp contrast to the jewels of preceding periods. Diamonds were extremely popular in the Art Deco period and were often accompanied by the bright colors of rubies, sapphires and emeralds. While the Art Deco period covers the early 1920s through 1935, its influence extends all the way through the 1950s and 1960s and indeed to the current day.
The Cartier ruby and diamond necklace offered at the Bonhams sale bears witness to the iconic Art Deco style and is imbued with the Maison’s savoir-faire. Reminiscent of a work of art, this Egyptian revival necklace features a series of fifteen cushion-shaped rubies graduating in size to the center, each within a geometric surround of brilliant and baguette-cut diamonds forming a tapering plaque, the back chain of shield and circular linking pavé set with similarly cut diamonds, the largest to the center.
Commenting on the sale of this important piece, Graeme Thompson, Head of Jewelry for Bonhams Asia, said: ‘We are delighted to be offering such a superb ruby and diamond necklace for sale at Bonhams on 25 May. Necklaces of this period are extremely difficult to find, even more so when they are by Cartier, a House synonymous with Fine Jewelry. Without doubt this jewel that exemplifies Art Deco jewelry at its best.’
The Fine Jewelry & Jadeite Auction features 190 lots with a total estimate of over HK$47 million.
