The 10.09-carat emerald ring sold by Bonhams Hong Kong in November 2014 for HK$7.2 million
Cover The 10.09-carat emerald ring sold by Bonhams Hong Kong in November 2014 for HK$7.2 million (Photo: Courtesy of Bonhams)
From sparkling sapphires to elegant emeralds, coloured gemstones are back in vogue. Our experts share some of their favourite jewels that have gone under the hammer

1. Wenhao Yu, Sotheby's Asia

Tatler Asia
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 15: An Art Deco bracelet made by Cartier in 1927 and set with a 46.07 carats Burmese cabochon sapphire (estimated at $2-3m) goes on view at Sotheby's on October 17, 2019 in London, England. The bracelet will be auctioned in Geneva on 13 November 2019.(Photo by Tristan Fewings/Getty Images for Sotheby's)
Above The 1927 Cartier bracelet from Sotheby’s Magnificent Jewels and Noble Jewels sale sold for over US$6 million. (Photo: Getty Images)

“The 1927 Cartier bracelet from Sotheby’s Magnificent Jewels and Noble Jewels sale in November 2019. It had a 47.07-carat, royal-blue Burmese sapphire and I was honoured to bid on behalf of a client from Asia. It went from US$2 million to US$5 million in just two minutes. After a battle that lasted almost half an hour, it was sold for over US$6 million.”

See also: The Rise Of Coloured Gemstones And How To Wear Them

2. Jean Ghika, Bonhams

Tatler Asia
The 10.09-carat emerald ring sold by Bonhams Hong Kong in November 2014 for HK$7.2 million
Above The 10.09-carat emerald ring sold by Bonhams Hong Kong in November 2014 for HK$7.2 million

“The cushion-shaped, 10.09-carat antique ‘no oil’ Colombian emerald, which was sold at a Bonhams Hong Kong auction in November 2014 for HK$7.2 million.”

See also: 5 Expert Tips On How To Care For Your Watches And Jewellery Collections

3. Lucia Silvestri, Bulgari

“A beautiful cushion-cut, 31-carat Sri Lankan sapphire was auctioned by Christie’s in Geneva in 2011. I almost bought it but at the very end the price shot up and I had to bail out. I will never forget it.”

See also: This Rare 40-Carat Blue Diamond Has Been Purchased For US$40.18 Million

4. Andrew Coxon, De Beers

Tatler Asia
Sotheby’s HK Spring Sales media preview of a De Beers Millennium Jewel 4 blue diamond at the Sotheby’s Gallery in Admiralty. 22MAR16 SCMP/ Dickson Lee
Above Sotheby’s HK Spring Sales media preview of a De Beers Millennium Jewel 4 blue diamond at the Sotheby’s Gallery in Admiralty. 22MAR16 SCMP/ Dickson LeeThe De Beers Millennium Jewel 4. (Photo: Getty Images)

“It would have to be the oval-shaped, 10.10-carat Fancy Vivid blue diamond known as The De Beers Millennium Jewel 4, which was sold by Sotheby’s Hong Kong in April 2016 for US$31.8 million. In 2000, I had valued it at US$5 million.”

See also: Bulgari's Lucia Silvestri Breaks Down Her Favourite Magnifica High Jewellery Pieces

5. Elena Basaglia, Gemfields

Tatler Asia
Above Inkalamu, a 5,655-carat Zambian emerald crystal. (Photo: Gemfields)

“In November 2018 we sold Inkalamu, a 5,655-carat Zambian emerald crystal with remarkable clarity and a perfectly balanced golden-green hue. It’s difficult to estimate how many individual gems will be cut from it, but I’m sure its offspring will continue its legacy for generations to come.”

See also: Classic High Jewellery Pieces Every Woman Should Own

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