$6M 'Bubble Gum' Ring to Lead Christie's HK

RAPAPORT... A diamond named for its resemblance to bubble gum will go under thehammer at Christie's Hong Kong sale later this month. The rare cushion modified brilliant-cut, 3.44-carat,fancy-vivid-purplish-pink diamond, which is internally flawless, will lead theMagnificent Jewels sale on May 28, the auction house said last week. The centerstone of the ring by jeweler Moussaieff, called the Bubble Gum Pink, is surrounded bypear-shaped pink diamonds and marquise-cut white diamonds. The lot has apresale estimate of $6 million to $8 million. Christie's will also offer a cut-cornered rectangularstep-cut, 3.01-carat, fancy-vivid-blue diamond ring. The piece, which featurestwo heart brilliant-cut, fancy-intense-purple-pink diamonds on either side, isvalued at $4.7 million to $7 million. Other notable items include a cushion-shaped, 26.41-caratKashmir sapphire brooch, surrounded by old-cut diamonds, estimated at $4million to $6.5 million. A pair of Grand Muzos earrings featuring two Colombianemeralds weighing 23.34 carats and 23.18 carats, with white diamonds andpearls, will be offered at the auction for $3.8 million to $6.5 million. Signed jewelry by Bulgari and Harry Winston, as well as arare Jadeite bead necklace and Jadeite cabochon ring, will also be on sale. "The striking centerpieces of Christie's spring salesinclude both fancy-vivid-blue and pink diamonds, as well as one of the finestemeralds ever to come to auction," said Vickie Sek, chairman of Christie'sjewelry for Asia. "This collection of some of the most prized gems is bound todraw strong interest from collectors around the world." Image: The Moussaieff Bubble Gum Pink. (Christie's)