Fancy-Blue Diamonds to Lead Phillips Auction

RAPAPORT... A matched pair of fancy-blue diamond earrings with an upper estimate of $770,000 will lead the Hong Kong Jewels & Jadeite auction at Phillips next week.The diamonds, weighing 1.12 and 1.13 carats, have been meticulously cut to maximize their color, the company said recently, calling these stones "one of the most desirable and sought-after of all jewels." The blue diamonds have clarity grades in the range of VVS to VS. Offered in two lots, the items will include a 2.21-carat, fancy-blue diamond pendant that is convertible to a ring and has a high valuation of $770,000. Included in the June 5 sale will be an Asscher-cut, 10.59 carat, D-flawless diamond ring with an upper estimate of $830,000. The type IIa stone has been cut from a 30.80-carat rough from Gem Diamonds' Let??eng mine in Lesotho, a frequent source of large and high-quality diamonds. Type IIa goods account for fewer than 2% of natural colorless diamonds, Phillips added.The spring auction will feature 165 lots in total, and will be held at the JW Marriott, marking the company's 10th jewelry sale in Hong Kong. It will feature a wide range of colored gemstones, as well as signed pieces from the likes of Harry Winston, Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Graff."The diverse offering of this collection, from the rarest diamonds to the most sought-after iconic designs, will have vast appeal to international collectors and influential tastemakers alike," said Graeme Thompson, Phillips's global head of jewelry.Next week's Hong Kong auction follows a recent online sale in which the company said it achieved a 100% sell-through rate, demonstrating a highly resilient market for fine-quality jewels in Asia.Image: The fancy-blue diamond earrings. (Phillips)