Phillips to Sell Record Emerald Collection

RAPAPORT… Phillips will offer the largest single-owner collection of fine jewelry in the company’s history, including the biggest group of Zambian emeralds ever to appear at auction.

The upcoming Hong Kong sale of more than 170 jewels belonging to a Middle Eastern collector will be split into concurrent live and online events, Phillips said last week. The digital version, named Treasures from Zambia: An Exceptional Emerald Collection, runs from November 23 to December 2. It comprises 45 lots, led by a 56.87-carat Zambian emerald and diamond necklace valued at up to $1.1 million. A matching 16.48-carat emerald and diamond ring has a high estimate of $200,000.

The live auction, which will take place on November 27, features more than 130 lots of Burmese and Mozambique rubies, Colombian emeralds, Burmese sapphires, and colored and white diamonds. Highlights include a necklace, bracelet, ring and earrings, all featuring Burmese rubies and diamonds, with the entire set carrying an upper valuation of $275,000. Also available is a 7.07-carat, D-flawless diamond ring with a high estimate of $600,000.

“We anticipate strong interest in both sales of this incredible single-owner collection, given that it is the most comprehensive collection of jewels ever to come to Phillips,” said Graeme Thompson, worldwide head of jewelry at Phillips.

Meanwhile, Phillips will also hold a live jewelry auction in New York on December 6, it added. That sale will spotlight signed pieces by JAR, Paul Flato, Bulgari and Cartier, as well as jewels with “exceptional provenance,” many of which will be offered for the first time. An accompanying online sale, from December 2 to 8, will feature a large selection of men’s jewelry, along with pieces by Buccellati, Vhernier, Pomellato, Cartier and Tiffany & Co.

Image: The Zambian emerald necklace and ring. (Phillips)