Reena Ahluwalia’s Award-Winning Diamond Necklace to be Showcased in Oscars Celebrity Suite

Canoe diamond necklace

Toronto-based jewelry designer Reena Ahluwalia was recently honored as a winner of the Rio Tinto Diamonds Global Design Competition for her “Canoe” diamond necklace. It will be among winning designs that will be showcased at the annual Academy Awards 2012 with a chance to be selected and worn on the red carpet by Hollywood’s elite.

Set in 18K white gold, with 28.96 carats of Canadian diamonds, Ahluwalia said the necklace was inspired by a poetic image of the magical Canadian landscape and its pristine white winters. It captures a snapshot of a snow covered canoe in a frozen crystalline lake.

“Celebrating the magic and beauty of Canada, my home, is the inspiration for my design,” she said. “Canoe is a carrier of Canadian myths, a symbol very unique to Canada that represents voyage, harmony with nature, discovery and courage. It is one of the greatest gifts the First Nations people gave to all those who came after.”

Reena Ahluwalia with her trophy.

After receiving a record number of entries from around the globe, a panel of judges from the U.S. jewelry and fashion industries gathered in New York to select nine winners in four categories: Ahluwalia, received the Master Craftsman award in the Canadian Diamonds category.  

The necklace comes together with two diamond-studded links embracing the neck that represent the fluidity of lake. Irregular intersecting lines, studded with Ideal Square cut diamonds depict the chunks of floating ice. The necklace culminates into a canoe shaped element. “Canoe” has an angled faceted interior,

“I wanted the diamonds to reflect on the opposite facets for a dramatic shine and create an icy crystalline look,” Ahluwalia said.

Crossworks Manufacturing Ltd., a manufacturer of branded Canadian diamonds, collaborated with Ahluwalia, sponsored manufacturing and provided Canadian diamonds for the necklace.

Read More

JAR Diamond Ring, 6-Carat Burmese Ruby and Jade Necklace at Christie’s Hong Kong Auction

JAR three-diamond ring. Photo Credit: CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2012

The upcoming Christie’s Hong Kong Magnificent Jewels sale is turning out to be something special in the quality and quantity of the items for sale. As previously reported, the May 29 sale at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre, will have the largest round fancy intense pink diamond to ever appear at auction and a 11.85-carat D VVS1 potentially flawless round brilliant-cut diamond—both with Harry Winston pedigree. But there’s more.

The 1:30 p.m. sale, in the Woods Room of the convention hall, will include a three-diamond ring from JAR, a 6-carat, pigeon’s blood Burma ruby and diamond ring, and being Hong Kong, a superb jadeite bead necklace. The auction will also include natural pearls, Burmese sapphires, Colombian emeralds, rare period pieces, and selection of signed contemporary jewels.

The ring from JAR is set with three diamonds. They are a 10.67-carat D color, internally flawless, oval-shaped diamond at its center, flanked by two D color, internally flawless diamonds of 6.07 and 6.04 carats. The estimate is $2.5 million – $3.5 million. Perhaps the world’s most influential jewelry designer, Joel Arthur Rosenthal, along with his Swiss business partner, Pierre Jeannet, founded JAR in 1977. It is housed discreetly in an apartment boutique on Place Vendôme in Paris, only accepting clients by appointment. The one-of-a-kind and often made-to-order JAR creations are sought after by clients around the world and their appearance on the auction market marks an important event for collectors.

Photo Credit: CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2012

Also among the highlights of the auction is a 6.04-carat Burmese ruby and diamond ring by Etcetera (pictured above) with an estimate of $2.5 million – $3.8 million. This no heat cushion-shaped stone possesses the most desirable “pigeon’s blood red” color and an extraordinary degree of transparency. Burmese rubies over 5 carats, particular those gems that have not undergone any thermal enhancement are extremely rare.

Photo Credit: CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2012

Another item that will attract the attention of bidders is a jadeite bead necklace (pictured above) with an estimate of $3.2 million - $4.5 million. “Evenly and strongly saturated, each of the jadeite beads featured in this necklace exhibits the optimal combination of color, translucency and texture,” Christie’s says. “The beads display a vivid emerald green color with a desirable tone that is neither too dark nor light. Their fine texture and excellent glass-like translucency only bolsters the rareness of such high-quality material, resulting in one of the most anticipated jewels offered at auction this year.”

Read More

‘Pigeon’s Blood’ Ruby Necklace Leads Diverse Christie’s Hong Kong Jewelry Sale

CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2011

It’s a rare jewelry auction these days where diamonds are not the most prestigious items for sale. This auction will break the trend as leading the sale of Christie’s Hong Kong Magnificent Jewels Autumn sale is a Burmese no heat “pigeon’s blood” ruby and diamond necklace (pictured above) with matching earrings (below) by James W. Currens. The necklace has an auction estimate of $3.5 to $5.5 million; and the earrings have estimate of $2.5 million to $3.5 million.

CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2011

Designed as twenty-six graduated oval-shaped rubies weighing between 5.38 and 1.27 carats, each ruby comprising the necklace named, “Red Scarlet” is accented by a cluster of marquise and pear-shaped diamonds, mounted in platinum and 18k yellow gold. The matching pair of earrings are titled the “Red Butterflies” for their shape, and each feature a pair of Burmese rubies over 7 carats. The rubies all come from the Mogok Stone Tract in Upper Burma, which is considered to be the source for the finest quality “pigeon’s blood” rubies, the term used to describe the brightest and most valuable red color for rubies.

More than 300 items will be on sale for the November 27 auction at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre. The pre-sale estimate is valued at approximately $70 million. An assortment of diamonds, emeralds and sapphires from the world’s legendary mines, natural seawater pearls, and, being Hong Kong, jadeite jewelry will be among the items featured. Highlights include: 

Emerald, pearl and diamond earrings in platinum, featuring Colombian pear-shaped emeralds weighing 23.34 carats and 23.18 carats. Its estimate is $3.5 million to $4.8 million. CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2011

Diamond and pearl earrings, featuring a pair of 6-carat pear-shaped diamonds from the legendary Golconda mine in India. Its estimate is $1.2 million to $1.9 million.  CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2011

A natural pearl and diamond necklace with an estimate of $1.2 million to $1.5 million. CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2011

A lavender jadeite bead necklace, consisting of 63 slightly graduated jadeite beads measuring from 8.8 to 11.3 mm, and a jadeite cabochon and diamond clasp mounted in 18k white gold. Its estimate is $1 million to $1.5 million. CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2011

A 36.58-carat fancy brown diamond ring with an estimate of $1 million to $1.5 million. CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2011

An 8.59-carat fancy pink cut-cornered rectangular-cut diamond and sapphire ring, by Paris-based American jeweler, JAR. Its estimate is $3 million to $4.5 million. CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2011

Please join me on the Jewelry News Network Facebook Page, on Twitter @JewelryNewsNet and on the Forbes Web site.

Read More

Mouawad Unveils Necklace Worthy of the 407-Carat ‘Incomparable’ Diamond

L'Incomparable Diamond Necklace

Luxury jewelry and timepiece company, Mouawad, recently unveiled the L’Incomparable 18k rose gold necklace with 91 diamonds weighing 635.40-cts. Suspended on the end of the necklace is the 407.48-ct. “Incomparable” diamond. The colored shield step‐cut gem is the largest IF diamond ever graded by the Gemological Institute of America, according to the company.

In its rough state, the diamond weighed 890 carats. As the story goes, the diamond was accidentally discovered by a little girl in 1980 in a discarded pile of kimberlite that was sorted out because it was considered to be too bulky to possess any diamonds.

It was first made public in its polished state in 1984. It was then put on display in several museums, with the first being the Smithsonian Institute.

Mouawad unveiled the diamond necklace at the Doha Jewellery and Watch Exhibition, which was held February 25 – March 3.

Please join me on the Jewelry News Network Facebook Page, on Twitter @JewelryNewsNet and on the Forbes Website.

Read More

Mouawad’s L’Incomparable Sets Guiness Record for Most Valuable Necklace

L’Incomparable World's Most Valuable Necklace.

Guinness World Records has named Mouawad’s L’Incomparable diamond necklace as the world’s most valuable necklace, according to media reports. The 637-ct. necklace is valued at $55 million.

The statement gem on the 18k gold necklace is the 407.48-ct. “Incomparable” diamond. The natural fancy deep-yellow shield step‐cut diamond is the largest internally flawless diamond ever graded by the Gemological Institute of America.

The remainder of the necklace consists of 35 round diamonds, 27 pear-shaped diamonds, nine heart-shaped diamonds, five emerald-cut diamonds, five cushion diamonds, four oval diamonds, three Asscher-cut diamonds and two radiant diamonds.

As previously reported, the luxury jewelry and timepiece company unveiled the diamond necklace at the Doha Jewellery and Watch Exhibition, which was held February 25 – March 3. It is the fourth Guinness World Record the company has earned.

In its rough state, the diamond weighed 890 carats. It was first made public in its polished state in 1984. It was then put on display in several museums, with the first being the Smithsonian Institute.  

Please join me on the Jewelry News Network Facebook Page, on Twitter @JewelryNewsNet and on the Forbes Website.

Read More

75-Carat Briolette Diamond On A Necklace May Fetch $12.5 Million

Christie’s Hong Kong Magnificent Jewels sale on May 28 will feature the biggest briolette diamond that has ever appeared at auction, according to the auction house. The 75.36-carat diamond is part of a pendant necklace that includes a marquise-cut purplish pink diamond suspended above the briolette.

The briolette has been graded as D color and type IIa, indicating its internally flawless clarity, excellent polish, highest level of chemical purity and exceptional optical transparency. The two diamonds are joined to a briolette diamond neck chain mounted in 18k rose and white gold. The necklace is estimated to fetch $8.5 to $12.5 million.

The sale at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre also includes two other standout pieces

* An emerald and diamond necklace mounted by Boucheron in the 1950s. Its eight emeralds of Colombian origin are set with a line of graduate old European and cushion-shaped diamonds each weighing 10 carats or above alternating with baguette-cut diamonds, according to the auction house. The center stone shows no indication of clarity modification and the other emeralds are all in well saturated green color, which further elevates the necklace’s value, according to the auction house. The estimate for this piece is $3 to $5 million.

* A ruby and diamond ring by James W. Currens for Faidee. Its centerpiece is a natural oval-shaped ruby of 8.88 carats with a richly saturated and homogenous color and a high degree of transparency, is joined by pear and marquise-cut diamonds, according to the auction house. The ruby is of Burma (Myanmar) origin, with no indications of heating and this color appearance is described in the trade as “pigeon blood,” the most desirable red color for rubies. Its estimate is $2.3 to $3.5 million.

In total, more than 290 jewels will be offered. It is estimated to realize in excess of $74 million. It includes signed pieces from world-class jewelry houses and fine jewels with distinctive shapes, structures and color combinations. 
  
Please join me on the Jewelry News Network Facebook Page, on Twitter @JewelryNewsNet and on the Forbes Website

Read More

Natural Pearl Necklace Fetches $1.6 Million at Christie’s London

Three-row natural pearl necklace sold for more than $1.6 million.

The top lot of Christie’s London Important Jewels auction held Wednesday was a three-row natural pearl necklace that sold for more than $1.6 million (including buyers’ premium), double its pre-auction high estimate of $810,370.

The pearls on this 35.6cm-long necklace (circa 1925) measure approximately 10.7-4.1mm are attached to an oval mixed-cut ruby clasp with baguette and circular-cut diamond geometric surround.

Natural pearls of all types were popular throughout the auction, including seven of the 10 best selling lots.

Diamond and natural pearl brooch fetched $663,829.

A diamond and natural pearl brooch had the second highest price of the auction, fetching $663,829, smashing its pre-auction high estimate of $53,515. The 2.8cm-long drop shaped natural pearl is attached to a fluted cusp and single-stone diamond surmount.

“These results illustrate the continued strength in the market for natural pearls,” said Keith Penton, head of London Jewellery Department.

The sale realized a total of more than $13.4 million and was 77% sold by lot and 90% by value.

Other highlights of the sale include:

* An antique sapphire and diamond necklace (pictured above) that sold for $461,869, nearly double its high estimate of $244,640;

* An 18.79-carat, circular-cut, VVS2 diamond single-stone pendant sold for $424,871 or $22,626 per carat;

* A single-row natural pearl necklace measuring from 10.5 to 6.3mm that sold for $406,789;

* A 7-carat, rectangular-cut, fancy yellow, VVS1 diamond ring that sold for $305,809 or $28,271 per carat;

* A single-row natural pearl necklace measuring approximately 10.0-4.7mm that sold for $296,629;

* Natural pearl earrings that sold for $269,089;

* Art Deco natural pearl and diamond ear clips by Cartier that sold for $241,549; and

* A natural pearl necklace measuring from 12.1 to 7.8mm that sold for $241,549.

Please join me on the Jewelry News Network Facebook Page, on Twitter @JewelryNewsNet and on the Forbes Website.

Read More

Reena Ahluwalia’s Award-Winning Diamond Necklace to be Showcased in Oscars Celebrity Suite

Canoe diamond necklace

Toronto-based jewelry designer Reena Ahluwalia was recently honored as a winner of the Rio Tinto Diamonds Global Design Competition for her “Canoe” diamond necklace. It will be among winning designs that will be showcased at the annual Academy Awards 2012 with a chance to be selected and worn on the red carpet by Hollywood’s elite.

Set in 18K white gold, with 28.96 carats of Canadian diamonds, Ahluwalia said the necklace was inspired by a poetic image of the magical Canadian landscape and its pristine white winters. It captures a snapshot of a snow covered canoe in a frozen crystalline lake.

“Celebrating the magic and beauty of Canada, my home, is the inspiration for my design,” she said. “Canoe is a carrier of Canadian myths, a symbol very unique to Canada that represents voyage, harmony with nature, discovery and courage. It is one of the greatest gifts the First Nations people gave to all those who came after.”

Reena Ahluwalia with her trophy.

After receiving a record number of entries from around the globe, a panel of judges from the U.S. jewelry and fashion industries gathered in New York to select nine winners in four categories: Ahluwalia, received the Master Craftsman award in the Canadian Diamonds category.  

The necklace comes together with two diamond-studded links embracing the neck that represent the fluidity of lake. Irregular intersecting lines, studded with Ideal Square cut diamonds depict the chunks of floating ice. The necklace culminates into a canoe shaped element. “Canoe” has an angled faceted interior,

“I wanted the diamonds to reflect on the opposite facets for a dramatic shine and create an icy crystalline look,” Ahluwalia said.

Crossworks Manufacturing Ltd., a manufacturer of branded Canadian diamonds, collaborated with Ahluwalia, sponsored manufacturing and provided Canadian diamonds for the necklace.

Read More