Diamond And Antique Jewellery Razzmatazz At Christie's Dubai

Published on 06/10/09

A dazzling selection of contemporary and antique jewellery items, precious stones and rare watches will go under the hammer at a Christie's sale in Dubai later this month.

There will be 137 pieces with individual estimates ranging from $2,000 (Dh7,300) to $600,000. The sale is expected to realise $4.9 million to $6.8m.

The top lot is a pair of Asscher-cut diamond ear pendants weighing 15.19 and 15.04 carats which is expected to rake in between $400,000 and $600,000.

"Since we held the first international auction of jewels and watches in Dubai in January 2007, we have seen the market develop significantly and we continue to attract new clients at each and every sale," said David Warren, Director of Jewellery at Christie's Dubai.

"Dubai has become an established international selling centre and we are welcoming more and more international clients to these auctions, many of whom bid via the internet."

Tim Bourne, International co-Head of Watches, said: "There is a great appetite for rare and collectible watches in the region and our auctions in Dubai to date have already produced strong sold rates comparable to our traditional selling sites such as Geneva and Hong Kong.

"At the October auction, we will offer a selection of timepieces with estimates from $2,000 to more than $320,000, including an exceptional and elegant watch by Harry Winston, as well as rare examples associated with the America's Cup, Aston Martin and Maserati."

The auction will offer a selection of diamonds with a wide range of estimates, from a pair of brilliant-cut diamond ear studs weighing 2.03 and 2.01 carats (estimated between $15,000 and $20,000) to the Asscher-cut ear pendants.

A single-stone oval-shaped fancy intense yellow diamond ring weighing 25.35 carats is expected to realise $300,000 to $400,000. A pair of brilliant-cut diamond ear studs weighing 7.7 and 7.63 carats carry an estimate of $130,000 to $150,000. And two lots to be offered without reserve include a rectangular-shaped diamond pendant weighing 8.90 carats (estimate $40,000 to $60,000) and a pear shaped diamond pendant weighing 12.15 carats (estimate $70,000 to $90,000).

There will be a selection of antique Indian pieces including a rare diamond, pearl and ruby necklace (estimate $200,000 to $300,000). It is composed of a mixture of taviz-cut and briolette–cut diamond beads that date from the 17th or early 18th century and are thought to have come from the Golconda mines in India – considered to be the oldest source of diamonds in the world.