THE LUSHEST ALLURE OF GREEN

From Cleopatra and the Pharaohs of Egypt to the Mughal Emperors of India, from the courts of European royalty to Empress Dowager Cixi of Qing-dynasty in China, emerald has been regarded as a means to demonstrate the power of a ruler, the opulence of the royal court and a measure of the wealth over time. Its elegant and mysterious green colour makes it a symbol of love and prestige, which holds the greatest esteem from generation to generation.

As one of the world’s top three coloured stones, emerald has been the standard for green among coloured stones for thousands of years. The most valuable emerald colour is highly transparent medium to medium-dark bluish green to green of strong to vivid saturation, which is commonly used to describe those from Colombia. Colombian emeralds are usually considered as the purest emeralds in the world as its deposits are found in sedimentary host rock rather than in igneous rock. Sedimentary rock creates a pure growing environment for raw materials, including beryllium, chromium and vanadium, of emeralds to cool and crystallise. Amongst the limited mines within Colombian borders, Muzo mine, which is the oldest one still in operation with over five centuries of uninterrupted activity, produces the most saturated pure green to slightly bluish-green emeralds, creating the lushest allure of green gemstones that numerous collectors scramble for.

Individual collectors are definitely not the only adherents chasing this green beauty, manufacturers and jewellers are also inside this hunger game. The incredible creations integrating world-known brands’ iconic designs and craftsmanship with the precious green beauty are highly appreciated. To be offered in the upcoming auction is a magnificent 42.88-Carat Natural Colombian (Muzo) Emerald and Diamond Pendent Necklace composed by a legendary jeweller of the highest regard, which is a perfect sample combining precious natural beauty with exquisite craftsmanship. Harry Winston is definitely the name.

Founded the House of Harry Winston in 1932, Winston gains the reputation by his dedication to pursuing the most extraordinary gems, as well as his links with those legendary leading women by selling his outstanding jewellery pieces to the royalties, film stars and celebrities. Throughout the history, the list embraces Marie Antoinette, The Duchess of Windsor, Katherine Hepburn, Elizabeth Taylor, etc.

As a prolific collector of the finest gems, Winston once owned the important ‘The Hope’ diamond which was later donated to the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. His other spectacular gemstones also include the 726-carat Jonker rough diamond, the largest finished of which becomes a 125.35-carat emerald-cut diamond and the first major piece of rough diamond to be cut in America. Meanwhile, Harry Winston’s affinity with emeralds is still conspicuous, accentuated by his purchase of the 17th-century emerald and diamond inquisition necklace in 1947. The necklace had formerly been in the possession of Spanish royalty, the French Court and an Indian maharaja over the centuries.

Harry Winston revolutionised modern red carpet glamour in 1943, when he dressed Best Actress winner Jennifer Jones in his signature diamonds, setting a new standard for celebratory celebrity style and the Jeweller to the Stars was born. Using near invisible platinum settings, gemstones and diamonds are meticulously set by hand in the legendary Winston workshop to achieve the perfect dimension, proportion and angles of reflection.

To be offered in the auction is a sensational masterpiece to define Harry Winston’s elaborate craftsmanship. Combining a 42.88-carat natural emerald of mesmerising green colour with Harry Winston’s signature diamond cluster setting, the rich green colour emerald is surrounded by clusters of pear- and marquise-shaped diamonds, to a low-key but still impressive diamond necklace of shimmer, floating delicately on wearer’s neck.