Christie’s Jewels Online: The golden touch
Gold, the first precious metal widely known to mankind, has a historical association with immortality, wealth and power. Angelina Chen, Christie’s Jewellery Head of e-commerce, offers an in-depth tour of Christie’s Jewels Online auction, 11–21 April
Gold’s unique density makes it one of the strongest metals while remaining extremely malleable. This attribute has fuelled the creativity of jewellers as they discover and implement various ways of displaying their designs with this coveted and versatile material.
Bulgari ‘Tubogas’ Tri Gold Wristwatch. Quartz movement, black dial, Arabic and stick markers with gold hands, triple wrap tri gold bracelet. Estimate $8,000-12,000. This work is offered in Christie’s Jewels Online, 11-21 April
This classic ‘Tubogas’ watch by Bulgari illustrates gold’s malleable function. The artisanal technique where gold is made into a slightly elastic tube originated during Roman times and has since been adapted into a tubing formation which looks like a gas tube, hence ‘Tubogas.’
Van Cleef & Arpels ‘Spirit of Beauty’ Diamond Brooch. Designed as a winged fairy bearing a wand, set with diamonds in yellow gold. Estimate: $8,000 -12,000. This work is offered in Christie’s Jewels Online, 11-21 April.
Cartier Diamond and Gold Earrings. Of double layered scalloped design. Estimate: $4,000-6,000. This work is offered in Christie’s Jewels Online, 11-21 April.
Since tensile strength is so strong with gold, jewellers can artfully design, mould, and adapt the metal to create the illusion of lightness. A prime example of this is the fairy brooch by Van Cleef & Arpels, where the wings of the fairy have delicate cutouts, yet the piece still remains substantial, allowing it to be worn with ease. Or the lace-like effect of the Cartier ear clips which were designed to provide a delicate aura, but in actuality are incredibly stable and sturdy — suitable for daily wear.
Diamond, Ruby and Gold Cuff. Designed with a table-cut diamond and rubies set in a rose gold 'Florentine' finish cuff bangle. Estimate: $8,000-12,000. This work is offered in Christie’s Jewels Online, 11-21 April.
One of the most interesting characteristics of gold is that it can take on different textures, colours and finishes. The diamond and ruby cuff is rendered in rose gold and to add another design element, a ‘Florentine’ finish is hand-worked onto the cuff.
David Webb Half Hoop Earrings. Designed as hammered gold half hoops with two rows of diamonds. Estimate: $3,000-$5,000. This work is offered in Christie’s Jewels Online, 11-21 April.
Marina B Tri-Gold Jewelry Set. Comprising a brooch and earrings of swirl design. Estimate: $2,000-3,000. This work is offered in Christie’s Jewels Online, 11-21 April.
David Webb is the master of the hammered look and feel, which he has carefully incorporated into many of his pieces. As for the different hues of gold, jewellers mix variations in their designs, such as the tri-gold suite from Marina B.
Cartier pencil. Part of a Group of Gold Accessories. Comprising of a Cartier four leaf clover charm, Cartier locket charm, Cartier pencil and a charm bracelet with 2 charms. Estimate: $1,200 - 2,000. This work is offered in Christie’s Jewels Online, 11-21 April.
Whether worn on its own or set with all types of gemstones, gold is unrivalled in versatility. Because of its malleability and strength, gold has also been a favoured medium for accessories.
Tiffany & Co. Gold Flask. Of rounded rectangular outline, with twist closure. Estimate: $3,000-5,000. This work is offered in Christie’s Jewels Online, 11-21 April.
Diamond and Gold Belt. Designed with a diamond and white gold buckle and accents on a yellow gold mesh belt. Estimate: $2,500-3,500. This work is offered in Christie’s Jewels Online, 11-21 April.
Wonderful examples are the Tiffany & Co. gold flask, the Cartier pencil that converts into a ruler and the extremely flexible diamond mesh belt.
Its warm tones and polished appearance offers jewellers and collectors endless and exciting possibilities. Discover fine jewellery from Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, David Webb and more, in the Christie’s Jewels Online auction 11-21 April, 2016.
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