Five pieces created by contemporary high jewelry artist, Anna Hu, will be among the jewels being offered at Sotheby’s Hong Kong Magnificent Jewels and Jadeite sale on October 7.
The high jewels on offer will come from Hu’s latest collection, “Silk Road Music Collection.” Unveiled in Paris during the first week of July, it consists of a group of about a dozen jewels inspired by musical and cultural exchanges that took place on the Silk Road – an ancient trade route connecting the eastern and western parts of the world.
Leading the five pieces at the upcoming auction is the “Dunhuang Pipa Necklace,” set with a 100.02 carat fancy intense yellow diamond provided by Sotheby’s. Its estimate is $5 million – $6.25 million. The silhouette of this necklace resembles a Chinese pipa a four stringed Chinese lute attached to lines of a western musical staff in 18k white gold that flows in twists and waves, and sparkles with pavé diamond along the neckline.
Hu was inspired by images of women playing the pipa depicted on murals in Dunhuang, considered an oasis for travelers in China’s northwest desert area along the Silk Road. The necklace can be transformed into a brooch and earring.
“It is absolutely a pleasure to collaborate with Sotheby’s on this project and be given the opportunity to work with the 100.02 carat yellow diamond, which is a true gift from nature,” Hu said.
Yvonne Chu, acting head of department, Jewellery, Sotheby’s, said this necklace “is one of the most important jewelry pieces on offer this season.”
As with much of Hu’s work, this latest collection combines her passion for music and western art with the Chinese themes from her upbringing in Taiwan. A resident of New York for many years, Hu’s brand is known for creating one-of-a-kind pieces with rare gemstones crafted by skilled French-trained artisans.
Source: DCLA