There’s something unique about knowing that your Colombian emerald was once a part of a socialite’s tiara

the meantime, we’ll have to make do with what we already have, and this is far from meagre. While some won’t settle for anything less than brand new, there’s something unique about knowing that your Colombian emerald was once a part of a socialite’s tiara. “As part of our high jewellery Cinemagia collection, we revisited a celebrated sapphire sautoir that belonged to Elizabeth Taylor,” says Lucia Silvestri, Bulgari’s creative director. While on location in Italy in 1962, Taylor famously quipped that “undeniably one of the biggest advantages to filming in Rome was Bulgari’s shop”.

It was around this time that Taylor and her then-married co-star, Richard Burton, started their love affair. Burton gave Taylor numerous jewellery pieces from Bulgari and, at the 2011 Christie’s auction The Collection of Elizabeth Taylor, the maison bought back several pieces owned by the actress. “We redesigned this legendary

Bulgari creation and replicated it with emeralds. We also played with the piece’s elegant silhouette so that it looks more contemporary,” Silvestri says. As a general rule, she likes to incorporate coloured gemstones into redesigned jewellery. “Wearabilty and versatility are key,” she says, “so adding multicoloured gems like rubellites, garnets and peridots to a warm pink gold, for example, allows clients to experiment with a wide range of trends.”

When my own mother replaced her engagement ring with a stunning emerald-set band several years ago, I thought about what to do with the comparatively modest diamond she’d discarded. The setting is rather humdrum but I couldn’t bear to part with it—its sentimental value goes beyond any built-in preciousness of the raw material. I’ll certainly be getting it remodelled, now knowing how it can act as a lasting union of the past, present and future. So, what’s lurking in your jewellery box?

The concept of art and luxury is constantly evolving but the one consistent and enduring factor is that people, whether they are experienced collectors or simply enthusiasts, will always be drawn to something beautiful. The inspiring worlds of fine paintings, rare Asian works of art, exquisite jewellery and more will be on full display around Central this July, through a series of live auctions and preview exhibitions hosted by Christie’s. This specially curated treasure trove of art and luxury promises to satisfy even the most discerning collector’s eye for quality craftsmanship, and highlights will be on show at three iconic venues in the heart of the city.

This year, the fine art on offer features a selection of Asian and Western masterpieces that mirrors the global, interconnected nature of today’s world. The painting by Chinese-french artist Sanyu—white Chrysanthemum in a

a key example, with the white chrysanthemums alluding to Sanyu’s Chinese heritage, while the painting is done in a Western-influenced style. The painting is one of only four done in a similar style from Sanyu’s oeuvre and is valued between HK$60 million to HK$80 million. The masterwork will be featured in the Modern and Contemporary Art Evening Sale on July 10, along with milestone masterpieces by Zao Wou-ki, Adrian Ghenie and Yoshitomo Nara, and other significant works by Andy Warhol, Liu Ye and Sean Scully.

The evening will also see the debut of ONE: A Global Sale of the 20th Century, an unprecedented event that brings together art collectors from around the world. This unique, relay-style auction will span time zones, moving consecutively through the art world’s four major hubs—hong Kong, Paris, London and New York—and will feature works by the likes of Gerhard Richter, Yayoi Kusama, Pablo Picasso and Roy Lichtenstein.

While the past few months have seen an increase in innovative ideas and solutions that will shape how we live and work in the future, it was also an opportunity for us to slow down and reflect. Collectors will have a chance to take a step back and revel in China’s rich history and culture at the Important Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art auction. On offer are centuries-old ceramics and stunning scholar’s objects, such as an imperial soapstone seal, that provides fascinating insights into the lives and loves of the literati in ancient China. The aesthetics and craftsmanship of these antique works of art continue to be a source of inspiration for Chinese artists. Never has this been so evident than in the selection of artworks on offer at the Fine Chinese Classical Painting and Calligraphy sale and the Fine Chinese Modern and Contemporary Ink Paintings auction. Featuring modern masters such as Zhang Daqian, Wu Guanzhong and Lin Fengmian, these groundbreaking artists reconcile their traditional Chinese art training with contemporary art practices to create their own unique style.

On the same day as the Important Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art auction is the Buddhist Art Under the Empire event—where 16 rare Buddhist figures and altar objects dating back to the Ming and Qing Dynasties, all from a private Asian collection, will be on the block, with proceeds from the sale donated to mental health charities in Asia.

Art can be expressed in different ways and the incredible expertise that goes into crafting an Hermès bag or a Patek Philippe watch is an art form in itself, converting many ardent fans into passionate connoisseurs. This year, the Christie’s Important Watches sale will include The Titanium Collection, featuring timepieces from the most valuable collection of Patek Philippe creations ever offered for auction in Asia, all from one owner. For collectors with a love for precious coloured stones, the Magnificent Jewels auction will feature a ring set with a fancy intense blue internally flawless diamond of 12.11 carats, which is valued at between HK$65 million to HK$95 million.

And for the first time at Christie’s, premium sake from the renowned Juyondai label will be included in the Finest & Rarest Wines and Spirits auction, alongside single malt whiskies from The Macallan and Karuizawa, and fine wines from Domaine de la Romanée-conti and other sought-after producers from Burgundy and Bordeaux.

All the live auctions will take place between July 8 to 13 at Alexandra House, and previews will be held at Alexandra House, Jardine House and the Pedder Building from July 4 to 10. There will be online sales that will run parallel with every live auction. Buyers from anywhere around the world can also bid online or by phone in the live auctions. So, whether you are in Hong Kong, London or New York; sitting comfortably at home, on your mobile, or present at the auctions at Alexandra House, browsing and bidding for that perfect item to add to your collection will be just as easy.