October 30, 2018: An important set of Chameleon diamonds will be presented at the forthcoming Rare Jewels and Jadeite sale at Bonhams Hong Kong on November 25. The exquisite diamond necklace features nine Chameleon diamonds weighing 13.87 carats total and is expected to fetch between HK$1,600,000 and HK$3,000,000.
"Chameleon diamonds are amongst the rarest and most mysterious of coloured diamonds. Depending on temperature and light conditions, the diamond's colour transforms from "olive" green to a mesmerising brownish yellow or yellow," explains Bonhams Asia Director of Jewellery, Graeme Thompson. "Due to their rarity, little gemmological information exists on Chameleon diamonds and scientists have yet to confirm the mechanism that causes their colour-changing behaviour."
Alongside this piece, the Hong Kong sale features an exceptional range of diamonds, coloured gemstones, and signed jewellery. There are more than 150 lots, from a cultured pearl and diamond necklace, to the finest jade bangle to be offered at auction this year. Bonhams presents a kaleidoscopic selection of rare coloured diamonds including an Intense Blue, three green diamonds, a 7 carat faint pink, and a striking collection of Vivid Yellows.
The sale also features an extensive but carefully curated selection of coloured gemstones including Kashmir Sapphires, Colombian Emeralds, Burmese Rubies, Sapphires, Spinels, Brazilian Paraiba Tourmaline and Sri Lankan Padparadschas.
"Natural coloured diamonds can be found in almost every tone of the rainbow and can come in over 230 colour combinations. They are formed when certain elements are captured within the diamond structure as it is forming from carbon atoms and this process can produce the breathtaking and rare colours we see," Mr. Thompson adds.
