International auction house Christie's is auctioning off six rare gems at its "The Sensational Six" in Hong Kong on June 1, 2010. The six high-quality jewels to be offered include a single-strand jadeite bead necklace (estimated at: US$6.4-10 million); a superb 5.01-carat Fancy Vivid BlueVS2 heart-shaped diamond ring (estimated at: US$4.8-7million); a pair of 2.48-carat and 2.03-carat Fancy Deep Blue heart-shaped and 10.12-carat D VS2 and 9.61-carat E VS1 pear-shaped diamond ear pendants (estimated at: US$3.7-5 million); a Kashmir sapphire and diamond bracelet, circa 1960, by Cartier (estimated at: US$3-5 million); a 10.05-carat D IF old cushion-shaped Golconda diamond ring (estimated at: US$1.25-2 million); and a four-strand natural colored pearl and diamond necklace (estimated at: US$1.2-2 million).

Christie's estimates that its "The Sensational Six" sale will achieve a combined total in the region of US$25 million.

"It is with great pride that Christie's offer ‘The Sensational Six' to the discerning collectors of today's market. To feature one world class jewel, be it jadeite, a sapphire, pearl, white or coloured diamond, is a joy but to offer such a spectacular group together is an honour. These exceedingly rare, beautiful, jewels will light up the global jewellery stage this spring," said Vickie Sek, Head of Jewellery, Christie's Asia.

In advance of the June 1 sale in Hong Kong, "The Sensational Six" will be on view around the world in New York, Shanghai, Xiamen, Singapore, Geneva, Tokyo, Bangkok and Taipei.

In other company news, Christie's Geneva spring auction will feature 220 magnificent stones and rare pieces of both period and signed jewelry, for an estimated total of US$22 millions.

Jean-Marc Lunel, Head of the Jewellery Department : "Christie's is honoured to announce the sale of an important selection of precious stones and fine jewellery to be offered in Geneva on May 12, highlighted by one of most important diamond rivières ever to appear at auction. The diamonds section will in fact play the star role, together with some of the most sophisticated pieces signed by the best international jewellery houses. The ‘By Cartier' section will feature several iconic pieces made by the renowned French jeweller. A rare group of vintage jewels by Boivin and Belperron, which have remained in the same family since they were originally purchased, displays an amazing quality and timeless design which will appeal to any refined collector."

The auction house reports that its global jewelry sales totalled over $270 million in 2009.