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RAPAPORT... Jewelry artist Cindy Chao collaborated with actress Sarah Jessica Parker to create a one-of-a-kind “Ballerina Butterfly” brooch, which Sotheby's will auction in Hong Kong with a presale estimate of $750,000 to $950,000. Proceeds from the sale will benefit New York City Ballet Inc. Chao has designed a Black Label Masterpiece Butterfly every year since 2008, symbolizing her metamorphosis as an artist. The “Ballerina Butterfly” is Chao’s first art jewel collaboration. During the opening of Chao’s boutique in Beijing in 2012, where Parker was an honorary guest, the women decided to combine their creative talents and design a unique jewelry piece for charity. The Black Label Masterpiece “Ballerina Butterfly” brooch was completed over the course of two years, during which time Parker and Chao held several design meetings, reviewed sketches, wax models and gemstones. The resulting creation was constructed of a titanium and 18-karat gold body, featuring a 26.27-carat, cushion-cut fancy brown diamond, three rough brown diamond slices weighing 47.71 carats in total, three pieces of conch pearls weighing 7.25 carats in total, surrounded by 4,698 diamonds and fancy-colored diamonds weighing 98.09 carats in total. “Sarah Jessica and I are two very different creative minds sharing the same artistic vision and passion,” said Chao. “She truly appreciates the essence and soul of my creations, and I admire her innovative yet classic view on fashion and style. My annual butterflies carry special meaning for me. Collaborating with Sarah Jessica for a cause we both deeply care for and believe in makes this Ballerina Butterfly all the more special in my heart.” Parker said, “I have had the great pleasure of knowing Cindy and her work for several years and it has been an incredibly special experience to collaborate with her. Cindy’s jewelry designs are true works of art; they capture the eye and imagination in a memorable way. I am so pleased to partner with her on this project, which benefits the wonderful work of the New York City Ballet, an organization that is close to my heart.” Quek Chin Yeow, the deputy chairman of Sotheby’s Asia and chairman of international jewelry Asia, added, "Sotheby's is proud and honored to be part of this exciting project, intertwining bejeweled creativity and the performance arts with the world of art auction. In offering this unique ‘Ballerina Butterfly Brooch’ in Hong Kong, it undoubtedly becomes a global phenomenon." The brooch debuted in Paris during Haute Couture week in July and it will be on display across Asia before arriving in New York, where Chao and Parker will serve as co-chairs of the New York City Ballet’s Fall Gala on September 23. The brooch will then return to Hong Kong in October, prior to the auction of Sotheby's sale of magnificent jewels and jadeite on October 7.
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