VERY RARE AND IMPORTANT CAT'S-EYE ALEXANDRITE, ALEXANDRITE AND DIAMOND RING

Centring on a round cabochon cat's-eye alexandrite weighing 23.19 carats, to a stylised bombé surround pavé-set with circular-cut alexandrites and diamonds, the alexandrites together weighing approximately 2.00 carats, mounted in 18 karat white gold.



THIS IS A PREMIUM LOT. CLIENTS WHO WISH TO BID ON PREMIUM LOTS ARE REQUESTED TO COMPLETE THE PREMIUM LOT PRE-REGISTRATION 3 WORKING DAYS PRIOR TO THE SALE. BIDnow ONLINE BIDDING SERVICE IS NOT AVALIABLE.

Colour and Clarity: According to both Gübelin and AGL reports, the round cabochon cat's-eye alexandrite is natural, of Brazilian origin, with no indications of treatment. The Gübelin appendix stating this natural alexandrite "possesses a very high degree of transparency, combined with a very strong colour-change effect, from bluish-green when viewed in daylight to reddish-purple upon exposure to incandescent light." Special letter from AGL also concludes that this is "the finest cat's-eye alexandrite of this size that the American Gemological Laboratories, LLC has ever examined." Please refer to all the reports, appendix and special letter for details. In our opinion, this alexandrite has perfect and pleasing face-up and profile outline, very clean to naked eyes. Upon 10x loupe and transmitted lighting, there is natural fingprint inclusion, which is very common to natural alexandrite. Other tiny alexandrites are medium bluish green colour, eye clean. Diamonds are about E to F colours, VS clarity. Condition: Karat white gold mount, has minor scratches to the shank, otherwise in very good condition.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion. Illustrations in the catalogue may not be actual size. Prospective purchasers are reminded that, unless the catalogue description specifically states that a stone is natural, we have assumed that some form of treatment may have been used and that such treatment may not be permanent. Our presale estimates reflect this assumption.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Ring size: 8¼

Accompanied by AGL report numbered CS43748, dated 25 January 2011, stating that the 23.19 carat cat's-eye alexandrite is natural, of Brazilian origin, with no gemological evidence of enhancements/treatment present; further accompanied by AGL special report, stating that 'In addition to the remarkable size possessed by this gem, it also exhibits a colour-change and cat's-eye effect that has been classified as being of extraordinary quality. The chatoyancy or cat's-eye effect is Prominent in strength and Excellent in quality... This is the finest cat's-eye alexandrite of this size that the American Gemologial Laboratories, LLC has ever examined.'

Further accompanied by Gübelin report numbered 0607123, dated 31 July 2006, stating that the 23.19 carat cat's-eye alexandrite is natural, of Brazilian origin, and displays a distinct colour-change combined with a well-centered and pronounced chatoyancy; and an appendix stating that this alexandrite possesses a very high degree of transparency, combined with a very strong colour-change effect, from bluish-green when viewed in daylight to reddish-purple upon exposure to incandescent light, the combination of high clarity and pronounced colour-change effect in a Brazilian Cat's-eye alexandrite of this size is rare.