Lot 497
  • 497

Sapphire and diamond ring, late 19th century

Estimate
98,000 - 148,000 CHF
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Description

  • Gold, platinum, sapphire and diamonds
Claw-set with a cushion-shaped sapphire weighing 5.34 carats, surrounded by similarly shaped diamonds, size 52.

Provenance

This was an engagement ring to Louise Nathalie Legris de la Chaise d'Orival (1865-1954) from the General Gabriel Pauffin de Saint-Morel (1854-1927), who were married on 1 March 1886, thence by descent.

Condition

Accompanied by SSEF report no. 79922 and Gübelin report no. 15070126, each stating that the cushion-shaped sapphire weighing 5.34 carats and measuring 10.45 x 8.66 x 6.07mm, is of Kashmir origin, with no indications of heating. Also accompanied by Laboratoire Français de Gemmologie report no. 308892, stating that the cushion-shaped sapphire weighing 5.34 carats and measuring 10.47 x 8.67 x 6.07mm, is of Kashmir origin, with no indications of heating. Sapphire blue of medium strong saturation, clean to the naked eye, with typical minor inclusions visible under 10x magnification, few abrasions and nicks consistent with age and use; for further details on the stone, please refer to the gemmological reports. Diamonds estimated to weigh a total of approximately 4.00 - 5.50 carats, on average G-H colour, SI-I clarity, as gauged and graded in the mount. Signs of tarnish to the gold mount, signs of normal wear consistent with age. In good condition. Gross weight approximately 9 grams.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Please note that colour, clarity and weight of gemstones are statements of opinion only and not statements of fact by Sotheby's. We do not guarantee, and are not responsible for any certificate from a gemological laboratory that may accompany the property. We do not guarantee that watches are in working order. 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. Prospective buyers should also refer to refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue, in particular to the Notice regarding the treatment and condition of gemstones and to the Notice regarding import of Burmese jadeite and rubies into the US.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Catalogue Note

This sapphire was mined and then imported to France just after the discovery of the corundum mines in the Kashmir area. The deposit was discovered in 1881 and the stone was set in a ring around 1885. This sapphire displays the typical velvety blue of Kashmir sapphires, and is enhanced by the old-cut diamond mount from the end of the 19th century. 

"Since their discovery in 1881, the legendary sapphire deposits of Kashmir have acquired a reputation based on a mixture of fact and fantasy that is usually associated with the ancient gem mines of the world. [The locality is] situated in the high Himalaya Mountains of northwest India and described in early reports as “the region beyond the snows”. (…) Few gemmologists would dispute that a fine Kashmir stone displays a character that sets it apart in a world relatively abundant in corundum gems. Over the years, the term Kashmir has come to signify the most desirable and expensive of blue sapphires". 

David Atkinson and Rustam Z. Kothavala, “Kashmir Sapphire”, in Gems & Gemology, Summer 1983, pgs. 64-76.