Important sapphire and diamond ring

Set with a cushion-shaped sapphire weighing 16.40 carats, between baguette diamond shoulders, size 56.

Accompanied by Gübelin report no. 11085093, stating that the cushion-shaped sapphire weighing 16.40 carats and measuring approximately 15.35 x 13.65 x 8.35mm, is of Kashmir origin, with no indications of heating. Also accompanied with AGL report no. CS 45823, stating that the sapphire weighing 16.40 carats and measuring 15.35 x 13.68 x 8.36mm, is of Kashmir origin, with no gemological evidence of heat. Sapphire blue of medium strong saturation, with typical inclusions and colour banding, abrasions on the girdle and crown facets, few scratches; for further details on the stone, please refer to the gemmological reports. Side diamonds bright and lively. Signs of normal wear to the metal, evidence or resizing. Gross weight approximately 10 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."

The world's finest and most sought-after sapphires are those coming from the legendary mines of Kashmir. They were discovered by chance as a result of a land slide between 1879 and 1882, in the Kudi valley, above the almost inaccessible village of Sumjam, in the Padar Himalayan region of Kashmir. 

Initially these stones were traded for salt and other consumer goods. However, in 1882 they began to appear in the markets of Simla, the official summer capital of India. Their popularity grew and their true value was recognised. As a result, the Maharaja at the time immediately sent his troops to protect and control the Kashmir mines and prohibited private trading. 

The high altitude and the harsh weather conditions limited the mining operations to approximately three months of the year, from July through to September. Despite these constraints, between 1883 and 1887, a labour intensive production yielded some of the regions finest large crystals. By 1887 the original 'Old Mine' was exhausted and its replacement, the 'New Mine', located one hundred meters south, was later abandoned in 1908, as a result of poor weather conditions and moreover the limited quantities of fine gemstones. Since those early times, the mining of Kashmir sapphires has been only sporadic and their supply limited, due to the remoteness and political unrest of this region. In addition, the government would always take control of the mines when mining became profitable. 

What elevates Kashmir sapphire above all others is the unique combination of a rich, intense blue colour, with a soft and velvety appearance. Such attributes have often been compared to the vibrant blue hue of the cornflower. This outstanding colour, which is accentuated under artificial light, is unlike that of sapphires from other sources. 

"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).