Exceptional and Very Rare Sapphire and Diamond Ring

Set with an oval sapphire weighing 20.22 carats, flanked by two trilliant-cut diamonds, mounted in platinum and 18 karat yellow gold, ring mount signed HW. Ring size: 3¾.

Accompanied by Gübelin, SSEF and GIA reports numbered 15105176, 83588 and 1172540567 respectively, stating that the 20.22 carat sapphire is natural, of Kashmir origin, with no indications of heating. GIA and SSEF also state that the colour of this sapphire may also be called 'royal blue' in the trade and SSEF reference standards. Further accompanied by SSEF and Gübelin appendices and GIA letter named the sapphire as 'The Pride of Kashmir.', and C. Dunaigre report number CDC1512048 stating that the sapphire is of Kashmir origin, with no indications of heating, vivid blue ("Cornflower blue") colour, quality grade exceptional. Also accompanied by SSEF folio report and Gübelin gemological profile. Please refer to the reports for further details. Ring mount signed HW and indistinctly numbered 30867(?), stamped PT950 and Or 750 for platinum and 18 karat yellow gold. Sapphire velvety blue of strong saturation, good brilliant and lively, eye-clean, with a few very minor typical surface reaching inclusions at one corner, minor abrasions and nicks but all are not noticeable to the naked eye. The diamonds weighing approximately 0.80 carat in total, about G-H colour, SI clarity, as gauged and graded in the mounting. Signs of normal wear to the metal, with sizing beads, in very good condition. Case stamped Harry Winston.
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.Certificates of Authenticity: Various manufacturers may not issue certificates of authenticity upon request. Sotheby's is not under an obligation to furnish the purchaser with a certificate of authenticity from the manufacturer at any time. Unless the requirements for a rescission of the sale under the Terms of Guarantee are satisfied, the failure of a manufacturer to issue a certificate will not constitute grounds to rescind the sale. Gemological Certificates and Reports: References in the catalogue descriptions to certificates or reports issued by gemological laboratories are provided only for the information of bidders, and Sotheby's does not guarantee and accepts no responsibility for the accuracy, terms or information contained in such certificates or reports. Please also note that laboratories may differ in their assessment of a gemstone (including its origin and presence, type and extent of treatments) and their certificates or reports may contain different results.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.

Accompanied by Gübelin, SSEF and GIA reports numbered 15105176, 83588 and 1172540567, dated 26 October 2015, 12 January 2016 and 29 March 2016 respectively, stating that the 20.22 carat sapphire is natural, of Kashmir origin, with no indications of heating. GIA and SSEF also state that the colour of this sapphire may also be called 'royal blue' in the trade and based on SSEF reference standards. The SSEF letter further stating that 'it exhibits a remarkable size and weight of 20.225 ct combined with a highly attractive colour and an outstanding purity....based on these excellent qualities, this gem has been poetically named The Pride of Kashmir.' Also accompanied by the SSEF folio report and Gübelin gemmological profile.

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THE PRIDE OF KASHMIR

Remotely hidden in the lap of the spectacular snow-capped Himalayas, the sapphires of Kashmir form an exclusive class of their own. It is not the location that has earned the Kashmir gem its legendary status, but instead the superiority of their intense soft blue and rarity.

Discovered by chance as a result of a landslide between 1879 and 1882, the initial labour intensive production yielded some of the region’s finest and largest crystals. However, by 1887 the original ‘Old Mine’ was exhausted and its replacement, the ‘New Mine’, was abandoned in 1908 due to poor weather conditions and limited quantity of fine gemstones. Since those early days, the mining of Kashmir sapphires have only been sporadic and their supply limited due to remoteness and political unrest of the region.

The incomparable velvety blue colour of a Kashmir sapphire, akin to the beautiful hue of the peacock’s neck, excels under any light, without the purplish or greyish hues that sometimes characterise non-Kashmir sapphires. This superb velvety blue colour is due to microscopic inclusions which scatter the light, causing the coveted visual effect without negatively affecting the gem’s transparency and to a well-balanced combination of trace elements.

Considered symbols of nobility, loyalty and faithfulness, sapphires have been used throughout the centuries to express love, harmony, truth and sincerity. In Greek and Roman times, kings, queens and rulers believed that blue sapphires protected their owners from envy and harm. During the Middle Ages, clergymen wore sapphire jewellery to symbolise Heaven.

In October 2014, Sotheby’s Hong Kong achieved consecutive per-carat record prices for Kashmir sapphires – first with the 12.00 carat Cartier sapphire ring at US$193,975, and then with a 17.16 carat sapphire at US$236,404. A year later, at the Hong Kong Autumn Week sales in October 2015, the present per-carat world auction record was set at US$242,145 when a 27.68 carat Kashmir sapphire was sold - a testament to the insatiable desire for sapphires of this prestigious pedigree.

The Pride of Kashmir offered here, as described by Gübelin, “possesses a velvety richly saturated and homogenous colour, combined with a high degree of transparency, and a finely proportioned cut”, representing the pinnacle of Kashmir’s output, a rare opportunity to own one of nature’s greatest treasures.