Unmounted Sapphire

The square-emerald cut sapphire weighing 8.73 carats.

Excellent condition. More saturated, lively and velvety in color than indicated by the catalogue illustration. Even color distribution face-up; some color zoning when viewed from the side. Several minute abrasions to the girdle. Eye-clean. Please refer to AGL report no. CS 41710 stating that the sapphire is of Kashmir origin, no gemological evidence of heat. Also accompanied by Gübelin report no. 1003013 stating that the sapphire is of Kashmir origin, no indications of heating.
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.

Accompanied by AGL report no. CS 41710 stating that the sapphire is of Kashmir origin, no gemological evidence of heat.  Also accompanied by Gübelin report no. 1003013 stating that the sapphire is of Kashmir origin, no indications of heating.

"For sheer beauty a really fine Kashmir sapphire is a thing that stands supreme."  J.F. Halford-Watkins, 1935

The Persians believed the world rested on a giant sapphire, with the sky reflecting its pure color.  In the 13^th century, Marco Polo left sapphires as a personal calling card on his travels throughout the Near and Far East.  And in more modern times, beautiful sapphires have afforded the viewer a sense of serenity, transcendent beauty, and, of course, value.  But while exceptional sapphires have long been admired, Kashmir sapphires may be said to truly captivate. 

It was not until around 1880 that the world's finest sapphires were revealed by a landslide deep in the Himalayas.  Originally bartered by locals for salt and other goods, their true worth soon came to the attention of the Maharajah of Kashmir who promptly took control of the mine.  By 1887, almost all of the larger, finer crystals were unearthed and mounted as exquisite jewels.  Since that initial torrent of production, intermittent mining has succeeded in uncovering only a trickle of small deposits, making these sapphires among the rarest and most valuable gemstones in the world. 

The sapphires produced by the legendary Kashmir mines are remarkable for their intense blue color balanced by a distinctively velvety appearance.   The gems offered here create a series of soft blue flashes with which one might elegantly encircle a wrist or neck.  To come across a single fine Kashmir sapphire is a rare event; to find a matched line of stones such as this is rarer still.  It is a collection for the true gemstone connoisseur.