DIAMOND RING

Set with an old European-cut diamond weighing 10.05 carats, to the brilliant-cut diamond gallery and hoop, mounted in 18 karat white gold, size 6.

Accompanied by GIA report no. 1152098861, dated 22 June 2015 and Gübelin report no. 15070057, dated 13 July 2015, both stating that the 10.05 carat diamond is D Colour, Internally Flawless. Further accompanied by GIA diamond type classification report stating that the diamond is determined to be Type IIa, also accompanied by Gübelin "Olde Water" Appendix For further details, please refer to reports and appendix. Overall 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.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 GIA report no. 1152098861, dated 22 June 2015 and Gübelin report no. 15070057, dated 13 July 2015, both stating that the 10.05 carat diamond is D Colour, Internally Flawless; further accompanied by GIA diamond type classification report stating that the diamond is determined to be Type IIa. Type IIa diamonds are the most chemically pure type of diamond and often have exceptional optical transparency. Also accompanied by Gübelin "Olde Water" Appendix, stating 'While some Type IIa diamonds can be tinted pink or brown, others are blessed with the most exceptional and pure colour and are often associated with a high degree of transparency, a quality sometimes referred to as "water". Such diamonds can look so colourless that they seem to appear like "crystal clear water"... This diamond of 10.05 cts combines such exceptional characteristics as to display this particular quality of the finest "water"...Diamonds of this kind and size, exhibiting a superior quality as well as an old cutting style, and belonging to the finest of natural colour type IIa diamonds are very rare.'

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Golconda’s Greatness



Golconda diamonds, elusive and mysterious, the legendary gems hailing from the historic fabled kingdom; these diamonds are renowned to be the source of some of the finest and most important diamonds in the world. Celebrated as the ‘Diamond Capital’ of the past, the Golconda mines have produced some of history’s best-known diamonds, including the Hope, the Koh-I-Noor and the Regent diamonds.

In 1663, French explorer and renowned gem merchant Jean-Baptiste Tavernier, travelled through the fortified city of Golconda. On this journey, he was permitted to examine the Great Mogul Diamond, a sizeable gem that was named after the third of India’s Mogul emperors, Shah Akbar. Providing vivid and captivating descriptions of the fine diamond specimens he encountered, he compared the purity of the gem’s appearance to water, the most transparent, and coveted diamonds being known as the ‘gems of the first water’.

The essence of a Golconda diamond is its distinctive purity reminiscent of clear water, unlike other diamonds. Majority of the diamonds from Golconda belong to the prestigious category of Type IIA diamonds, which consist of only two per cent of all diamonds. Most chemically pure, with no measurable traces of nitrogen or boron, colourless Type IIA diamonds are exceptionally transparent, hence Tavernier’s description of ‘perfect water’. To mark this distinction, this colour is sometimes referred to as ‘Super-D’ or ‘whiter than white’. The Swiss gem laboratory, Gübelin, in an effort to distinguish such extraordinary diamonds from historical heritage and proven pedigree, provides a gemmological report for Type IIA and an association with the Golconda profile.

Lot 1744 and 1745 are both exquisite specimens that possess the enigmatic perfection and allure of the Golconda diamonds. With its prestigious background, rich in history, and unparalleled quality, each Golconda diamond represents a one of a kind, paragon of a gem.

“Golconda diamonds are truly exceptional gemstones… Impressive in size, possessing the purest colour and transparency. They are reminiscent of those unique and famous historical diamonds which reached the hands of royalty, centuries ago, through an incredible journey initiated in India.”

Gübelin Gem Laboratory