- 142
AN EXCEPTIONAL SAPPHIRE AND DIAMOND RING
Estimate
1,300,000 - 1,800,000 USD
Log in to view results
bidding is closed
Description
Set with a cushion-cut sapphire weighing 16.46 carats, flanked on either side by three marquise-shaped diamonds, size 8¼.
Condition
In good condition, with light wear to the mounting, commensurate with light use. Mounting tests as platinum. Partially numbered 25_76. The sapphire is of blue hue, a bright, medium tone and strong saturation, color-zoning is very subtly visible face-up and more readily so at certain angles where it is distinct; high degree of clarity with a shallow feather in the crown; slight abrasions to the facet junctions and some light chipping to the girdle. The diamonds weighing approximately 1.20 carats, are approximately F-G color, VS clarity. Accompanied by AGL report no. 1087732 stating that the sapphire is of Kashmir origin, with no indications of heating. Accompanied by SSEF report no. 101746 stating that the sapphire is of Kashmir origin, with no indications of heating, this color variety of sapphire may also be called 'royal blue' based on SSEF reference standards. Accompanied by Gübelin report no. 17102109 stating that the sapphire is of Kashmir origin, with 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.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.
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.
Catalogue Note
Accompanied by AGL report no. 1087732 stating that the sapphire is of Kashmir origin, with no indications of heating.Accompanied by SSEF report no. 101746 stating that the sapphire is of Kashmir origin, with no indications of heating, this color variety of sapphire may also be called 'royal blue' based on SSEF reference standards.
Accompanied by Gübelin report no. 17102109 stating that the sapphire is of Kashmir origin, with no indications of heating.
It is one of nature’s most generous acts of serendipity, a story nearly one hundred and forty years old. Following a landslide, intensely blue crystals were revealed in a remote valley amidst the towering Himalayas. Though only active for a brief time, the cache of precious stones that was recovered would make their mark on history. So momentous was this discovery that the region would become synonymous with the world’s finest sapphires: Kashmir.
At the root of their legendary status is the luxuriant, “velvet” nature of their blue color. This nearly ineffable quality results from a delicate, intricate interplay of its chemistry. Though all blue sapphires share the coloring agents of iron and titanium, the resulting hue can vary infinitely. Only those scant examples with great strength of color stand out as true gems. The treasured stones from Kashmir elevate this equation beyond just incredible color, introducing distinctive clarity characteristics. Those familiar with the beauty of star sapphires know how rutile “silk” inclusions can manipulate light into a six-rayed display of asterism. In a unique occurrence, Kashmir sapphires incorporate an extremely fine form of this “silk” in a layered effect within the crystal. In the hands of a skilled lapidary, these eccentricities can produce a luminous ultramarine color prized for its depth and evenness.
The present stone should be noted with distinction for its combination of sought-after attributes. Precious at any size, the 16.46 carat weight of this sapphire places it in truly rarefied company. Unlike most large sapphires from any source, this cushion cut gem displays a remarkably high degree of clarity. Perhaps its most desirable trait, the finely-cut proportions and inherent quality of the stone create an “open” yet intense color which is neither too deep nor too light. Even amongst Kashmir sapphires, only a small selection achieve what the SSEF Laboratory noted as a “Royal Blue” hue. It truly embodies that rare culmination of all that makes Kashmir the benchmark of blue gems.
Accompanied by Gübelin report no. 17102109 stating that the sapphire is of Kashmir origin, with no indications of heating.
It is one of nature’s most generous acts of serendipity, a story nearly one hundred and forty years old. Following a landslide, intensely blue crystals were revealed in a remote valley amidst the towering Himalayas. Though only active for a brief time, the cache of precious stones that was recovered would make their mark on history. So momentous was this discovery that the region would become synonymous with the world’s finest sapphires: Kashmir.
At the root of their legendary status is the luxuriant, “velvet” nature of their blue color. This nearly ineffable quality results from a delicate, intricate interplay of its chemistry. Though all blue sapphires share the coloring agents of iron and titanium, the resulting hue can vary infinitely. Only those scant examples with great strength of color stand out as true gems. The treasured stones from Kashmir elevate this equation beyond just incredible color, introducing distinctive clarity characteristics. Those familiar with the beauty of star sapphires know how rutile “silk” inclusions can manipulate light into a six-rayed display of asterism. In a unique occurrence, Kashmir sapphires incorporate an extremely fine form of this “silk” in a layered effect within the crystal. In the hands of a skilled lapidary, these eccentricities can produce a luminous ultramarine color prized for its depth and evenness.
The present stone should be noted with distinction for its combination of sought-after attributes. Precious at any size, the 16.46 carat weight of this sapphire places it in truly rarefied company. Unlike most large sapphires from any source, this cushion cut gem displays a remarkably high degree of clarity. Perhaps its most desirable trait, the finely-cut proportions and inherent quality of the stone create an “open” yet intense color which is neither too deep nor too light. Even amongst Kashmir sapphires, only a small selection achieve what the SSEF Laboratory noted as a “Royal Blue” hue. It truly embodies that rare culmination of all that makes Kashmir the benchmark of blue gems.