AN EXCEPTIONAL SAPPHIRE AND DIAMOND RING
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AN EXCEPTIONAL SAPPHIRE AND DIAMOND RING

Details
AN EXCEPTIONAL SAPPHIRE AND DIAMOND RING
Set with a cushion-shaped sapphire, weighing approximately 35.09 carats, to the triangular-cut diamond shoulders and baguette-cut diamond hoop, mounted in gold, ring size 4½
Accompanied by report no. 77675 dated 1 December 2014 from the SSEF Swiss Gemmological Institute stating that the sapphire is of Kashmir origin, with no indications of heating, and an additional comment stating that this colour variety of sapphire may also be called 'Royal Blue' in the trade, together with an Appendix stating that this sapphire has an '..attractive and saturated blue colour and outstanding purity. Its vivid blue hues are further pronounced by its well-proportioned cutting style and multiple internal reflections'.
Report no. 14100349 dated 29 October 2014 from the Gübelin GemLab stating that the sapphire is of Kashmir origin, with no indications of heating, an Information Sheet on 'Unheated sapphires' and an Appendix stating that this sapphire '.. possesses a richly saturated and homogeneous colour, combined with a high degree of transparency, and finely proportioned cut.'
Report no. CS 63856 dated 16 October 2014 from the AGL American Gemological Laboratories stating that the sapphire is of Kashmir origin, with no indications of heating, and a letter stating that the sapphire '.. possesses the quintessential, velvety blue color that distinguishes a top-quality sapphire from this auspicious source. Traditionally, stones of this color have been described as having a "cornflower blue" hue.'
Provenance
Christie's New York, Magnificent Jewels, 25-26 October 2000, lot 772
Special notice
On lots marked with an + in the catalogue, VAT will be charged at 8% on both the premium as well as the hammer price.

Lot Essay

KASHMIR SAPPHIRES
Sapphires have always held great signifcance to the connoisseur of fine gems. To the gemstone collector and the jeweller, the name Kashmir in reference to sapphires has only one meaning: the most magnificent blue colour and the most sought after and valuable of all the shade and tones in which the stone is found. Among true connoisseurs, the Kashmir sapphire has no rival.
The source of these exceptional stones was a remote corner of the northwestern Himalayas where a rock slide in 1881 revealed sapphire-bearing rock. By 1882, the area was crowded with labourers and miners, all looking for the most beautiful sapphires ever to be found. Upon hearing of the superb gems, the Maharajah of Kashmir sent his own regiment to take possession of the mine and all private enterprise was forbidden. Extensive and productive mining went on for the next five years under his control and within a decade the sapphire rush slowed down as the mines offered less gems. By the 1930s, most of the mines were exhausted.
Kashmir sapphires command a much higher price premium than all other sapphires, not only for their rarity, especially those above 10 carats, but also for their rich, cornfower blue or velvety blue colour that have a mesmerizing sleepy quality. A result of numerous inclusions, sometimes known as "silk", that can refract and diffuse the light entering the sapphire, giving the stone an overall soft appearance. Unlike most others, Kashmir sapphires can maintain their coveted pure blue hue even as it changes from natural daylight to artificial incandescent light, as they contain little or no chromium.
The present Kashmir weighing 35.09 carats is certainly part of the exclusive family of the rarest and largest Kashmir ever to be offered at auction, combining an exceptional size, a richly saturated and homogenous velvety blue colour and spared from any form of enhancement. A rare gemstone that will captivate gem connoisseurs from all over the world.

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