Pair of very fine and rare sapphire and diamond ear clips, Cartier

Each set with a step-cut sapphire weighing 15.77 and 16.90 carats, within a semi circle of pear- and marquise-shaped diamonds weighing a total of approximately 21.54 carats, signed Cartier, numbered, French assay marks, case stamped Cartier.

Accompanied by SSEF report no. 78416, stating that the two sapphires measuring 14.92 x 13.65 x 7.87 mm and 14.95 x 13.70 x 7.73 mm, weighing 16.909 and 15.776 carats respectively, are of Burmese origin, with no indications of heating; together with Gübelin report no. 0104030 and no. 0104029, each dated 12 April 2001, also stating that the sapphires are of Burmese origin, with no indications of thermal enhancement; together with fifteen GIA reports, dated from 23 November 1998 to 6 August 2002. Each signed Cartier, numbered 981640, with French assay marks for gold and partial marks for platinum; each stamped PT 950 for platinum, the clip fittings stamped OR. The sapphires are blue of strong saturation, with excellent clarity and very few typical inclusions, each showing a few very minor nicks and abrasions, the majority at the girdle. For further details on the sapphires, please refer to the gemmological reports. Diamonds weighing a total of 19.23 carats, of D to E colour and IF to VS1 clarity, please see below for details. Clips fit securely. Each with a pendant hook. Very few signs of wear to the metal. In excellent condition. Total gross weight approximately 28 grams. Case stamped Cartier, Paris, London, New York. Accompanied by 15 GIA reports: no. 11179072, dated 03 July 2000, stating that the 1.02 carat, pear brilliant diamond is D Colour, Internally Flawless no. 10877430, dated 16 November 1999, stating that the 1.03 carat, pear brilliant diamond is E Colour, VS1 Clarity no. 10536680, dated 14 December 1998, stating that the 1.04 carat, pear brilliant diamond is E Colour, Internally Flawless no. 11430715, dated 24 January 2001, stating that the 1.05 carat, marquise brilliant diamond is E Colour, Internally Flawless no. 11369055, dated 14 March 2001, stating that the 1.14 carat, marquise brilliant diamond is E Colour, Internally Flawless no. 11192470, dated 25 July 2000, stating that the 1.15 carat, pear brilliant diamond is D Colour, Internally Flawless no. 10488906, dated 23 November 1998, stating that the 1.16 carat, pear brilliant diamond is D Colour, Internally Flawless no. 11631780, dated 04 September 2001, stating that the 1.16 carat, marquise brilliant diamond is D Colour, Internally Flawless no. 11753074, dated 26 October 2001, stating that the 1.23 carat, marquise brilliant diamond is E Colour, Internally Flawless no. 12130011, dated 24 July 2002, stating that the 1.23 carat, pear brilliant diamond is D Colour, Internally Flawless no. 12130008, dated 06 August 2002, stating that the 1.25 carat, pear brilliant diamond is D Colour, Internally Flawless no. 11646025, dated 06 August 2001, stating that the 1.27 carat, pear brilliant diamond is D Colour, VVS1 Clarity no. 11734541, dated 09 October 2001, stating that the 1.61 carat, pear brilliant diamond is E Colour, Internally Flawless no. 11520756, dated 25 April 2001, stating that the 1.86 carat, pear brilliant diamond is D Colour, Internally Flawless no. 11754258, dated 05 November 2001, stating that the 2.03 carats, pear brilliant diamond is D Colour, Internally Flawless A photocopy of a letter from Cartier also mentions: GIA report no. 11686268, dated 14 September 2001, stating that the pear-shaped diamond weighing 2.31 carats, is D Colour, Internally Flawless (not included).
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Please note that colour, clarity and weight of gemstones are statements of opinion only and not statements of fact by Sotheby's. We do not guarantee, and are not responsible for any certificate from a gemological laboratory that may accompany the property. We do not guarantee that watches are in working order. 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. Prospective buyers should also refer to refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue, in particular to the Notice regarding the treatment and condition of gemstones and to the Notice regarding import of Burmese jadeite and rubies into the US.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

"The described sapphires exhibit remarkable weights of 16.909 ct and 15.776 ct, respectively. The two gemstones form a perfectly matching pair in size, shape and attractive saturated blue colour, combined with an excellent purity. [...]Their saturated blue colour is due to a combination of well-balanced trace elements in the gemstone, typical and characteristic for the finest sapphires of Mogok, Burma." Excerpt from SSEF appendix letter, 20 February 2015