Diamond ring, Mounted by Boucheron, Paris

The pear-shaped diamond weighing 15.37 carats, flanked by 2 baguette diamonds, mounted in platinum, size 4¾, signed Monture Boucheron, French assay marks.

Accompanied by GIA report no. 17191032 stating that the diamond is D color, VS2 clarity. Together with a letter from the GIA stating that the diamond has been determined to be a type IIa. The flanking baguette-cut diamonds are approximately D-E color and VVS clarity. Fitted with and inner sizing band. Signed Monture Boucheron on side of shank. In good condition. Please note that the mounting was made by Boucheron in the mid-1960's.
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 GIA report no. 17191032 stating that the diamond is D color, VS2 clarity.  Together with a letter from the GIA stating that the diamond has been determined to be a type 11a.

As the letter from the GIA attests, under 2% of the world's diamonds fall into the type 11 category, stones that contain little or no nitrogen.  Within the rare classification, those stones graded as type 11a are the most chemically pure and are often completely colorless.  Type 11b stone which contain boron, are often blue in color.

Type 11a diamond originated in the legendary Golconda region in India.  These alluvial deposits, mined since antiquity and long depleted, produced some of the world's most famous and historically important diamonds, including the Koh-i-Nur, the Regent and the Great Mogul, all classified as type 11a.  Today the term 'Golconda' is often used to denote quality rather than place and is reserved for those few diamonds that display extreme transparency with no trace of yellow body color.

Jay Gould (1836-1892)

One of America's leading railroad developers, speculators and financiers, Jason "Jay" Gould was born in Roxbury, New York. After working a short time in the lumber and tanning business in western New York and Pennsylvania, he moved to Manhattan and turned his attention to Wall Street, mastering the art of corporate management and security trading in a short time.

Gould served on the board of the Erie Railroad but his efforts to gain total control were ultimately unsuccessful. He then turned his attention to expanding a railroad system in the Midwest and eventually gained control of four lines - the Wabash, the Texas and Pacific, the Missouri Pacific and the Union Pacific. By 1880 he owned over 10,000 miles of railway, and within two years, he obtained controlling interest in 15% of the country's tracks earning him a considerable fortune. His expanding empire soon included the Manhattan Elevated Railroad of New York, a monopoly of the city's rapid transit system, and Western Union Telegraph Company. Western Union was to become one of the most profitable companies in America as it was the means by which all Associated Press stories were circulated.  

Jay Gould married Helen Day Miller in 1863 and the couple had six children.

See also back cover illustration