- 497
Very Fine Sapphire and diamond ring, monture Boucheron
Estimate
500,000 - 700,000 CHF
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Description
The cushion-shaped sapphire weighing 9.47 carats, the shoulders embellished with marquise-shaped and brilliant-cut diamonds, mounted in platinum, size 51, with sizing beads, signed Monture Boucheron, French assay marks.
Condition
French assay marks for platinum. Signed Monture Boucheron. Sapphire clean to the naked eye, minor scratches and abrasions to the facet junctions. For further information, please refer to the Gübelin and SSEF reports. Diamonds bright and lively. Normal signs of wear to the metal, scratches consistent with wear. In 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. 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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
The world's finest and most sought after sapphires are those coming from the legendary mines of Kashmir. They were discovered by chance as a result of a land slide between 1879 and 1882, in the Kudi valley, above the almost inaccessible village of Sumjam, in the Padar Himalayan region of Kashmir.
Initially these stones were traded for salt and other consumer goods. However, in 1882 they began to appear in the markets of Simla, the official summer capital of India. It was here that their popularity grew and their true value was recognised. As a result troops were sent to protect and control the Kashmiri mines and private trading was prohibited.
Between 1883 and 1887, a labour-intensive production yielded some of the regions finest large crystals. By 1887 the original 'Old Mine' was exhausted and its replacement, the 'New Mine', located one hundred meters south, was abandoned in 1908. Since those early times, the mining of Kashmir sapphires has been only sporadic and their supply limited, due to the remoteness and political unrest of this region.
What elevates Kashmir sapphires above all others is the unique combination of a rich, intense blue colour, with a soft and velvety appearance. Such attributes have often been compared to the vibrant blue hue of the cornflower.
Initially these stones were traded for salt and other consumer goods. However, in 1882 they began to appear in the markets of Simla, the official summer capital of India. It was here that their popularity grew and their true value was recognised. As a result troops were sent to protect and control the Kashmiri mines and private trading was prohibited.
Between 1883 and 1887, a labour-intensive production yielded some of the regions finest large crystals. By 1887 the original 'Old Mine' was exhausted and its replacement, the 'New Mine', located one hundred meters south, was abandoned in 1908. Since those early times, the mining of Kashmir sapphires has been only sporadic and their supply limited, due to the remoteness and political unrest of this region.
What elevates Kashmir sapphires above all others is the unique combination of a rich, intense blue colour, with a soft and velvety appearance. Such attributes have often been compared to the vibrant blue hue of the cornflower.