Exquisite and Very Fine Sapphire and Diamond Ring, Van Cleef & Arpels

Set with a cabochon sapphire weighing 21.72 carats, decorated with old-mine-cut diamonds, mounted in platinum, signed Van Cleef & Arpels, circa 1917. Ring size: 7, case stamped VCA.

Accompanied by Gübelin, SSEF and AGL reports numbered 15097109, 81892 and CS 1073435 respectively, stating that the sapphire weighing 21.72 carats is natural, of Kashmir origin, with no indications of heating, and 'royal blue' and 'cornflower blue' according to the SSEF report and AGL letter respectively; also accompanied by a Gübelin appendix. Please refer to the reports, letters and appendix for further details. Signed Van Cleef & Arpels, with French assay mark for platinum. Accompanied by a copy of Van Cleef & Arpels original receipt from 1917. Sapphire blue of strong saturation and velvety appearance, with minor silk, crystal and fingerprint inclusions, a few minor chips and a minor hairline scratch at the tip. The old-mine- and single-cut diamonds weighing approximately 0.30 carat in total, about G-H colour, SI-I clarity, as gauged and graded in the mounting. Signs of normal wear to the metal commensurate with the age, in very good condition. Case stamped VCA.
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.

Accompanied by Gübelin, SSEF and AGL reports numbered 15097109, 81892 and CS 1073435, dated 16 September 2015, 25 September 2015 and 5 April 2016 respectively, stating that the 21.72 carat sapphire is natural, of Kashmir origin, with no indications of heating; further accompanied by an appendix from Gübelin, stating that '..this remarkable gemstone has been spared thermal treatment. Such a combination of characteristics is rare in natural Kashmir sapphires of this size.' Also accompanied by a letter from AGL, stating that 'This sapphire has received the highest origin determination issued by AGL: Classic^TM Kashmir...Traditionally, stones of this color have been described as having a "cornflower blue" hue.' Further accompanied by a copy of Van Cleef & Arpels original receipt from 1917.

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CAPTIVATING CORNFLOWER

The celebrated sapphires of Kashmir hail from a remote region high in the Great Himalayan Mountains of northwestern India. The original mines were discovered as a result of a landslide in the early 1880s in the remote Kudi valley, which exposed a deposit of gem-quality sapphires. This sparked a period of intense mining. The mines operated for a mere seven years, for the durations of approximately three months a year, due to the harsh weather conditions and high altitude. By 1887, the original mine’s resources had been depleted and a second mine, located one hundred meters to the south, was opened but with comparatively disappointing yields.

Kashmir sapphires represent utmost rarity, making up a small fraction of the world’s sapphire supply. Scarcity is only part of the allure of Kashmir sapphires. Unique to these stones is a softness of colour that can only be described as “velvety”. The beauty of this rich and intense blue colour, that is both captivating and electric, surpasses that of sapphires from any other part of the world.

For the past few years, Sotheby’s has been at the forefront of overseeing record-breaking sales of Kashmir sapphires worldwide, steered by the Richlieu Sapphires sold at Sotheby’s Geneva in November 2013, shortly followed by the 28.18 carat Oscar & Heyman sapphire ring in early 2014 at Sotheby’s New York.

The cabochon offered here is of a rich, luxurious blue, velvety colour, epitomizing the peak of the Kashmir mine’s output.

Since its founding in 1896, the Maison has been inspired by the unique creative energy of love, for it was love which brought Van Cleef & Arpels into being. Estelle Arpels – the daughter of a dealer in precious stones, married Alfred Van Cleef, the son of a stone-cutter in 1895. The young couple, having much in common, founded the Maison of Van Cleef & Arpels and opened their new boutique in Paris’ Place Vendôme in 1906.

Over the years that followed, they succeeded in making Van Cleef & Arpels synonymous with the most exquisite jewellery in the world. Through important pieces such as this ring, the love which first brought Estelle and Alfred together lives on to this day.