藍寶石配鑽石手鐲

• 鑲一顆古墊形藍寶石，重20.14卡拉
• 主石兩旁鑲圓形鑽石
• 內圓周約155毫米

*拍品資料以英文為主，中文翻譯僅供參考

Princess Marie von Hatzfeldt, (1820–1897)
Her son Prince Hermann von Hatzfeldt (1848-1933) and his wife, Countess Nathalie von Benckendorff (1854–1931), formerly in Schloss Trachenberg (Silesia)
thence by descent.

Accompanied by SSEF report no. 87520 and Gübelin report 16090078, each stating that the cushion-shaped sapphire weighing 20.14 carats and measuring 16.61 x 15.18 x 7.94mm, is of Kashmir origin, with no indications of heating, together with appendix letters. Inscribed den 18 Juni 1887. Sapphire blue of medium strong saturation, with good transparency, typical inclusions, some surface reaching, some abrasions, chips and nicks; for further details on the central stone, please refer to the gemmological reports. Diamonds estimated to weigh a total of approximately 2.50 - 3.00 carats, on average I-J colour, SI-I clarity, as gauged and graded in the mount. Signs of wear to the metal consistent with age and use. Central part with sapphire and diamonds detachable. Clasps secure, safety latches. In good condition. Gross weight approximately 37 grams.
"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 world’s finest and most sought-after sapphires are those from the legendary mines of Kashmir. First discovered in 1881 thanks to a providential landslide, the mines, located at 4,500 meters of altitude in the Himalayas' Kudi valley, produced many crystals of exceptional size and quality between 1882 and 1887. Their popularity and value were immediately recognised. As a result, the Maharajah at the time sent his troops to protect and control the Kashmir mines and prohibited private trading, leading to the end of its exploitation.

Such sapphires rapidly found their way in exquisite jewellery, such as the bangle of lot 318, which was the property of Princess Marie von Hatzfeldt until her death in 1897. It was inherited by her son, Prince Hermann von Hatzfeldt. Prince von Hatzfeldt was a prominent figure, namely the Silesian president between 1894 and 1903, which would correspond to the current role of a state minister-president. He married Countess Nathalie von Benckendorff in 1872, who then wore the bracelet. Considered as family jewellery, it would remain the prince's possession, but was made available to his wife for the duration of her life. She died in 1931. The piece was then handed down in a direct line within the succession of Hermann Fürst von Hatzfeldt after his death in 1933, and remained until today exclusively in the Silesian branch of the princely family von Hatzfeldt.

What elevates Kashmir sapphire 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. This outstanding colour, which is accentuated under artificial light, is unlike that of sapphires from any other source.