A sapphire and diamond necklace, by David Webb. Photo Christie's Image Ltd 2013
Set at the front with an oval cabochon sapphire, within a circular and baguette-cut diamond two-tiered surround, to the five-strand sapphire bead neckchain, intersected by two plaques and joined by a clasp of similar design, mounted in platinum and 18k gold, 16 ins., in a David Webb black leather box. Signed Webb for David Webb. Estimate: $120,000 – $180,000
With report CS 57102-1 dated 1 October 2013 from the American Gemological Laboratories stating that it is of the opinion of the Laboratory that the origin of the four cabochon sapphires would be classified as Ceylon (Sri Lanka). The largest cabochon sapphire and the cabochon sapphire in the clasp: No gemological evidence of heat. Two other cabochon sapphires: Heat
With report CS 57102-2 dated 1 October 2013 from the Americn Gemological Laboratories stating it is the opinion of the Laboratory that numerous polished beads (an excess of 50 tested at random) would be classifed as a combination, with a minority from Ceylon (Sri Lanka) and a majority originating from Burma (Myanmar). A majority of the sapphire beads: No gemological evidence of heat. A minority of the sapphire beads: Heat
Christie's. MAGNIFICENT JEWELS. 10 December 2013. New York, Rockefeller Plaza -www.christies.com