Very Rare Pair of Sapphire and Diamond Pendent Earrings. Photo Sotheby's
Each suspending a cushion-shaped sapphire weighing 9.46 and 8.55 carats respectively, surrounded by brilliant-cut diamonds, to a surmount set with marquise-shaped and brilliant-cut diamonds, the diamonds altogether weighing approximately 14.50 carats, mounted in 18 karat white gold. Estimation 8,000,000 — 11,000,000 HKD
Accompanied by AGL, Gübelin and SSEF reports numbered CS 58714 A and B, 13111063, 13111064 and 72490, dated 14 January 2014, 4 December 2013 and 27 January 2014, stating that the sapphires are natural, of Kashmir origin, with no indications of heating. The SSEF Appendix further states that "a matching pair of natural sapphires from Kashmir of this size and quality is rare and exceptional."
The Ephemeral Mines of Kashmir
A remote valley in the Padar region of Kashmir, amidst the Himalayan mountains between Pakistan and China, is home to one of the greatest gemstones in the world: Kashmir sapphires. The colour of this blue stone is so unique and distinct that was best described by the late Dr. Eduard Gübelin: soft and velvety, scintillating yet bland at the same time; it is a clear, deep blue, enhanced by a gentle admixture of kingly purple. The locality’s extreme altitude gave workers a maximum of ten weeks each year to unearth these heavenly treasures during 1881 to 1887. The short lifespan of the mines reaffirms the legendary reputation of sapphires from Kashmir. Not only are they some of the most beautiful and highly valued wonders of nature, but some of the most scarcely mined gemstones. Natural unheated Kashmir sapphires rank amongst the rarest gemstones on earth.
Sotheby's. Magnificent Jewels and Jadeite. Hong Kong | 07 avr. 2014 - www.sothebys.com