Salisbury - Kashmir sapphires and natural saltwater pearls are now generating more international interest than ever before. Both combine extreme rarity and beauty and the two to be offered in the May sale have the additional dimension of exceptional size. It is most unusual for any round natural pearl over 10mm or any Kashmir sapphire over 5cts to come on to the open market. The Kashmir sapphire weighs 9.68 cts. At 33.15 cts and with a maximum diameter of 17.44 mm., the round pearl could well be the largest in the world to have ever come up for sale by auction. Both are modestly estimated at £80,000-120,000.
A large and important natural pearl, 33.15cts, 132.59 grains. 16.51 x 17.44mm. Estimate: £80,000 - 120,000. Photo courtesy Woolley & Wallis
Accompanied by report number 09623 from The Gem and Pearl Laboratory, London dated 21st January 2014 stating that the pearl measures 16.5 - 17.4mm, weighs 33.15cts and is a natural saltwater pearl.
Accompanied by report number 72642 from SSEF, Switzerland, dated 5th February 2014 stating that the pearl weighs 33.147cts (132.59 grains), measures 16.51 x 17.44mm, roundish, half-drilled, the colour is white and the pearl is a natural saltwater pearl.
With appendix letter stating:
The natural pearl described in Test Report No 72642 from the Swiss Gemmological Institute SSEF possesses extraordinary characteristics and merits a special mention and appreciation.
The described natural pearl exhibits an impressive size and weight of 33.147cts (132.59 grains), combined with an attractive roundish shape and smooth pearl lustre. The pearl shows an attractive white colour with weak rosé and green overtones, poetically also referred to as the 'orient of pearls'. Such overtones are due to an iridescence effect caused on the surface of pearls and greatly contribute to their beauty.
The combination of well-balanced trace elements found in this pearl is characteristic for a saltwater pearl.
A natural pearl of such a large size and quality is very rare and exceptional.
Documentation of historic round pearls can be prone to conflicting details and some pearls, over the years, have simply disappeared. Although some were recovered, the entire French crown jewels were stolen when the Garde Meuble (Royal Treasury) was stormed in Paris during the French Revolution in 1792. An inventory of the jewels had listed a 388 grain, round pearl just a few months previously. It has not been mentioned again.
A pearl of 148 grains was referred to in Taverniers Voyages (1676 - 1679) as being a gift to the Great Mogul from Shah Abbas. Again, it has not been mentioned since.
However, it is certain that the 33.14, or 132 grain pearl to be offered on May 1st 2014 is one of the largest round pearls ever to be offered at auction.
A Kashmir sapphire and diamond ring. Photo courtesy Woolley & Wallis
the cushion shaped sapphire weighs 9.68cts and is set in platinum with two tapered baguette shaped shoulder diamonds. The shank marked for Garrard, with London marks for 1985.
Accompanied by report number 72641 from SSEF, Switzerland, dated 5th February 2014 stating that the sapphire weighs 9.685cts, measures 11.50 x 10.32 x 7.94mm, the colour is blue of medium strong saturation. With no indications of heating. Origin: Kashmir.
Accompanied by report number 09292 from The Gem and Pearl Laboratory, London dated 21st January 2014 stating that the sapphire weighs 9.68cts, with no evidence of heat treatment. Origin opinion: Kashmir.
Woolley and Wallis Salisbury Salerooms - Jewellery - 01 May 2014