34.53 carats Burmese Oval Sapphire and Diamond Ring

Lot 245. 34.53 carats Burmese Oval Sapphire and Diamond Ring. Estimate：HK$ 5,800,000 - 6,800,000 (US$ 745,000 - 872,000). Courtesy Tiancheng International.

Centring on an oval sapphire weighing 34.53 carats, framed by twelve oval diamonds together weighing 6.96 carats, mounted in 18 karat white gold. Ring size: 6

Accompanied by SSEF report numbered 84782, dated 9 March 2016, stating that the 34.53 carat sapphire is natural, Blue colour of medium strong saturation, of Burmese origin, with no indications of heating; along with an appendix, stating that 'The natural sapphire described...possesses extraordinary characteristics and merits special mention and appreciation...It exhibits an important size and weight of 34.53 ct combined with a beautifully saturated blue colour and a fine purity. The small inclusions found by microscopic examination and the analysed properties are consistent with those found in sapphires from the classical mines in Burma (Myanmar). Its attractive blue colour is due to a combination of well-balanced trace elements in the gemstone, typical and characteristic for the finest sapphires of Mogok, Burma...A natural sapphire from Burma of this size and quality can be considered very rare and exceptional.'

GRS report numbered GRS2013-071405, dated 10 July 2013, stating that the 34.53 carat sapphire is natural, Blue colour, of Burmese origin, with no indication of thermal treatment; 

12 GIA reports stating that the 6.96 carat diamonds ranging from 0.66 to 0.51 carat are D colour, Internally Flawless to VVS1 clarity, four diamonds with Excellent Polish and Symmetry, eight diamonds with Excellent Polish. 

BURMESE SAPPHIRE
Sapphires symbolise loyalty, love and good fortune. Therefore, they are also called the Gem of Heaven and Gem of Kings. As early as the ancient Egyptian, Roman and Greek periods, they were used for decorating mosques, churches, temples and for religious tributes. The gemstones were also embroidered in the crowns of the British Kings and Russian Tsars and their ceremonial robes. 

Originating in different countries including Burma, Thailand, Sri Lanka and China, sapphires vary in colour. With the exception of those from Kashmir, Burmese sapphires are of the highest quality as they derive their colour from titanium contents, exhibiting the most beautiful blues in the gem kingdom.

In recent years, sapphires’ mining outputs are significantly reduced. Untreated sapphires of vivid and sparkling blue colour are very rare. Excessive mining in the past has made natural sapphires that weigh over ten carats extremely rare. In this auction, Tiancheng will present several sapphire treasures, including a 34.53-carat natural unheated Burmese (Mogok) sapphire ring (Lot 245), a 13.85-carat natural unheated Burmese bracelet (Lot 264) and a pair of 17.87 and 15.24-carat natural unheated Burmese sapphire earrings (Lot 265). These three lots possess vivid blue colour, superb clarity and purity each and are undoubtedly highly sought after pieces by collectors.