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Bonhams Offering 17ct. Kashmir Sapphire
Apr 7, 2019 7:57 AM
By Rapaport News
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RAPAPORT... A 17.43-carat Kashmir sapphire previously owned by a
European noble family will go on sale at Bonhams later this month.
The cushion-shaped, vivid-blue stone, which dates to the
late 19th or early 20th century, will lead the April 30
sale in London, the first time it has appeared at auction. It is expected to fetch GBP 300,000 to GBP 400,000 ($391,080 to
$521,440).
“Sapphires hailing from Kashmir are among the most highly prized
gems for serious connoisseurs,” Emily Barber, director of jewelry at Bonhams
UK, said last week. “After the discovery of the mine in the high Himalayan
mountain region of northwest India in 1881, the majority of mining activity
took place during the following decade, after which the supply was essentially
exhausted. This makes them extremely rare.”
The sale will also include a step-cut, 9.07-carat, F-color
diamond ring, which has the potential for VVS1 clarity. That piece is valued at
GBP 250,000 to GBP 350,000 ($325,900 to $456,260).
A transformable diamond and
sapphire necklace by designer Grassy will also go under the hammer. The articulated
collar can be worn as is, or in one of four other ways: the 34.59-carat
sapphire detaches and can function as a ring; the entire center plaque of the
necklace can be removed and worn as a clip; and the detachable plaque clasp can
be worn either as a clip or in the center of the necklace. It carries a presale
value of GBP 120,000 to GBP 180,000 ($156,430 to $234,650).
In addition, Bonhams will auction a ring featuring a
step-cut, 22.02-carat, Colombian emerald sitting on a mount formed by two
marquise and brilliant-cut diamond honeybees and two brilliant-cut diamond
leaves. The jewel, signed by both Tiffany & Co. and designer Jean
Schlumberger, was part of the collection of artist Andy Warhol. It is estimated
at GBP 65,000 to GBP 85,000 ($84,730 to $110,810).
Image: The 17.43-carat Kashmir sapphire. (Bonhams)
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Tags:
Andy Warhol, bonhams, Emily Barber, Grassy, Jean Schlumberger, London Jewels sale, Rapaport News, Tiffany & CO.
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