An exceptional 35.09-carat Kashmir blue sapphire ring just sold for $7,357,999 atChristie’s Geneva sale of Magnificent Jewels on May 13. This sale, almost 8 million in total, established a new record price at auction for a Kashmir sapphire, at more than $200,000 per carat! Here’s a look at these coveted treasures.Photos courtesy of Christie’s Geneva
LOT 351 Kashmir Sapphire & Diamond Ring 35 Cts.
Why so expensive? According to ɾєρօɾτs from the world’s top gem labs, this sapphire of significant size exhibits the intensely saturated velvety blue —often described as the prized “cornflower blue” hue—indicative of the rare sapphires from Kashmir, which set the standard for blue sapphires. In addition, there are no indications that the sapphire has been heated. It also possesses among its superb qualities “a high degree of transparency and finely proportioned cut.”
The sapphire is cushion-shaped and set within a white gold ring with triangular-cut diamond shoulders and baguette-cut diamond hoop. It sold to an Asian buyer, shattering its pre-auction high estimate of $4,298,342.
LOT 304 Kashmir Sapphire & Diamond Ring 12 Cts.
Another Kashmir blue sapphire sold for $1,563,590 at the auction, with ɾєρօɾτs from gem labs stating the validity of the origin and no indications of heating. The approximately 12.90-carat cushion-shaped stone is set within a platinum and yellow gold ring by Bulgari, with triangular-cut diamond shoulders.
LOT 278 Sapphire & Emerald Necklace
A blue sapphire, emerald and diamond necklace by Jahan, also fared well on the block, selling for $1,498,666, more than double its pre-auction high estimate of $644,751. The necklace features a tapered flexible band of brilliant-cut diamond lines, centered by a rectangular-cut emerald that suspєɴԀs a pear-shaped blue sapphire from Burma with natural hue, surrounded by a double halo of brilliant-cut diamonds.
LOT 271 Burmese Sapphire Ring
Up next was a blue sapphire, amethyst and diamond ring by JAR, which sold for $784,500, also above its pre-auction high estimate of $591,022. The oval-shaped sapphire, of Burmese origin and with natural hue, is held by entwined cords of amethysts and diamonds atop a double diamond hoop, mounted in platinum and silver.
LOT 294 Ceylon Sapphire Ring
Rounding out the top five sapphire lots is a blue sapphire and diamond ring by Van Cleef & Arpels, similar in style to the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton’s engagement ring. This particular sapphire, fashioned into the oval shape and weighing approximately 49.73 carats, is of Ceylon origin, with no indications of heating. Set within a brilliant-cut diamond surround and associated hoop, it sold for $628,682.
Auction Worthy Sapphires For You!
So what do you think of these exceptional blue sapphire jewels? Would you have offered a bid on any? If you’re in the market for a special sapphire ring, but aren’t looking to spєɴԀ millions, take a look at our sapphire rings collection instead, you’re sure to find something you like. Let us know. We’d love to hear from you!
