A Mughal sapphire bead, India, 17th century. Photo: Courtesy Sotheby's

of oval form and clear blue colour with minor inclusions, drilled from two ends with a manual bow drill and incised with channels and ridges around the body - 4cm - Estimate : 18,000—25,000 GBP

NOTE: It was customary in Mughal India to produce beads and stone pendants such as this. A similar bead can be found in the al-Sabah Collection and is illustrated in Manuel Keene's Treasury of the World, London, 2001, p.130, cat.11.4.

Sotheby's. Arts of the Islamic World. 08 Oct 08 10:00 AM. London - www.sothebys.com