Highly Important Kashmir Sapphire and diamond demi-parure, 1960s

Comprising: a necklace and a pair of pendent earrings, each composed of tear drop sapphires set within stylised ribbon surrounds of marquise- and pear-shaped and baguette diamonds, each studded with a brilliant-cut stone, mounted in platinum, French assay and maker's marks. Necklace length approximately 425mm, Estimate 1,350,000—2,000,000 CHF - Unsold.

Accompanied by SSEF report no. 42936 stating that the five tear drops sapphires, weighing 118.22 carats in total, are of Kashmir origin, with no indications of heating.

Together with Gübelin report no. 0809095/1 and 2 stating that the five drop-shaped sapphires are of Kashmir origin, with no indications of heating. Further accompanied by an appendix stating:

'The natural sapphires described in the above mentioned Gübelin report are of large size and displaying good proportions. Such as set if well matching Kashmir sapphires is rare. In addition, the gemstones has been spared of thermal treatment.'

NOTE: The world's finest and most sought after sapphires are those coming from the legendary mines of Kashmir. They were discovered by chance as a result of a land slide between 1879 and 1882, in the Kudi valley, above the almost inaccessible village of Sumjam, in the Padar Himalayan region of Kashmir.
Initially these stones were traded for salt and other consumer goods. However, in 1882 they began to appear in the markets of Simla, the official summer capital of India. It was here that their popularity grew and their true value was recognised. As a result, the Maharaja at the time immediately sent his troops to protect and control the Kashmiri mines and prohibited private trading.
The high altitude and the harsh weather conditions limited the mining operations to approximately three months of the year, from July through to September. Despite these constraints, between 1883 and 1887, a labour-intensive production yielded some of the regions finest large crystals. By 1887 the original 'Old Mine' was exhausted and its replacement, the 'New Mine', located one hundred meters South, was later abandoned in 1908, as a result of poor weather conditions and more over the limited quantities of fine gemstones. Since those early times, the mining of Kashmir sapphires has been only sporadic and their supply limited, due to the remoteness and political unrest of this region. In addition, the Government would always take control of the few private investors when the mining became profitable.
What elevates Kashmir sapphires above all others is the unique combination of a rich, intense blue colour, with a soft and velvety appearance. Such attributes have often been compared to the vibrant blue hue of the cornflower. This outstanding colour, which is accentuated under artificial light, is unlike its rivals from other sources, which may seem greenish or grayish in comparison.
Such as set of very well matched Kashmir sapphire drops of fine quality is unprecedented at auction and can be classified as extremely rare.

Sotheby's. Magnificent Jewels. 19 Nov 08. Geneva. Photo courtesy Sotheby's. www.sothebys.com