Gold, Sapphire and Diamond Ring - Sotheby's

Centered by a sugarloaf cabochon sapphire weighing approximately 8.50 carats, flanked by six cushion-cut sapphires weighing approximately 1.00 carat, further accented by 38 rose-cut diamonds, size 5, five diamonds missing; circa 1900. Estimate: 25,000 – 35,000 USD

Accompanied by AGL report no. CS 53572 stating that the sapphire is of Kashmir origin, with no indications of heating.

Note: Hans Graf Yorck von Wartenburg courted Katja Pohl when they were teenagers; because he was of aristocratic descent and she was a mere peasant, his requests for her hand in marriage were rebuffed.  The day before Hitler invaded Poland on September 1, 1939, Hans returned to Katja’s home to present her with a document transferring all of his assets to her as she remained his one true love.  Having recently married a more socially suitable factory owner, Katja refused to see Hans upon his visit.

Eight days later, Hans mounted a white horse and deliberately rode towards the invading German Army; he was quickly gunned down by sniper fire.  Six weeks later, Katja was awarded this sapphire ring as a provision of Hans’s last will and testament.  The Germans soon forced Katja and her husband to flee their villa in darkness and this sapphire ring was the only possession that Katja chose to take with her in their hurried escape. 

Katja was widowed later during World War II and subsequently met and married Paul Jas, a career United States Military officer, from whose relatives this ring has come to auction. 

 Accompanied by the original letter awarding Katja Pohl this sapphire ring upon Hans’s death, in the original German and an English translation.

Sotheby's. Magnificent Jewels. New York | 17 Apr 2013 www.sothebys.com