An octagonal-cut Burmese sapphire brooch of 47.15 carats, by Mellerio, sold for $3,648,894 at Christie’s Geneva in May 2012, setting a record price per carat for a Burmese sapphire at auction until last year. Photo courtesy of Christie’s.

Centering upon an octagonal-cut sapphire, weighing approximately 47.15 carats, in an old-mine cut diamond frame, to the baguette, single and brilliant-cut diamond ribbon detail, 5.3 cm, with French assay marks for platinum and gold. Signed and with maker’s mark for Mellerio, no. 17838

Accompanied by report no. 61461 dated 5 December 2011 from the SSEF Swiss Gemmological Institute stating that the sapphire is of Burmese origin, with no indications of heating.

Christie’s Geneva, May 2012. - www.christies.com