Lot 138. A 8.07 carats Kashmir sapphire and diamond ring. Estimate US$ 400,000 - 600,000 (€350,000 - 530,000). Photo: Bonhams.

set with a cushion mixed-cut sapphire, weighing 8.07 carats, flanked by fancy-cut diamond shoulders;estimated total diamond weight: 1.00 carat; mounted in platinum; size 7 3/4in.

Accompanied by AGL report # CS 1073201, dated February 3, 2016, stating the sapphire as: Kashmir origin, no indications of heat or clarity enhancement.

Note: Bernard Golson (1879-1983) lived a lengthy and adventurous life. Born in Paris, his career spanned working with the French government in Egypt involving the Suez Canal, then years in Colorado and Mexico with various gold and silver mining companies, including his own. Over the years he met and worked with the Guggenheims and aided Pershing and the US authorities in the pursuit of Pancho Villa. 

In 1906 he traveled to Vienna where he met and married his wife Malvina. They lived in Mexico for years, only to be chased from the country by Pancho Villa. They escaped via stagecoach with a new baby, and her jewels sewn into her clothes. All other belongings were lost. They escaped to the US, where they lived a graceful and comfortable life.

Much of Bernard's mining companies records can be found at the Bancroft Library at the University of California at Berkeley. 

It is believed Bernard purchased the sapphire ring for Malvina in the early 1920s.

Bonhams. FINE JEWELLERY, 15:00 EDT, NEW YORK