Lot 2064. An impressive 90.97 carats Ceylon cushion-shaped sapphire and diamond pendant necklace. Estimate HK$9,500,000 – HK$15,000,000 (US$1,200,000-1,800,000). Photo Christie's Image Ltd 2016.

The pendant set with a cushion-shaped sapphire, weighing approximately 90.97 carats, within a tapered baguette and circular-cut diamond surround, surmounted by a square-shaped diamond, suspended from a line of graduated rectangular and circular-cut diamonds, mounted in platinum, 41.0 cm

Accompanied by report no. 84127 dated 15 February 2016 from the SSEF Swiss Gemmological Institute stating that the sapphire is of Ceylon (Sri Lanka) origin, with no indications of heating; also accompanied by an appendix stating that the sapphire possesses extraordinary characteristics and merits special mention and appreciation. The sapphire exhibits a highly impressive size and weight, combined with a beautifully saturated blue colour, a fine purity, and an attractive cutting style. The inclusions found by microscopic examination are consistent with those found in sapphires from the classical mines in Ceylon (Sri Lanka)-also known as the 'Island of Gems'. Its beautifully saturated blue colour is due to a combination of well-balanced trace elements in the gemstone, which are typical and characteristic for the finest sapphires of Ceylon. A natural sapphire from Ceylon of this size and quality is very rare and exceptional

Christie's. HONG KONG MAGNIFICENT JEWELS, 31 May 2016, Convention Hall