Lot 615. A 6.96 carats Kashmir Sapphire, Ruby and Diamond Ring. Estimate HK$ 1,600,000 - 2,600,000 (€170,000 - 280,000). Sold for HK$ 1,750,000 (€188,691). Photo: Bonhams.

The cushion-shaped sapphire, weighing 6.96 carats, within a calibré-cut ruby surround, accented by brillant and rose-cut diamonds, rubies approximately 1.00 carat total, ring size 6

Accompanied by a SSEF report stating that the natural sapphire has no indications of heat treatment and originates from Kashmir. Report number 87436, dated 1 September 2016.

Accompanied by an AGL (American Gemological Laboratories) report stating that the natural sapphire has no indications of heat treatment and originates from Kashmir. Report number CS 1073729, dated 2 August 2016. 

Accompanied by a Gubelin report stating that the natural sapphire has no indications of heat treatment and originates from Kashmir. Report number 16080051, dated 9 August 2016.  

Also accompanied by a Gubelin information sheet stating that gem-quality Kashmir sapphires are rare and scarce.  

Note: The legendary Kashmir sapphire, known for its vivid, pure blue hue is prized by connoisseurs above all other sapphires. The very best Kashmir sapphires maintain the purity and intensity of their hues when viewed in disparate natural and artificial lighting. Kashmir sapphires originate from deposits found at a height of 16,500 feet above a remote area of the north-western Himalayas, located between Pakistan and India. It is believed that deposits of the stone were originally uncovered by a landslide in 1881 in the Kudi Valley, and began being traded by local villagers for basic goods like salt. When word of the exceptional beauty of these sapphires spread, extensive mining begun under the control of the Maharajah of Kashmir for five years, until discoveries of the sapphire slowed. By the 1930s, most mines were exhausted. Today, while Kashmir sapphires are occasionally brought to market, they remain rare, with stones over 5 carats considered exceedingly rare. 

One identifying feature of a Kashmir sapphire is a crystal inclusion held within the stone, which sometimes occurs in the shape of an elongated prism. Distinctively present in lot 615 is a Pargasite inclusion which can only be attributed to Kashmir sapphires. 

Bonhams. RARE JEWELS & JADEITE, 26 Nov 2017, 14:00 HKT - HONG KONG, ADMIRALTY