Christie's. Hong Kong Magnificent Jewels, 30 May 2017, Convention Hall
A unique pair of sapphire and diamond earrings
Lot 2053. A unique pair of 16.23 & 2.69 carats Kashmir sapphire and 1.83 & 10.93 carats Type IIa diamond earrings. Estimate HKD 20,500,000 - HKD 30,000,000. Price realised HKD 24,060,000. © Christie's Images Ltd 2017
Each set with a cushion-shaped sapphire, weighing approximately 16.23 carats, or a rectangular-cut diamond, weighing approximately 10.93 carats, juxtaposed by a cushion-shaped diamond, weighing approximately 1.83 carats, or a cushion-shaped sapphire, weighing approximately 2.69 carats, mounted in platinum, 2.0 cm.
Accompanied by report no. 91515 dated 4 April 2017 from the SSEF Swiss Gemmological Institute stating that the approximately 16.00 and 2.60 carat sapphire is of Kashmir origin, with no indications of heating; also accompanied by an appendix stating that the sapphire ear-clips possesses extraordinary characteristics and merits special mention and appreciation. The ear-clips contains two sapphires and two colourless diamonds in a very impressive and attractive design of alternating size and colour. The two sapphires have been carefully selected for their matching colour and outstanding purity, rarely encountered in sapphires from Kashmir. The few tiny inclusions found by microscopic examination are the hallmarks of sapphires from the reputed historic deposit in Kashmir, located in a remote part of the Himalayan Mountains in India. The velvety and saturated blue colour of these sapphires is due to very fine and subtle inclusions and a combination of well-balanced trace elements, which are typical and characteristics for the finest sapphires of Kashmir. Assembling a matching pair of natural sapphires from Kashmir of this quality can be considered very rare and exceptional.
Report no. 1081280 dated 27 January 2017 from the AGL American Gemological Laboratories stating that the 2.69 carat sapphire is of Kashmir origin, with no gemological evidence of heat and clarity enhancement.
Report no. 1080208 dated 28 November 2016 from the AGL American Gemological Laboratories stating that the 16.23 carat sapphire is of Kashmir origin, with no gemological evidence of heat and clarity enhancement
Report no. 2175695836 dated 7 October 2016 from the GIA Gemological Institute of America stating that the 10.93 carat diamond is D colour, internally flawless clarity, with excellent polish and symmetry; and a Diamond Type Classification letter stating that the diamond has been determined to be Type IIa
Report no. 7236433065 dated 8 August 2016 from the GIA Gemological Institute of America stating that the 1.83 carat diamond is E colour, VS1 clarity.