Bonhams. Hong Kong Jewels and Jadeite, Hong Kong, 28 November 2020
An important and rare emerald and diamond ring
Lot 635. An important and rare 10.00 carats Colombian emerald and diamond ring. Estimate HK$ 3,700,000 - 5,000,000 (€400,000 - 540,000). Photo: Bonhams.
Set with a rectangular-cut emerald, weighing 10.00 carats, flanked by bezel-set shield-shaped diamonds; mounted in platinum; size 6.
Accompanied by SSEF report #104266, dated 15 January 2019, stating that the emerald is of Colombian origin with no indications of clarity modifications.
Accompanied by Gübelin report #19127030, dated 16 December 2019, stating that the emerald is of Colombian origin and with no indications of clarity enhancement. With Information sheet stating that the developing emerald experiences significant mechanical strain, resulting in fissures and fractures throughout the stone. In most cases, this process lowers the transparency of the stone, depending on the number and extent of the fractures...the emerald described did not show any indications of clarity enhancement.'
Accompanied by AGL report #8089704, dated 3 September 2019, stating that the emerald is of Colombian origin and with no clarity enhancement. With an additional letter discussing emerald history.
Note: Lauded as amongst the world's most desirable gemstones, emeralds have a history dating back to ancient civilisations in Asia, Africa and South America, with the first known emerald mines discovered from as early as the third century BC in Egypt. From these ancient mines in Egypt through to the discovery of deposits in Colombian in the mid-16th century, emeralds have long been prized and used as symbols of wealth and status. Colombian emeralds, with their characteristic bluish green colour, are deemed the purest in the world, and these examples which are free from any form of treatment or enhancement, otherwise known in the trade as 'no oil', are exceptionally rare.