Kashmir Sapphires and Rare Blue Diamond in Spotlight at Bonhams Sale

(IDEX Online News) – Bonhams London kicks off its autumn auction season with its Fine Jewellery sale on September 20, with a pair of Kashmir sapphires and a rare blue diamond set to provide most of the sparkle.

An exceptional pair of late 19th century Kashmir sapphire earrings is one of the top lots. The cushion-shaped sapphires weigh 8.97 and 8.93 carats and come with reports from the AGL and SSEF laboratories. The reports state that the sapphires are of Kashmir origin, with no evidence of heat treatment, and display a saturated and vivid blue color.  

Meanwhile, the Fancy Intense Blue oval-cut blue diamond weighs 3.81 carats and is accompanied by a GIA report. It is expected to sell for around $1,500,000 to $2,000,000.

Jean Ghika, Head of Jewellery for Bonhams UK & Europe, said: “Blue diamonds are extraordinarily rare and account for only 0.004% of all diamonds mined. This particular diamond is categorized as a Fancy Intense Blue with no modifying or secondary color. With so few blue diamonds coming to auction we are anticipating global interest.”

Bonhams has a strong track record of selling blue diamonds and holds price-per-carat world auction records for both a Fancy Deep blue diamond at $1.77 million per carat

Bonhams will also be offering an oval-cut Sri Lankan sapphire ring weighing 18.77 carats, the sapphire sits within a brilliant-cut diamond border, with pavé-set diamond shoulders. It is accompanied by a report from SSEF.

In line with the market demand for colored stones, the sale also features an impressive emerald and diamond cluster ring, circa 1960. At the centre of the ring is a cushion-shaped emerald, weighing 12.50 carats. It is accompanied by a SSEF report stating that the emerald is of Colombian origin with minor clarity enhancement (oil).

One of the older pieces to feature in the sale is a pair of old cut diamond pendent earrings, circa 1830. Weighing 3.02 and 3.25 carats, the E and F color diamonds, are accompanied by additional letters from GIA stating that each diamond has been classified as Type IIa.

Jean Ghika adds: “In recent years we have seen a growing demand from our global collectors for top quality colored diamonds and gemstones. We are looking forward to showcasing the blue diamond, the Kashmir sapphires, a wide selection of signed jewelry and a number of our other highlights in London, New York and Geneva during our pre-sale previews.”