An exquisite Kashmir sapphire and diamond ring from the late 19th century will lead the Bonhams New York Jewels sale on Wednesday, May 19, 2021. The certified unheated sapphire, weighing 5.22 carats, is set within a diamond frame and mounted in 18-karat pink gold and silver-topped gold. It is estimated at $280,000–480,000.
A Kashmir Sapphire and Diamond Ring, late 19th century
Estimate: $280,000–480,000
Image credit: Bonhams
Bonhams New York Head of Jewels Caroline Morrissey said: “Kashmir sapphires are among the most highly prized gems in the world due to their rarity, scarcity, and beauty. They display a vivid blue hue that is unique to these remarkable stones. Discovered in India in the 1880s and mined for less than a decade, Kashmir sapphires originate in the Zanskar region of the Himalayas, a place so high and inaccessible it is referred to as ‘above the snows.’ The Kashmir sapphire and diamond ring in our May sale is an outstanding example of this coveted jewel that has long been prized by royalty as a talisman for protection and a symbol of power. Certified to be of Classic Kashmir origin, the blue tint of this 5.22-carat cushion-shaped Kashmir sapphire is piercingly bright, and beautifully set within a charming old European-cut frame of 10 exquisite diamonds.”
Bonhams has a strong track record with Kashmir sapphires, most recently with a superb Kashmir sapphire and diamond brooch, circa 1910, in the December 7, 2020 New York Jewels sale surpassing its estimate of $500,000–$800,000 to sell for $1,110,312. Additionally, an unmounted Kashmir sapphire weighing 9.23 carats in the July 28, 2020 New York Jewels sale achieved $1,244,075 against an initial estimate of $475,000–$775,000.
