Sapphire and diamond jewelry @ Sotheby's Hong Kong

Unique Kashmir sapphire and diamond ring, circa 1938, Van Cleef & Arpels. photo courtesy Sotheby's

Centring on an invisibly-set cushion-shaped sapphire weighing 7.54 carats, framed by tapered baguette diamonds, the shank accented with brilliant-cut diamonds, the diamonds together weighing approximately 5.40 carats, mounted in platinum plated with 18 karat yellow gold, signed and numbered N.Y. 42059, ring guard fitting.. Estimate 3,200,000—4,000,000 HKD. Lot Sold 4,580,000 HKD

PROVENANCE: The Estate of Cornelius Vander Starr, Parke-Bernet Galleries Inc., New York, 2 June 1971, lot 122.

NOTE: Ring size: 5½

Accompanied by AGL report numbered CS 40063, dated 8 September 2008, stating that the 7.54 carat sapphire is natural, of Kashmir origin, with no evidence of heat treatment.

Fine sapphire and diamond ring, Cartier. photo courtesy Sotheby's

Centring on an oval sapphire weighing 15.06 carats, flanked on each side by a half moon-shaped diamond together weighing approximately 3.00 carats, mounted in platinum, signed. Estimate 2,800,000—3,300,000 HKD. Lot Sold 4,100,000 HKD

NOTE: Ring size: 5¾

Accompanied by Gübelin report numbered 1005531, dated 18 May 2010, stating that the 15.06 carat sapphire is natural, of Burmese (Myanmar) origin, with no indications of heating; also accompanied by an appendix stating that this sapphire "possesses a richly saturated and homogeneous colour, combined with a high degree of transparency, and a finely proportioned cut". Further accompanied by AGL report numbered CS41866, dated 11 March 2010, stating that the 15.06 carat sapphire is natural, of Burmese (Myanmar) origin, with no gemological evidence of heat.

Star sapphire and diamond ring, Verdura. photo courtesy Sotheby's

Centring on a cabochon star sapphire weighing 48.04 carats, embraced by a pavé-set brilliant-cut diamond support, the diamonds together weighing approximately 1.50 carats, mounted in platinum, signed. Estimate 1,200,000—1,500,000 HKD. Lot Sold 2,300,000 HKD

LITERATURE AND REFERENCES: 'Verdura The life and work of a master jeweler' by Patricia Corbett, p. 154.

NOTE: Ring size: 6

Accompanied by Gübelin report numbered 9701437, dated 14 February 1997, stating that the 48.04 carat sapphire is natural, of Burmese (Myanmar) origin, with no indications of thermal treatment.

Sapphire and diamond necklace. photo courtesy Sotheby's

The necklace set to the front with eleven graduating oval sapphires surrounded and linked by brilliant-cut, pear- and marquise-shaped diamonds, to an oval sapphire-set clasp, the sapphires and diamonds together weighing approximately 28.54 and 42.70 carats respectively, mounted in platinum, length approximately 410mm. Estimate 550,000—650,000 HKD. Lot Sold 680,000 HKD

NOTE: Accompanied by GRS report numbered GRS2008-091198, dated 16 September 2008, stating that the sapphires are natural, of Burmese (Myanmar) origin, with no indication of thermal treatment.

Pair of sapphire and diamond pendent earrings. photo courtesy Sotheby's

Each set with a pear-shaped sapphire weighing 8.24 and 7.78 carats, surmounted by a cushion-shaped sapphire weighing 4.56 and 4.34 carats, spaced by a square-shaped diamond, delicately set within brilliant-cut diamond frames, the diamonds altogether weighing approximately 2.30 carats, mounted in platinum. Estimate 400,000—500,000 HKD. Lot Sold 468,750 HKD

NOTE: Accompanied by AGL report numbered CS42684 A and B, dated 23 July 2010, stating that the sapphires are natural, of Sri Lankan (Ceylon) origin, with no indication of thermal treatment.

Sapphire and diamond ring. photo courtesy Sotheby's

Centring on a step-cut sapphire weighing 8.84 carats, flanked on each side by a half moon-shaped diamond together weighing approximately 1.70 carats, framed by brilliant-cut diamonds, mounted in platinum. Estimate 320,000—400,000 HKD. Lot Sold 400,000 HKD

NOTE: Ring size: 5¾

Accompanied by AGL report numbered CS 38821, dated 21 February 2007, stating that the 8.84 carat sapphire is natural, of Burmese (Myanmar) origin, with no gemological evidence of heat enhancement present.

Pair of sapphire and diamond ear clips. photo courtesy Sotheby's

Each composed of five oval sapphires altogether weighing approximately 18.28 carats, embellished by marquise-shaped and brilliant-cut diamonds altogether weighing approximately 4.20 carats, mounted in 18 karat white gold, clip and retractable post fittings. Estimate 190,000—250,000 HKD. Lot Sold 237,500 HKD

NOTE: Accompanied by GRS report numbered GRS2009-062380, dated 29 June 2009, stating that the sapphires are natural, of Burmese (Myanmar) origin, with no indication of thermal treatment.

Sapphire ring. photo courtesy Sotheby's

Centring on a cushion-shaped sapphire weighing 18.48 carats, supported by channel-set calibré-cut sapphires together weighing approximately 8.00 carats, mounted in platinum and 18 karat yellow gold - Estimate 180,000—250,000 HKD. Lot Sold 225,000 HKD

NOTE: Ring size: 7¼

Accompanied by GRS report numbered GRS2010-022413, dated 26 February 2010, stating that the 18.48 carat sapphire is natural, of Sri Lankan origin, Vivid Blue colour (GRS type "Royal Blue"), with no indication of thermal treatment.

Sapphire and diamond pendant necklace and ring. photo courtesy Sotheby's

Centring on a cushion-shaped sapphire weighing approximately 5.15 carats, encircled by brilliant-cut and tapered baguette diamonds, completed by a necklace of stylised links set with brilliant-cut diamonds and circular-cut sapphires, the diamonds and sapphires together weighing approximately 10.05 and 6.85 carats respectively, length approximately 420mm, pendant detachable; and a ring centring on a cushion-shaped sapphire weighing approximately 7.00 carats, framed by brilliant-cut diamonds together weighing approximately 1.70 carats; mounted in platinum. (2) - Estimate 95,000—140,000 HKD. Lot Sold 225,000 HKD

NOTE: Ring size: 5½

Sapphire and diamond ring. photo courtesy Sotheby's

Centring on a cabochon sapphire weighing approximately 12.50 carats, to a stylised mount encrusted throughout with brilliant-cut diamonds and sapphires, the diamonds together weighing approximately 2.50 carats, mounted in 18 karat white gold. Estimate 80,000—110,000 HKD. Lot Sold 81,250 HKD

NOTE: Ring size: 6

Sotheby's. Magnificent Jewels & Jadeite, 06 Oct 10 05:30 PM, Hong Kong www.sothebys.com