The 8.62-carat “Graff Ruby,” is the lead item in a collection of 16 jewels belonging to Dimitri Mavrommatis that is part of Sotheby’s Geneva November 12 Magnificent Jewels and Noble Jewels sale. The cushion-shaped Burmese stone is estimated to fetch 6.9 million to nearly 9.2 million.
The gem possesses the rare vivid red hue known as “pigeon’s blood,” according to a report from the Swiss Gemmological Institute, and is also of outstanding purity and superb brilliance.
Dimitri Mavrommatis began a lifelong interest in the fine and decorative arts in 1982 during trips to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The 16 jewelry and gem pieces from his personal collection to be placed on auction at the Beau-Rivage Hotel is expected to bring in more than $17.6 million.
David Bennett, chairman of Sotheby’s Jewellery Division for Europe and the Middle East, said the collection “is a testament to Dimitri Mavrommatis’ discerning eye and impeccable taste.”
Another item of from the Mavrommatis collection is a 27.54-carat Kashmir sapphire (pictured above) to fetch $3 million to $6.1 million. The stone exhibits a saturated velvety blue color, combined with a very high purity, according to the auction house. “These features elevate Kashmir sapphires above all others and the appearance of such a fine example weighing over 20 carats is an extremely rare event.”
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