A sapphire and diamond ring set a world auction record for a Kashmir sapphire under 10 carats, fetching $1.35 million at Bonhams New York’s Fine Jewelry auction Tuesday.
The turn-of-the-century Tiffany & Co. ring is centered by an oval-cut sapphire the auction house describes as “rare quality” and a “deep and rich blue.” It’s flanked by European-cut diamonds weighing 7.84 carats. It sold for $172,000 per carat.
“On the heels of three world-records at our recent Bonhams London jewelry sale, Bonhams New York sets another world-record in price per carat for a Kashmir sapphire under 10 carat,” said Daniel Struyf, senior director of International Jewelry. “It’s been a successful week for Bonhams’ international jewelry department and a sign that colored gemstones are on the rise.”
Sapphires of Kashmir and Ceylon origin were quite popular at the sale, which represents the final jewelry auction for the fall season and for the year at Bonhams. Other top lots include:
* Sapphire and diamond ring: centered by a 29.74-carat cushion-shaped sapphire of Ceylon origin (pictured above), sold for $269,000.
* Sapphire and diamond ring: centered by an oval-cut sapphire of 5.23 carats of Kashmir origin (pictured above), sold for $269,000
* A sapphire and diamond ring centered by a 24.16-carat sapphire of Ceylon origin, sold for $125,000.
Please join me on the Jewelry News Network Facebook Page, on Twitter @JewelryNewsNet and on the Forbes website