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Lot 192 in our upcoming Antique and Modern Jewellery auction, is an exquisite Burmese sapphire, Columbian emerald and diamond Art Deco brooch. The unique aspect of this brooch is, not only the striking colour of the 5 carat sapphire, but the fact that it is entirely natural with no indications of heat treatment.
Sapphire is the blue variety of corundum which comes in many colours, the exception being red which is known as ruby. Sapphires are routinely heat treated to improve the colour of the stone. Very pale blue (Geuda) sapphires can be heated to make them darker and also very deep dark blue sapphires can be heated to lighten them. This type of treatment is so commonplace that it is rare when such a large, good quality specimen has achieved its colour entirely naturally.
Myanmar, formally known as Burma, has been a major source of some of the finest quality sapphires and rubies for several centuries. Although it is rubies that put the country on the map for their “Pigeon Blood” colour, sapphires of great class have also been mined here. Their colour is similar to sapphires found in Sri Lanka but without the colour banding so prominently seen in Sri Lankan stones. Burmese sapphires are found alluvially; this means that they are a secondary type of gem deposit. The original source of these stones has been eroded away with the gemstones washed away in rivers, concentrating in the beds behind boulders or wherever the water is not as fast flowing.
Sapphire is the birthstone for September and also the gem for the 45th wedding anniversary. Sapphires are great stones to use in jewellery as they are very durable with a hardness of 9 on the Moh’s scale of hardness (the only natural stone that is higher is diamond at 10!).
In this auction, we have a wide variety of sapphire jewellery so take a look at these . . .
Star sapphires are rare as they display asterism under direct light. This effect is caused by a specific alignment of rutile inclusions within the sapphire, giving rise to a 6-rayed star. Lot 80 is an example of this phenomenon.
Do you have a special princess in your life?! This sapphire and diamond cluster ring Lot 66 would make the perfect engagement ring or present for the lady in your life.
The earrings in Lot 7 are a great addition to your jewellery box – a classic cluster in a flattering pale blue. Their size means they are a wearable everyday addition to give your outfit a boost and luckily they won’t break the bank either!
What do you think? Let us know in the comments or tweet us @fellowsauctions.
The auction will take place on 13th July at 11am. The full catalogue is available online and viewing times are as follows: