Sapphires have been held in high esteem for centuries. As part of the corundum family, sapphires are a hard stone, only second to diamond in the hardness scale of gemstones. As such they make an ideal choice for jewellery, being able to withstand moderate day-to-day wear. There are many famous sapphires in royal and prestigious collections around the world, from St Edward’s Sapphire and the Stuart Sapphire that are both set into the Imperial State Crown, to the Rockefeller Sapphire and Cartier’s iconic Panthère Clip Brooch of 1949. The latter is designed as a sapphire and diamond panther sitting atop a large sapphire cabochon. Many beautiful sapphires can be readily seen in museums, and also regularly at auction.
An Early-Mid Victorian Sapphire and Diamond Brooch - Estimate: £2,000-3,000
Tennants’ Fine Jewellery, Watches and Silver Sale on 15th March is no exception. A selection of beautiful sapphires can be found in an Early-Mid Victorian Sapphire and Diamond Brooch, which has a strong blue hue, possibly accentuated by the foil backing of their settings. This piece was consigned in the belief that it was set with rock crystals, however, close examination and some basic, non-intrusive gemmological testing revealed that this family heirloom is in fact set with sapphires and diamonds. This may have been a piece that could attach to, or be worn in partnership with, other pieces as part of a suite, a necklace or maybe even a tiara. There is a barrel fitting to the reverse which indicates a metamorphic property. With good provenance, having been in the same family for generations, this piece is estimated at £2,000-3,000 (all figures exclude buyer’s premium).
A Diamond and Sapphire Ring - Estimate: £6,000-8,000
A more modern jewellery example is a Diamond and Sapphire Ring 129182-001, which features a light blue cushion-shaped sapphire, estimated to weigh around 10 carat. Set with a cluster of three round brilliant cut diamonds to each shoulder, the sapphire stands proud as the star of the show. With good quality coloured gemstones of a significant size becoming harder to source, we expect to see competitive bidding on this scintillating gem. It carries a pre-sale estimate of £6,000-8,000.
An 18 Carat Gold Star Sapphire Swivel Ring - Estimate: £3,000-5,000
Another gem of significant size is found in an 18 Carat Gold Star Sapphire Swivel Ring (estimate: £3,000-5,000). This sapphire is estimated to weigh in excess of 60 carat (that’s about 12 grams, for context). This huge gem has been polished to show its asterism: cut en cabochon (as a dome), the rutile inclusions are aligned creating a six-pointed star on the surface. This phenomenon is not always visible without a carefully aimed direct light source, such as from a torch or pen light, but we have had no issue seeing the star in our normal office lighting. To be sure of its origin, we had this piece tested at a gemmological laboratory, who found it to be a natural stone, of Sri Lankan origin.
A Sapphire and Diamond Cross Pendant on Chain - Estimate: £2,000-3,000
Sapphires can also be found in several other jewellery lots in the March sale, for example set within a Sapphire and Diamond Cross Pendant on Chain (estimate: £2,000-3,000) 128346-003, as a clasp on a Triple Row Cultured Pearl Bracelet with an 18 Carat Gold Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Clasp (estimate: £500-700) 128135-016, and as pear cut stones in a Pair of Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Earrings (estimate: £800-1,200) R520421-004 as well as many other examples.
A Pair of Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Earrings - Estimate: £800-1,200
Triple Row Cultured Pearl Bracelet with an 18 Carat Gold Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Clasp
To discuss buying or selling sapphires at Tennants, please contact the Department.
