17 - AN UNHEATED BURMESE SAPPHIRE AND DIAMOND RING

AN UNHEATED BURMESE SAPPHIRE AND DIAMOND RING Set with an oval mixed-cut blue sapphire weighing 5.24ct within a scalloped halo of fourteen round brilliant-cut diamonds, with further small brilliants pavé-set to the shoulders. Stamped 18K Size/dimensions: ring size L (US 6) Gross weight: 5.07g Accompanied by GRS report no. GRS-2015-043544, dated 19th June 2015, stating that the 5.24ct natural sapphire is of vivid blue colour (GRS type ‘royal blue’) and Burmese (Myanmar) origin, with no indication of thermal treatment. This lot has been imported into the United Kingdom. Unless the lot is re-exported, the buyer will pay VAT at 20% on both the hammer price and the buyer’s premium, and import duty of 2% on the hammer price; please see our Terms and Conditions for details. The diamonds, estimated at approximately 0.09ct in total, are bright and well matched. The sapphire shows no abrasion or chipping to the facet junctions, no nicks to the girdle, no scratches to the table and no sign of repolishing. There are a few small feathers and healed fractures, a small red crystal inclusion near the culet, and natural straight colour zoning. The sapphire is of vivid royal blue. The mount shows no sign of wear, and the ring is offered in excellent condition. Burmese sapphires of royal blue colour, unheated and of over five carats, are among the most sought-after coloured gemstones, and are seldom offered with independent confirmation of both origin and the absence of heating.