Very rare 'Willows' yellow sapphire pendant, the oval modified… - Important Jewels - Sotheby's

Lot No.

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Description:

Very rare 'Willows' yellow sapphire pendant, the oval modified brilliant-cut natural yellow sapphire weighing 35.73 carats is claw-set in a mount decorated with scroll motifs completed by a double strand trace chain, mounted in 18ct yellow gold. Accompanied by AGL Prestige Gem report numbered CS 84336, dated 24 March 2015, stating that the 35.73 carat sapphire is natural, of Australian origin, with no gemmological evidence of heat., the report additionally notes that 'The unusual combination of size, provenance, absence of treatment and quality factors present in this material contributes favorably to its rarity and desirability.' Further accompanied by an AGL letter stating that '...This outstanding sapphire possesses a deeply saturated and homogeneous pure yellow color that is uncommon for yellow sapphires from this source. In addition, this gem possesses superior clarity which results in a very high degree of transparency and is further complemented by an oval form and fine cut which adds a charm factor that is hard to quantify. Augmenting the importance of this fine gem is the fact that it also does not exhibit any gemological evidence of heating or clarity enhancement, which are commonly employed today to improve the color and quality of many sapphires. Known as the 'Willows sapphire', this remarkable yellow sapphire was reportedly unearthed in central Queensland on the 14th of August 1946, by a Mr. John Anderson. Its extraordinary size of 35.73 ct places it in a very exclusive category of Australian yellow sapphires. This gem is the largest and finest Australian yellow sapphire that the American Gemological Laboratories (AGL) has examined to date.' Provenance: Private Collection, Queensland Private Collection, New South Wales, by descent from the above

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Category:

Jewellery: Pendants/Lockets