BURMESE SAPPHIRE
Sapphires symbolise loyalty, love and good fortune. Therefore, they are also called the Gem of Heaven and Gem of Kings. As early as the ancient Egyptian, Roman and Greek periods, they were used for decorating mosques, churches, temples and for religious tributes. The gemstones were also embroidered in the crowns of the British Kings and Russian Tsars and their ceremonial robes.
Originating in different countries including Burma, Thailand, Sri Lanka and China, sapphires vary in colour. With the exception of those from Kashmir, Burmese sapphires are of the highest quality as they derive their colour from titanium contents, exhibiting the most beautiful blues in the gem kingdom.
In recent years, sapphires’ mining outputs are significantly reduced. Untreated sapphires of vivid and sparkling blue colour are very rare. Excessive mining in the past has made natural sapphires that weigh over ten carats extremely rare. In this auction, Tiancheng will present several sapphire treasures, including a 34.53-carat natural unheated Burmese (Mogok) sapphire ring (Lot 245), a 13.85-carat natural unheated Burmese bracelet (Lot 264) and a pair of 17.87 and 15.24-carat natural unheated Burmese sapphire earrings (Lot 265). These three lots possess vivid blue colour, superb clarity and purity each and are undoubtedly highly sought after pieces by collectors.