Fall is the start of the opulent jewel auctions that take place around the world. September’s birthstone is the sapphire. This necklace was auctioned last November by Christies. It is described as, “A SPECTACULAR SAPPHIRE AND DIAMOND NECKLACE. Centering upon a cushion-shaped sapphire, weighing approximately 392.52 carats, suspending a brilliant-cut diamond tassel pendant with oval-shaped diamond terminals, to the brilliant-cut diamond neckchain, mounted in gold, 45.0 cm
Accompanied by report no. 72359 dated 2 September 2014 from the SSEF Swiss Gemmological Institute stating that the sapphire is of Ceylon origin, with no indications of heating, and a Premium Appendix stating that the sapphire ‘.. possesses extraordinary characterists and merits special mention and appreciation’.

Report no. 14090018 dated 11 September 2014 from the Gübelin GemLab Institute stating that the sapphire is of Ceylon origin, with no indications of heating, an information sheet on ‘Unheated sapphires’ and an appendix stating that the sapphire ‘..is one of the largest faceted sapphires the Gübelin Gem lab has seen to date and possesses a combination of oustanding characteristics’.”

The pre-sale auction estimate was CHF6,650,000 – CHF9,500,000 ($6,919,830 – $9,885,471). The selling price quite a bit higher, at CHF16,965,000 ($17,564,156). Sure is pretty to look at, though.