Wheat Ridge, Colorado police took a 50-year-old man into custody Wednesday following a two-month search.
Nearly 13-Carat Kashmir Sapphire Ring Up for Sale
The ring was kept in a family’s bank vault and initially appraised at less than $10,000.
Hong Kong--A sapphire and diamond ring dug out of a safe and initially appraised at less than $10,000 could sell for half a million or more at Bonhams’ May jewelry sale in Hong Kong.
Kept in a family’s bank vault after, Bonhams believes, it was purchased in the 1980s as a 30th anniversary present, the 12.92-carat sapphire ring was estimated by other auction houses to be worth $3,800 to $6,300.
But, Bonhams said, the auction houses missed a key component in assessing the piece—the center stone is a Kashmir sapphire, which is a gemstone that’s rare and collectible, especially in this size.
“Sapphires were first discovered in Kashmir around 1880, but most Kashmir mines rapidly depleted soon after,” said Graeme Thompson, Bonhams director of jewelry in Asia. “Termed as ‘blue velvet’ due to the superiority of their superb cornflower-blue hue, most Kashmir sapphires that appear on the market today were discovered more than 100 years ago.”
According to Bonhams, it was Thompson who caught the fact that the center stone might be a Kashmir and sent it to Swiss labs SSEF and Gübelin for further testing, which confirmed it was a no-heat Kashmir sapphire.
With an estimated sale price of $120,000 to $510,000, the ring is expected to lead Bonhams’ May 27 Rare Jewels and Jadeite sale in Hong Kong. The sale is comprised of 168 lots.
Aside from the Kashmir sapphire ring, the auction includes signed pieces from Harry Winston, Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, as well as colored gemstones and natural color diamonds.
Previews will take place in Taiwan on May 1 and 2, in Singapore from May 17 to 19, and in Hong Kong from May 23 to 26.
Click through the slideshow below to see five more pieces from the auction.
The Latest
PGI partnered with four new and seven returning designers for its annual platinum capsule collection.
Nicolosi, president and CEO of The Kingswood Company, previously sat on WJA’s board from 2011 to 2018.
Meet Ben Claus—grand prize winner of For the Love of Jewelers 2023 Fall Design Challenge.
Karina Brez’s race-ready piece is a sophisticated nod to the horse-rider relationship.
The men are allegedly responsible for stealing millions in jewelry and other valuables in 43 burglaries in 25 towns across Massachusetts.
“Horizon” invites individuals to explore the limitless possibilities that lie ahead, said the brand.
With Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
The jeweler credits its recent “Be Love” campaign and ongoing brand revamp for its 17 percent jump in sales.
The co-founder of Lewis Jewelers was also the longtime mayor of the city of Moore.
Concerns about rising prices, politics, and global conflicts continue to dampen consumer outlook.
May’s birthstone is beloved for its rich green hue and its versatility.
Jacqui Larsson joins Opsydia with nearly two decades of experience in the industry.
Last month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.
The “Tiffany Céleste” collection reimagines designer Jean Schlumberger’s interpretations of the universe.
The brand also created a 100-carat lab-grown diamond necklace in honor of its centennial.
Tim Schlick has been promoted from his previous position as COO.
It’s the second year for the event, slated to take place in October in Toronto.
Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
Sales will be paused while the relocation takes place over the next few months.
“SIS x MISA Denim and Diamonds” is a collaboration between the designer and celebrity stylist Misa Hylton.
The retailer is moving to a newly designed space in the same shopping center.
Gifts that are unique and thoughtful are top of mind this year, according to the annual survey.
The necklace is featured in the brand’s “Rebel Heart” campaign starring Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo.
The two organizations will host a joint event, “Converge,” in September 2025.
Big changes appear to be on the horizon for the diamond miner and its parent company, Anglo American.