Relatively few Kashmir sapphires retain their original settings. Most have been remounted as conventional rings. This rare survivor, with a gemmological report stating that the sapphire of 2.81ct is of Kashmir origin, with no indications of heat treatment, came for sale at Elmwood’s (25% buyer’s premium) in Notting Hill, London on August 5.
In a late Victorian sweetheart ring setting with three diamonds to a coronet and a red enamelled heart, it found admirers in the UK, Europe and the US before selling to a lady in Europe at £22,000.