Famous Sapphire [Sapphire Introduction Course 5]

The SSEF Swiss Jewelry Institute has identified many of the most famous and historic sapphires sold at auctions and high-end jewelry companies. Here are some of the best sapphires we have tested in recent years:

This stunning 392.52-carat sapphire from Sri Lanka (Ceylon) - also known as the% 20 "Asian Beauty Sapphire" - was sold by Christie's in Geneva in November 2014 for about $2 million, setting a world record for all sapphire auctions to date. It was reported that this sapphire was found in Pelmadulla (Sri Lanka) in 1926, and it had been in private collections for many years before it was once again stunning the world at this auction. SSEF identification certificate number: 72359. Photo:% 20SSEF and Christie's Auction House.

Richelieu sapphires, a pair of raw Kashmiri sapphires (26.66 carats and 20.88 carats) set on earrings. It was sold by Sotheby's Geneva in 2013 for US dollars. SSEF identification certificate No. 69008. Photo: Sotheby's Auction House

The 114.74-carat oval-shaped unheated Burmese sapphire sold at Sotheby's Auction in 2013 for US $2. SSEF identification number: 69915. Photo: SSEF

The Catherine the Great Sapphire (The Catherine the Great Sapphire). According to the documents provided, this sapphire has a long history. From 1762 to the death of the Empress of the Russian Empire, Catherine the Great in 1796, she has been the Empress's private collection (see Mr. Greece's "The Joy of the Tsar"). This 331-carat (formerly 337-carat) sapphire is closely related to the history and fate of the Russian Empire, and was finally obtained by a private collector in 1914. Later, it became part of Harry Winston's "Court of Jewels" collection and toured the United States from 1949 to 1953. Photo: SSEF and Christie's Auction House

A brooch inlaid with unheated pincushion faceted Burmese sapphires (left) weighing 130.50 carats. Pictured on the right is a side view of the sapphire taken out of the brooch. It was sold as a brooch at Christie's Auction in Geneva in 2011 for US dollars. Photo: Christie's Auction House