FINE JEWELLERY, WATCHES, SILVER & COINS 15th July at 12pm

5 Natasha Bernon FGA LIVE AUCTION OF FINE JEWELLERY, WATCHES, SILVER & COINS • WEDNESDAY, 15th JULY 2026 AT 12PM The rugged terrain and extreme altitude made transpor ting machinery vir tually impossible, so most of the corundum crystals were extracted using hand tools.The celebrated Old Mine, situated approximately 4,500 metres above sea level, produced the finest crystals from a relatively small pocket. Early accounts describe many of these crystals as being coated in white kaolin clay before they were revealed. Mining was fur ther restricted when the Maharajah prohibited outside prospectors from working the deposit, adding to the exclusivity of these extraordinary gems. Often described in India as displaying the colour of a "peacock's neck", Kashmir sapphires are prized for a distinctive velvety appearance unlike that of any other sapphire. This effect is created by microscopic inclusions within the crystal that gently scatter light, producing a soft, luminous texture while maintaining exceptional richness of colour. Fine examples frequently display subtle colour zoning and delicate feather-like inclusions, characteristics that contribute to the unique beauty for which Kashmir sapphires are celebrated. Lot 313: AN IMPORTANT UNHEATED KASHMIR SAPPHIRE AND DIAMOND VINTAGE RING, the step cut sapphire to openwork rose cut diamond surround, mounted in 18ct gold. Together with an SSEF Repor t stating sapphire: 1.04 ct. blue of medium strong saturation, no indication of heating, origin Kashmir, repor t # 143250, size K-L Estimated between €20,000 – €25,000