Adam's Fine Jewellery & Watches 8th December 2020

T uesday 8 th D ecember 2020. S tarting at 4 pm 84 103 AN EXQUISITE AND RARE EMERALD AND DIAMOND RING The central cut-cornered square step-cut emerald weighing 4.64cts within a four-claw setting, between kite-shaped diamonds shoulders, mounted in platinum, diamonds weighing approximately 2.00cts total, ring size M¾ € 60,000 - 80,000 Accompanied by a report fromAGL laboratory in NewYork stating that the emerald weighing 4.64cts is of Colombian origin, with no clarity enhancement. Report number 1104854, dated December 3rd 2019 Throughout history, precious gems have enchanted the people who come into contact with them and the emerald is no stranger to this adoration. Coveted for its magnificent green, the value of the stone is not attributed to size but rather to the brilliance of its hue.To this end, it is common practice to enhance the colour of emeralds by filling impurities and fractures in the stone with oil.This conceals any blemishes and increases the stone’s natural lustrous quality. As nearly all stones contain some im- perfections, this practice is widespread and it is thought that at least 90% of the emeralds in circulation have been treated to some degree. Every miner dreams of finding a flawless gem and, when one does reveal itself, it is something truly extraordinary. Those emeralds that require no human intervention are referred to as ‘no oil’ stones and inspire universal awe.Their scarcity alone is something to marvel at, making the owners of such pieces the envy of gemmological experts and laymen alike. Such a stone does not come to the market every day, but here it is, in the form of the current lot. This particular emerald is of Colombian origin, a country whose mines have been known to supply the best emeralds in the world on account of their purity of colour. Although mined previously by the native inhabitants, it was the Spanish conquista- dors of the 16th century who brought the splendour of Colombia’s gems to the attention of the world. Since then, the stones of this region have graced the kings and queens of the most powerful nations, adorned the skin of the decadent and shimmered alongside Hollywood’s brightest stars. One such emerald is the Chalk Emerald which now resides in the Smithsonian Museum inWashington.The gargantuan emerald is 37.82 carats and reputedly once belonged to the Maharani of Baroda, which was a princely state in India. It hung as a cen- trepiece in an elaborate emerald and diamond necklace that would have captivated the wealthiest of society. Later purchased by American business mogul and entrepreneur, Oscar Roy Chalk, the emerald was converted into an exquisite ring under the capable hands of HarryWinston. In 1972, Chalk donated the piece to the Smithsonian, where it is cherished as one of the most striking gems in existence. The ring on offer here is of decidedly more comfortable proportions, however, at 4.64 carats, there is still plenty to gaze at.