When we think of masterpieces, we usually think of art created by human hands. However, nature can also create works of art that leave us in awe, such as Mount Everest, the Northern Lights, and the Grand Canyon. In the world of gemstones, one of these natural masterpieces is undoubtedly the Rockefeller Sapphire.

Rockefeller: The Benchmark Sapphire

The Rockefeller Sapphire is one of the most famous and historic sapphires in the world, weighing in at 62.02 carats. The Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C. and the Tower of London house some of the other most famous sapphires, including the Logan (422.99 carats), the Star of Bombay (181.82 carats), and the Stuart Sapphire (approximately 104 carats), which is set in the United Kingdom's Imperial State Crown. Other notable sapphires include the Catherine the Great Sapphire (337 carats) and the Raspoli Sapphire (132 carats).

The Rockefeller Sapphire is considered the benchmark by which all other sapphires are measured in terms of size, shape, color, and clarity. The best gems, colored stones, and diamonds traditionally come from India, and it's no surprise that the Rockefeller Sapphire has its origins in this sacred land.

The Rockefeller Family

John D. Rockefeller (1839-1937) was the man who created the modern oil industry and provided inexpensive gasoline for the nation. He also set up institutions and educational programs that continue to flourish to this day. The Rockefeller family perfectly exemplifies the American dream and extraordinary success, with their contributions to the United States over the 20th century being overwhelming. After 1910, John D. Rockefeller, Jr. (1874-1960) devoted his life to philanthropy and played a key role in the creation of the General Education Board, the Rockefeller University, the Rockefeller Foundation, the Laura Spellman Rockefeller Memorial, and the iconic Rockefeller Center in New York City.

The Journey of the Rockefeller Sapphire

In 1934, John D. Rockefeller, Jr. purchased the Rockefeller Sapphire from an Indian Maharajah rumored to have been the Nizam of Hyderabad through his advisor, Raymond Yard. Yard, who was also a close friend of Raphael Esmerian (1903-1976), the world's leading gem dealer of his time, would appraise the stone on a regular basis. In the early 1940s, Esmerian was consulted by Pierre Cartier to improve the stone, as it was to be remounted as a brooch for Rockefeller's wife, Abby Aldrich Rockefeller (1874-1948). Cartier recut the stone to approximately 66 carats and made a brooch with calibré-cut sapphires and diamonds.

In the 1950s, Rockefeller's second wife, Martha Baird Rockefeller (1895-1971), had the brooch redesigned by Raymond Yard. In the winter of 1971, the Rockefeller family sold the jewelry from John D. Rockefeller, Jr.'s estate in Zurich. The sapphire was purchased by Raphael Esmerian for approximately $170,000 and then sold the following year to an Italian private client. Upon this man's death, the family consigned the stone once more for auction in the spring of 1980. This time, it was bought by Ralph Esmerian, Raphael's son, for approximately $1,500,000.

Features of the Cut Rockefeller Sapphire

After this purchase, the stone was repolished to its weight of 62.02 carats and mounted in a ring designed by Harry Winston. It was named the "Rockefeller Sapphire" and became part of the family's renowned jewelry collection.

In 2017, the Rockefeller family decided to sell the collection at auction. The "Rockefeller Sapphire" was one of the most highly anticipated items, with experts predicting it could fetch up to $7 million. In the end, it exceeded expectations and was sold for a record-breaking $5.5 million.

The buyer was not publicly disclosed, but it is rumored to be a member of an influential European royal family. The sale marked the end of an era for the Rockefeller family's jewelry collection, which had become legendary in the world of high-end jewelry.

The Rockefeller Sapphire is not just a beautiful gemstone; it is a symbol of an era in American history. John D. Rockefeller, Jr. was a man who accomplished great things in business, philanthropy, and the arts, and his legacy lives on today. The Rockefeller Sapphire is a testament to his success and a reminder of the great achievements that are possible with hard work, dedication, and a little bit of luck.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Rockefeller Sapphire is a masterpiece of nature and a remarkable gemstone. Its history is intertwined with that of the Rockefeller family and the history of the United States. Its size, color, and clarity make it one of the most exceptional gems in the world, and its story is a testament to the power of human achievement. Whether you are a gemstone enthusiast, a history buff, or simply someone who appreciates beauty, the Rockefeller Sapphire is a gem that is truly worth marveling at.