Sapphires are one of the most popular gemstones in the world, known for their striking blue hues and durability. They are often used in high-end jewelry pieces, including engagement rings, necklaces, and bracelets. Sapphires are also associated with royalty and have a long history of being worn by monarchs and nobles.

Importance of auctions in determining the value of sapphires

Auctions are a crucial part of the high-end jewelry market, as they provide a platform for rare and valuable items to be sold to the highest bidder. Sapphires, in particular, can command incredibly high prices at auction due to their rarity, size, and quality.

Over the years, several sapphires have fetched record-breaking prices at auctions around the world. From the Blue Belle of Asia to the Queen Marie of Romania's Sapphire, these gems have captivated collectors and enthusiasts alike.

The Blue Belle of Asia

The Blue Belle of Asia is a stunning 392.52-carat sapphire that is known for its bright blue color and exceptional clarity. It is also one of the largest sapphires in the world, weighing in at over 78 grams.

The Blue Belle of Asia was discovered in Sri Lanka in 1926 and was originally owned by a European family. It was later sold to a private collector in the 1970s and was eventually put up for auction in 2014. The Blue Belle of Asia was sold at a Christie's auction in Geneva for a staggering $17.3 million, making it one of the most expensive sapphires ever sold.

The Rockefeller Sapphire

The Rockefeller Sapphire is a 62.02-carat sapphire that is prized for its deep blue color and impressive size. It is also known for its exceptional clarity and is considered one of the finest sapphires in the world.

The Rockefeller Sapphire was originally part of the collection of the banker and philanthropist John D. Rockefeller Jr. It was later sold to a private collector and was eventually put up for auction in 2001. Sale price and details of the auction

The Rockefeller Sapphire was sold at a Christie's auction in New York for $3.03 million, setting a new record for the sale of a sapphire in the United States.

The Hutton-Mdivani Jadeite Necklace

The Hutton-Mdivani Jadeite Necklace is a one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry that features a large Burmese sapphire as its centerpiece. The necklace also includes several other rare gemstones, including diamonds and jadeite.

The sapphire in the Hutton-Mdivani Jadeite Necklace is a 104.15-carat stone that is known for its rich blue color and impressive size. It is considered one of the finest sapphires in the world and is a major reason why the necklace is so highly prized. The Hutton-Mdivani Jadeite Necklace was sold at a Sotheby's auction in Hong Kong for $27.4 million, making it one of the most expensive pieces of jewelry ever sold at auction.

The Star of Bombay

The Star of Bombay is a 62.05-carat blue sapphire with a distinct six-pointed star on its surface. The stone is considered one of the largest and finest star sapphires ever discovered. The gem is known for its exceptional clarity, brilliance, and symmetry, which makes it a rare and valuable find in the jewelry world.

The Star of Bombay was discovered in Sri Lanka in the 19th century, during the time of British colonial rule. It was purchased by the Maharaja of Kashmir, who later sold it to an unknown buyer. The gemstone then passed through several hands before it was acquired by Mary Pickford, a silent film star, in 1934. She later sold the sapphire to her friend, Florence Blumenthal, who owned it for over 30 years. In 1988, the stone was sold to an anonymous buyer at a Christie's auction in Geneva.

In 1988, the Star of Bombay was sold at a Christie's auction in Geneva for $3,484,498. The buyer remains anonymous to this day. The sale of the Star of Bombay set a new world record for the highest price ever paid for a sapphire at auction at the time.

The Queen Marie of Romania's Sapphire

The Queen Marie of Romania's Sapphire is a stunning 478-carat cabochon sapphire with a deep blue color and a smooth, rounded surface. The stone is known for its impressive size and beauty, which makes it a unique and valuable addition to any jewelry collection.

The Queen Marie of Romania's Sapphire has a rich and fascinating history. The gem was discovered in the Mogok mines of Burma in the early 20th century and was given as a gift to Queen Marie of Romania by the Romanian government. The sapphire remained in the Royal Family's collection for several years before it was sold in the 1980s to an unknown buyer.

The Queen Marie of Romania's Sapphire was sold at a Christie's auction in Geneva in 2003 for $1.8 million. The buyer remains anonymous, but the sale of the sapphire set a new world record for the highest price ever paid for a sapphire of its size and quality.

Conclusion

The Blue Belle of Asia, The Rockefeller Sapphire, The Hutton-Mdivani Jadeite Necklace, The Star of Bombay, and The Queen Marie of Romania's Sapphire are some of the top sapphires ever sold at auction. These gems are not only valuable because of their size and beauty but also because of their fascinating history and provenance.

The sales of these top sapphires at auction have set new world records and have demonstrated the significance of provenance, rarity, and beauty in determining the value of a gemstone. The sales have also provided insight into the demand for rare and high-quality gemstones in the global market.

Provenance and history are important factors that can significantly affect the value of sapphires at auctions. A gemstone with a unique and fascinating history, such as the Blue Belle of Asia or the Hutton-Mdivani Jadeite Necklace, can be worth much more than a similar gem