Bonhams will kick of the autumn season in style this September, with a sparkling selection of diamonds and sapphires on offer in London.
Leading the line-up is an oval-cut Fancy Intense Blue diamond weighing 3.81 carats, originating from a private British collection and estimated at £1.3 – £1.8 million ($1.71 – $2.37 million).
"Blue diamonds are extraordinarily rare and account for only 0.004% of all diamonds mined," said Jean Ghika, Head of Jewellery for Bonhams UK & Europe.
"This particular diamond is categorised as a Fancy Intense Blue with no modifying or secondary colour. With so few blue diamonds coming to auction we are anticipating global interest."
Another exceptional lot is a pair of late 19th century Kashmir sapphires estimated at £400,000 – £600,000 ($526,760 – $790,140). The cushion-shaped sapphires weigh in at 8.97 and 8.93 carats respectively, and both display a saturated and vivid blue colour.
The stones originate from the Himalayan mountain region of northwest India, and today are considered highly rare as the region’s natural supply of sapphires was exhausted during the final years of the 19th century.
"Sapphires hailing from Kashmir display a velvety quality and a rich blue tone unique to the region," said Ghika. "They are among the most highly-prized gems for serious collectors and investors."
Back in December 2015, Bonhams sold a similar pair of Kashmir sapphires for £1,538,500, and the company expects the strong global demand for coloured gemstones to continue into the second half of 2016.
The Bonhams Fine Jewellery Sale takes place in London on September 20.
