“Hailing a distinguished provenance and set as a stunning brooch alongside another Kashmir sapphire, it will undoubtedly evoke much interest among collectors. “Kashmir sapphires of over 30 carats are a very rare occurrence, so the appearance of a gem of 55.19 carats - the largest ever to come at auction – is an important event,” Repellin said. The brooch was designed as a stylized ribbon, set with the two sapphires and further embellished with circular-cut and baguette diamonds. It was from the collection of Maureen Constance Guinness, Marchioness of Dufferin and Ava (1907-1998). The first sapphire is the largest Kashmir sapphire to appear at auction. Mined for about 40 years, between 1880-1920s, these stones are not available in the modern markets. They are considered the finest sapphires in the world. Among the top lots is a 1930s sapphire and diamond brooch, featuring a 55.19-carat oval-shaped Kashmir sapphire, alongside a cushion-shaped Kashmir sapphire weighing 25.97 carats. Kashmir sapphires were mined from the Kashmir region of northern India (at 14,500 ft). The tiara will share the spotlight with several large, important and rare colored gems and diamonds. Sapphire and diamond brooch, featuring largest Kashmir sapphire to appear at auction (55.19 carats) Sotheby's

Cashmere sapphires