Padparadscha Sapphires Are Auction Favorites

Sapphires have always been a favorite at auctions, usually selling quite well, but there is no doubt that Padparadscha sapphires are having a moment in the auction world with no indication of a cooling off period. In the past few years, padparadscha sapphires have outperformed their more well-known cousins – blue, pink, and yellow sapphires – even setting a record last year for a padparadscha sapphire at auction, selling for $2,464,470 at Christie’s.

According to gemologists that reviewed the stone, it was noted that “the padparadscha possesses extraordinary characteristics and merits special mention and appreciation. The gemstone exhibits a remarkable size and weight, combined with an attractive orangy pink colour and an excellent purity.” When stones of this nature come to the auction block, it’s easy to see why they can set records!

The Appeal Of Padparadscha Sapphires

While padparadscha sapphires have been sought after by collectors and connoisseurs for a long time, the uniquely colored and highly rare variety of sapphire was catapulted into pop culture with the reveal of Princess Eugenie’s padparadscha sapphire engagement ring earlier this year. The mix of pink and orange hues create the mystique of a gemstone that can have quite a range of colors and saturation. They are generally considered to be one of the rarest gemstones.

As they appear at auction, it is notable that “[padparadscha] prices are normally high,” says Christie’s senior international jewelry director David Warren. “These stones are always very speculative, and it depends so much on the beauty of the blend of pink and orange that characterizes these remarkable stones. We often find that our pre-sale estimates are left far behind as the better examples are fought over by gem connoisseurs from around the world.”

Looking for insight into the market, the international auction house, Bonhams, held a “January Jewels 2018” campaign to help people understand the value of their heirloom pieces, and from their findings indicated the “Hot 10” jewels expected to perform well for the year – sapphires emerged in the fourth position with the following note:

“There has been a resurgence of interest in coloured stones and Bonhams is reporting a growing trend for people choosing coloured ‘statement stones’ like sapphires…these hold a great appeal for serious jewellery collectors and investors. That means the stones are not only holding but also increasing their value, making them an appealing buy in an otherwise increasingly volatile financial market.”

The study included notes that showed an almost 1000% increase in value over a twelve-year period (2004-2016) for two similar sized stones – 18+ carat Kashmir sapphires. For padparadscha sapphires, the numbers may turn out to be even more intense as pre-sale estimates are quickly left in the dust during bidding. For stones so rare, excellent examples are exceedingly hard to come by and the supply is not meeting the demand.

The good news is that all padparadscha sapphires are proving to be an excellent long-term investment with great value even with smaller sized stones. It’s no surprise that this last year has seen some record numbers and stunning pieces of jewelry at auction. Revisit some of the most impressive ones below for inspiration on your own padparadscha sapphire ring!

This beautiful padparadscha sapphire ring features a 30.77 carat padparadscha and is set in a simple yet lovely gold setting with filigreed band. It sold at Bonhams Fine Jewellery auction on September 19, 2017 for $199,500.

This classically-set padparadscha sapphire ring recently sold for just over $68,000 at a Christie’s Geneva auction on November 13, 2018. The ring features a square-shaped 14.67 carat padparadscha sapphire set in platinum and designed by Cartier.

Ultra unique and incredibly rare, this heart-shaped padparadscha sapphire  sold at Sotheby’s Magnificent Jewels auction in New York on April 19, 2016. Framed in a diamond halo surround, the 12.94 carat center stone is exceptionally cut and set, earning a $250,000 price tag.

Featured during Bonhams Rare Jewels and Jadeite auction from May 31, 2017, this 10.27 carat cushion-shaped padparadscha sapphire  is set in a pave-cut diamond surround with pink diamond and gold accents. A true original, it sold for $103,800.

Featuring a strong salmon color, this cushion-cut 8.01 carat padparadscha sapphire is flanked by cushion-shaped old-mine cut diamonds weighting 1 carat each. Appearing in Sotheby’s Magnificent Jewels and Jadeite auction in Hong Kong, it blew past estimates to sell for $780, 800.

The post Padparadscha Sapphires At Auction Are Outperforming Expectations appeared first on The Natural Sapphire Company Blog.