"The Blue Belle of Asia", the sapphire that made auction history

Mounted on a necklace encrusted with diamonds, this legendary cushion-cut blue sapphire of 392.52 carats encapsulates a century of history long held secret. Originating from Ratnapura, the most famous gemstone deposit in Sri Lanka located southeast of Colombo, this gem was extracted in 1926 from this region known for producing the world's most beautiful sapphires. Although it is difficult to find precise information regarding the weight or exact shape of the gem at the time, several accounts speak of a stone "weighing about 400 carats after being cut and polished", which had a "highly sought-after peacock blue color and excellent clarity". It passed through the hands of a famous trader in Colombo who owned one of the most spectacular gemstone collections and counted among his clients several members of the British royal family and discerning collectors, before being acquired in 1937 by the English automobile magnate and great philanthropist Lord Nuffield. The reasons that led him to purchase the " Blue Belle of Asia " remain a mystery to this day. Some sources suggest that Lord Nuffield may have considered gifting the sapphire to Queen Elizabeth II on her coronation day, although the plan never came to fruition. /public-objects/bb7fd59b-3269-47c1-bb49-554c11abb69e-3b8dbe3d-5d0d-4ac2-aa3f-a20421e2fa4f-bluebelle1.webp Image sélectionnée And so, the "Blue Belle of Asia" vanished into the hands of private collectors, its whereabouts unknown for the ensuing 35 years. Kept out of sight, the gem resurfaced in the 2010s, intact and as captivating as ever. Its appearance under Christie's spotlight was an event, as this sapphire ticks all the boxes of a legendary stone: prestigious origin, exceptional gemological characteristics, and a romantic aura. The myth continues to shine with a buyer who remains anonymous, keeping the secret of its setting, and it's easy to understand why!