Srinagar: The Jewel of Kashmir, a 27.68-carat Kashmir sapphire and diamond ring, set a world auction record for the price per carat for a Kashmir sapphire at Sothebys Hong Kong Magnificent Jewels and Jadeite Autumn Sale.
Described as having a cornflower blue hue, the emerald-shaped gem was the top lot at Wednesdays auction, selling for more than $6.7 million (Rs 44 crore) or $242,145 per carat.
The second highest lot in the auction, The Cowdray Pearls, sold for more than $5.2 million, a world auction record for a natural grey pearl necklace.
The necklace is composed of 42 graduated natural grey pearls measuring approximately 12.90 to 6.65mm, completed by a clasp set with a rectangular mixed-cut diamond, mounted in platinum, with makers mark JC. The necklace is accompanied by a pair of earrings, each set with a button-shaped natural grey pearl surrounded by single- and brilliant-cut diamonds, signed Cartier London.