Star Sapphires are a rare variety of sapphire that exhibit a magical star phenomenon known as asterism – the appearance of a pattern or group of stars – under lighting. The six-rayed star is most visible when the stone is tilted and rotated, and will appear to move across the rounded surface of a cabochon cut stone. Needle-like inclusions of rutile (also known as silk) contained within the sapphire crystal intersect each other at varying angles to produce this rare phenomenon known as asterism. Typically opaque, with some finer specimens exhibiting more translucency, star sapphires will present a silky lustre when cut and polished.
This near round mauve star sapphire, weighing 47.72cts and displaying a six-rayed star phenomenon, will be offered within a pierced, diamond set gallery silver ring, in our forthcoming Jewels Auction in Sydney on Monday 3 June. The sapphire (Lot 56) is accompanied by a Gemcert report number 18M204 stating natural Corundum.
Jewels Auction
Viewing in Sydney | Friday 31 May – Sunday 2 June, 10am – 4pm
Auction in Sydney | Monday 3 June, 6.30pm
The Bond, 36-40 Queen Street, Woollahra NSW 2025