Object Description
A beautiful sapphire and diamond ring by Hancocks, centred with a cushion shaped pale peachy pink Padparadscha sapphire weighing 3.25cts claw set in 18ct rose gold between shoulders set with old cut pear shape diamonds, all in a handmade 18ct rose gold mount with scalloped gallery and reeded band.
Maker
Hancocks
Period
Contemporary
Origin
London
Gemstones
3.25ct cushion shpaed Ceylon Padparadscha sapphire with GIA certificate
2 x old cut pear shaped diamonds weighing 0.43ct total
Setting
18ct rose gold with maker’s mark and London assay marks
Weight
3.3 grams
Dimensions
UK finger size M, US size 6.25
Condition
New
Directors Notes
Padparadscha sapphires are a particularly special variety of sapphire, being the rarest of colours that sapphires are naturally found in. True padparadschas are a unique blend of pink and orange, exhibiting elements of both these colours in the same stone. Historically found only in Ceylon, the name ‘padparadscha’ (pronounced pad-per-add-sha) is derived from the ancient Sanskrit word ‘padmaraga’ referring to the colour of a lotus flower. However, most lotus blossoms are actually more pink than orange so today it is often thought of as a mix of lotus pink and sunset orange. Due to their rarity these stones are amongst the most expensive in the world. As with all gemstones, those that are certified untreated will attract a premium and, like blue sapphires, many padparadschas are heated to improve their colour. So gems such as this one which have received no treatment are even more rare and desirable. Today orangey-pink sapphires are found in Vietnam, Tanzania and Madagascar, however purists believe only those found in their original location of Ceylon (Sri Lanka) should be termed true padparadschas. The spotlight was turned on these beautiful gems when Princess Eugenie became engaged with one in 2018. As with all sapphires, padparadschas are hard and durable which makes them ideal for setting in rings, particularly ones which will be worn every day such as an engagement ring.