While the Du Pont family is known for their success in the gunpowder business, they also know a thing or two about fine jewelry. And now antique retailer M.S. Rau is offering one truly exceptional piece from the family’s private collection: a 24.2 ct. padparadscha sapphire ring. And they’re asking a whopping $2.45 million for it.
“It was acquired in 1937 when a member of the famed chemical and industrial Du Pont family went on a trip to Asia and visited the island of gems, Ceylon,” Mallory Whitten, M.S. Rau’s jewelry sales manager, tells JCK. “During their visit, they asked to see the most important gem in the country, and then after seeing all of the finest stones available, they bought this exceptional sapphire.”
“Rarely do we see an object that is the best of the best, and rarer is the opportunity to acquire it. This is likely the finest example of a padparadscha sapphire in the world,” Whitten adds. “Not only is it supersaturated with that sunset orangy-pink hue, but it is untreated and a monumental size. All three of these variables are incredibly hard to find in any gemstone, and far more difficult to find in a true padparadscha sapphire.”
The incredibly rare stone is completely free of heat treatment (uncommon for the type) and certified by both GemResearch Swisslab and American Gemological Laboratories, the latter of which issued an appendix letter stating: “Its size approaching 25 cts., additionally places this gem in a class with very few gem-quality padparadschas from any source. It exhibits a vibrant shade of an orangy-pink color, which is very rare in this exclusive color variety of sapphire…. The lack of enhancement further accentuates the rarity, desirability and importance of this exclusive gem.”
Photos courtesy of M.S. Rau
At top: The exceptional Du Pont 24.2 ct. padparadscha sapphire ring with an asking price of nearly $2 million.
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