4.83ct Padparadscha Sapphire & 1.11ct Colombian Emerald Drop Earrings

Director’s Notes

Padparadscha sapphires are a particularly rare and special variety of sapphire, representing the rarest colour in which sapphires are naturally found. True padparadschas display a unique blend of pink and orange, with both hues present within the same stone. Historically sourced exclusively from Ceylon, the name padparadscha (pronounced pad-per-add-sha) is derived from the ancient Sanskrit word padmaraga, referencing the colour of a lotus flower. While most lotus blossoms are in fact more pink than orange, the term is now commonly understood to describe a harmonious balance of lotus pink and sunset orange. Due to their exceptional rarity, padparadscha sapphires are among the most valuable sapphires in the world. As with all gemstones, those certified as untreated command a significant premium, as many stones are routinely heated to enhance colour. Untreated examples, such as these, are therefore particularly scarce and highly desirable. Although once found only in Sri Lanka, padparadscha sapphires are now also sourced from Vietnam, Tanzania and Madagascar. These captivating gemstones entered the public spotlight when Princess Eugenie chose a padparadscha sapphire for her engagement ring in 2018. Like all sapphires, padparadschas are both hard and durable, making them ideally suited to rings intended for everyday wear, including engagement rings.