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Lot 1374

Exceptionally Large and Rare Gem Red Zircon

27 May 2010, 13:00 EDT
New York

Sold for US$8,540 inc. premium

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Exceptionally Large and Rare Gem Red Zircon

Sri Lanka
Zircon is found worldwide in igneous rock formations and gem gravels. Thailand, Cambodia, and Sri Lanka are the sources of the largest gem crystals and the greatest variety of colors. For centuries Sri Lanka has produced the major portion of the world's zircon gem material—it is the source of the present stone. The beauty of zircon's adamantine luster and a dispersion approaching that of diamond is often not appreciated. Designed to take advantage of these properties a special type of faceting has evolved for this gem known as the "zircon cut". A variation of the brilliant-cut, an extra eight facets are added to the pavilion. The present cushion-shaped stone is a gem in every sense of the word: its fine transparency reveals an eye-clean interior; the expert faceting enhances the exquisite red flashes deep within the body in a delicate interplay with the superb luster. This is a rare stone for the serious collector in an unheard of size. Weighing approximately 46.83 carats and measuring 21.5 x 16.5 x 12.2mm

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