Sotheby’s Australia’s Important Jewels auction will feature a most significant and rare natural Australian Yellow Sapphire weighing 35.73 carats. It is the largest natural yellow sapphire ever offered at auction in Australia.

In 1946 the sapphire was discovered on the Willows field in Central Queensland, about 341 km from Rockhampton. In its uncut state the stone measured 43 x 28 x 18 mm. In 1947 the stone was cut producing one large and three smaller gems. The large gemstone – known as the ‘Willows’ sapphire is a beautiful clear golden yellow stone and recently has been described as being ‘unrivalled’ and ‘magnificent’ by the American Gemological Laboratories.

‘Sotheby’s Australia is honoured to be entrusted with this extremely rare and magnificent golden yellow sapphire’ said Geoffrey Smith, Chairman of Sotheby’s Australia. ‘This formidable stone is a unique part of Australia’s mining history and reflects the superior quality of gems found in this country.’ The auction will be held in Melbourne on 12 May 2015.