Anderson’s Yellow – Willows

Anderson’s Yellow in its rough state originally measured 43 x 28 x 18 mm in size. Later cut and named the Golden Willow, it weighed 35.73 carats as shown here.
Image courtesy of Sotheby’s Australia

Unearthed by Jack Anderson on August 14, 1946 on his Klondyke No. 2 claim at the Willows Gemfields, this yellow sapphire in its uncut state measured 43 x 28 x 18 mm.

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It was cut by well-known cutter of the day Charlie Bradford. Against Charlie’s advice, Jack initially had the stone cut for size rather than quality, producing a lacklustre 70 carats which failed to achieve the brilliance he had anticipated.

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The stone was recut in 1947, producing one large and three smaller gems. The largest was a double oval brilliant of 35.73 carats and named the Golden Willow. This natural golden yellow stone was recently described as being ‘unrivalled’ and ‘magnificent’ by the American Gemmological Laboratories. As a highly significant and rare natural Australian yellow sapphire, the Golden Willow was consigned to Sotheby’s Australia’s Important Jewels Auction held in Melbourne on 12 May 2015. This is the largest natural yellow sapphire ever offered at auction in Australia.

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Sotheby’s Australia is honoured to be entrusted with this extremely rare and magnificent golden yellow sapphire. This formidable stone is a unique part of Australia’s mining history and reflects the superior quality of gems found in this country.

It sold at auction for $122,000

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Welcome to Willows – ///spaced.printed.particularly

Pacey’s Yellow – Glenalva – ///unveiling.immediate.control

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