A SPECIMEN OF AMBER - photo 1
A SPECIMEN OF AMBER - photo 2

A SPECIMEN OF AMBER

Lot 129
21.10.2025 00:00UTC +00:00
Classic
Sold
$ 48 260
AuctioneerCHRISTIE'S
Event locationUnited Kingdom, London
Buyer Premiumsee on Website%
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The auction is completed. No bids can be placed anymore.
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ID 1506298
Lot 129 | A SPECIMEN OF AMBER
Estimate value
$ 20 000 – 30 000
A significant and large, complete gem red amber nodule. Burma amber, also known as Burmite or Kachin amber, is from the Cenomanian age, Late Cretaceous (circa 99 million years ago). This places its formation during the time when dinosaurs still roamed the Earth. Large specimens are rare, and most have already been carved long ago, if found. This was preserved intact in two prominent collections. It originated with the collection of Bill Larson, well known gemstone dealer, owner of the Himalaya Tourmaline Mine in San Diego County; and one of the largest exporters of Burmese gems over many years. During his trips to Burma, he also assembled a world class collection of minerals, crystals, and rough stone samples, described as the most diverse and complete known for this important gem-producing region. The collection was built over a period from 1993 to 2003, during which much was obtained on his more than 150 visits to Southeast Asia (over 35 into Burma itself). A total of 25 pieces of amber in the Larson collection included five large, dark, typically flat rounded (waterworn) nodules, of which this was the largest complete example. It was sold to Mike Scott, his friend and customer, in the early 2000s.
Mike Scott had a passionate love for gemstones and jewelry arts, and therefore also for the raw minerals and gemstone species of crystals that were the source of such beauty in gems and jewels. He prided himself on seeking out unusual and important, often large, examples of the various forms of rough materials used for gems and jewelry; and after his time as CEO at Apple, built a large collection of gemstones accented by these natural mineral specimens. On custom lucite base for display.

77/8 x 71/2 x 21/2 in. (20.0 x 19.0 x 6.5 cm.)
1.18 kg.
Medium:Semi-precious stones
Auction house category:Fossils
Address of auction CHRISTIE'S
8 King Street, St. James's
SW1Y 6QT London
United Kingdom
Preview
07.10.2025 – 21.10.2025
Phone +44 (0)20 7839 9060
Email
4FQ.AYGKAGLUQ@FO3G@
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