One of the oldest forms of gem cutting is the cabochon-cut which dates back to ancient times. While the majority of cabochons have a smooth, curved surface and are round, oval or cushion shaped, there are variations to the traditional cabochon. One of the most rare and highly desirable is the sugarloaf cabochon. The present lot is composed of three Burmese sugarloaf cabochon sapphires which have been shaped conically, and peak to a rounded point. This cut requires great skill and an eye for proportion. It is also thought to be ideal for sapphires due to their hardness.