Kashmir sapphires often break records at auction - they are the most famous type of sapphire in the world, and highly sought-after due to their scarcity and exceptional beauty.
21/11/2024 Jewellery, Jewellery & Watches - Interiors
Kashmir sapphires originate from the Himalayan state in northern India, where a landslide in the early 1800s laid bare a deposit of magnificent blue stones. In 1882, the Indian Museum confirmed that they were true sapphires, the mine was purchased by the Maharaja of Kashmir, and the remote valley was mined intensely until 1887, when the supply was exhausted and mining was officially halted.
Despite further attempts over the centuries, gemmologists have been unable to discover another deposit in the area, making Kashmir sapphires even more sought-after.
Kashmir sapphires have a superior ‘cornflower’ blue hue to them with a mysterious and almost sleepy quality. These inclusions scatter light in a way that gives the stone a soft, glowing appearance, some enthusiasts describe this as "blue velvet”.
Cheffins has just sold a stunning Kashmir sapphire ring in its November Jewellery, Silver and Watches sale (Lot 171, pictured above), achieving a hammer price of £260,000 after fierce bidding. It is accompanied by a report from Gübelin, dated 14th October 2024, stating the weight of the sapphire to be 5.79ct (weighed), origin Kashmir, with no indication of heating. A separate report from the Gem and pearl laboratory conducted in September 2024 also states the origin to be Kashmir with no evidence of heat treatment.
Fay Roach, jewellery specialist at Cheffins, comments: “Kashmir sapphires are unrivalled in their quality, with captivating colour as well as historical significance. The stunning ring in our sale attracted a lot of attention, with both online and in-room bidders vying to secure it, driving the price up to significantly above its guide.”
If buying a Kashmir sapphire at auction, Fay advises the following tips: