The Kashmir sapphire is the most famous type of sapphire in the world. Newly discovered ones are extremely rare as the material existing still was discovered well over 100 years ago. They are highly sought after because they are the epitome of a near perfect sapphire if there ever was one. They have a superior cornflower blue hue to them with a mysterious and almost sleepy quality. Some gem enthusiasts describe this as ‘blue velvet”.
While some of the very best Burmese and Ceylonese sapphires come close, they can never compare to the Kashmir sapphire as it continues to be the pinnacle of all sapphires in existence. The extreme rarity of the gem gives them almost a mythological reputation
a collector’s dream
Kashmir blue sapphires are highly sought after by collectors and connoisseurs alike. These gemstones are renowned for their exceptional velvety blue hue, often described as a vivid and intense cornflower blue with a subtle hint of violet.
Many times rarer than the D Flawless Diamond, Kashmir sapphires are unrivalled in their quality and are coveted by gem collectors the world over. They are known for their exquisite velvety blue color with a subtle hint of violet.
What makes Kashmir blue sapphires particularly desirable is their rarity and historical significance. They were originally mined in the remote region of Kashmir in the 19th century, but due to political unrest and mining restrictions, the production of these gems ceased by the early 20th century. As a result, Kashmir sapphires have become increasingly scarce, adding to their allure and value.
Besides their captivating color, Kashmir blue sapphires are prized for their exceptional clarity and fine silk-like inclusions, which contribute to their unique appearance. Their scarcity, combined with their unmatched beauty and historical significance, makes them highly coveted among gemstone collectors and enthusiasts.
For those fortunate enough to acquire a Kashmir blue sapphire, it represents not only a stunning addition to their collection but also a piece of history and a symbol of luxury and rarity.
kashmir blue sapphire origin & history
Kashmir blue sapphires were discovered in the late 19th century in the remote region of Kashmir, India. Known for their exceptional velvety blue hue with a hint of violet, they quickly gained international acclaim. However, mining operations declined by the early 20th century due to political unrest and depletion of easily accessible deposits. Today, Kashmir blue sapphires are highly prized for their rarity, commanding premium prices among collectors.
Remarkable Moments in Kashmir Sapphires History
At Sotheby’s Magnificent Jewels & Jadeite sale, which took place on 7th October 2015 in Hong Kong, a 27.68-carat Kashmir sapphire achieved a new world auction record price per carat for a Kashmir sapphire at US$242,145 per carat. The sapphire sold for US$6,702,564.
This is the latest in an incredible string of records achieved by precious colored gemstones in recent years, illustrating the rapidly growing demand for them.
The previous world auction record price per carat for a sapphire was a circular-cut Kashmir sapphire of 10.33 carats sold for HK$19,160,000 / US$2,483,136 (US$240,381 per carat) sold by Christie’s in Hong Kong in May 2015. Prior to this, in April 2014 in New York, Sotheby’s set a price-per-carat record for any sapphire at US$180,731 with a 28.18 carat Kashmir sapphire ring. That price-per-carat record was broken twice in the same sale in October 2014 at Sotheby’s Hong Kong – first with lot 1752, a Cartier ring centering a 12.00-carat Kashmir sapphire that brought US$193,975 per carat, and then later in the sale with lot 1938, a ring centering a 17.16-carat Kashmir sapphire that brought US$236,404 per carat.
For more information about this record, visit: www.sothebys.com
