An Important Unheaded Kashmir Sapphire

We are delighted to present a remarkable unheated Kashmir sapphire to the market, accompanied by a report from SSEF.

Renowned for its rich, velvety blue colour, the Kashmir sapphire is among the rarest and most coveted gemstones in the world, often surpassing the value of almost every other coloured gemstone and even many exceptional diamonds. Its extraordinary rarity is due largely to its extremely limited supply; it is estimated that fewer than 10,000 carats of gem-quality Kashmir sapphires were ever recovered. This scarcity was compounded by the immense challenges of accessing the mines and the relatively short period during which they were actively worked.

Derived from the Sanskrit word nīlam, meaning "blue stone", sapphires have long been revered throughout history. The famous Kashmir sapphire deposits were discovered in the Padder Valley in around 1881, following a landslide that exposed the gem-bearing rock. Located high in the remote mountains in the region of Jammu and Kashmir, often described as the "region beyond the snows", the mines could only be reached for a brief period each year. Heavy snowfall typically prevented access until late June, while fresh snow often arrived again by late September, leaving only a narrow mining season. Political instability in the region further complicated access.

The rugged terrain and extreme altitude made transporting machinery virtually impossible, so most of the corundum crystals were extracted using hand tools. The celebrated Old Mine, situated approximately 4,500 metres above sea level, produced the finest crystals from a relatively small pocket. Early accounts describe many of these crystals as being coated in white kaolin clay before they were revealed. Mining was further restricted when the Maharajah prohibited outside prospectors from working the deposit, adding to the exclusivity of these extraordinary gems.

Often described in India as displaying the colour of a "peacock's neck", Kashmir sapphires are prized for a distinctive velvety appearance unlike that of any other sapphire. This effect is created by microscopic inclusions within the crystal that gently scatter light, producing a soft, luminous texture while maintaining exceptional richness of colour. Fine examples frequently display subtle colour zoning and delicate feather-like inclusions, characteristics that contribute to the unique beauty for which Kashmir sapphires are celebrated.

Lot 313: AN IMPORTANT UNHEATED KASHMIR SAPPHIRE AND DIAMOND VINTAGE RING, the step cut sapphire to openwork rose cut diamond surround, mounted in 18ct gold. Together with an SSEF Report stating sapphire: 1.04 ct. blue of medium strong saturation, no indication of heating, origin Kashmir, report # 143250, size K-L

Estimated between €20,000 – €25,000