Knowledge
Travelling back to 1881 in the Great Himalayan mountains of northwestern India, a landslide exposed blue sapphires in the Kudi Valley of the Padar region of Kashmir. One of the most remarkable gem discoveries of all time, these sapphires would soon become known as the world’s finest.
Gemstones
An Exceptional Discovery
As told by Albert Ramsay, an English gem trader, around 150 years ago the first blue stones were discovered by a mule caravan from Afghanistan. They initially viewed the stones as ‘curiosities’, and it was with this in mind that they were taken to Delhi where they were traded for salt. After finally being recognised as rough sapphires, they were traded multiple times, eventually realising a price equal to $400,000.
These sapphires were admired for their exceptional colour and soon the Maharaja of Kashmir came to know about these exquisite gems which had been taken from his lands. In a rage, he travelled to Calcutta and demanded the stones be returned to him. Each previous monetary transaction had to be undone, until eventually a merchant was handed back a few bags of salt.
£184,000
£197,400
The following year, the Maharajah sent a regiment of sepoys to guard the mines. Both cut and rough sapphires were kept at the Kashmir State Treasury, some of which have been described as ‘bigger than a polo or croquet ball’ and ‘as large as an eggplant’. These gems, many of incredible sizes, have been kept out of the public eye, and their location today remains unknown.
The Remotest of Mines
Located on a remote snow covered mountain range, the physical mining of Kashmir sapphires was incredibly difficult. A combination of the high altitude, a harsh, snowy climate and the mountainous landscape prohibited any kind of production for the majority of the year with mining limited between July and September, the summer months, although in some years, barely a month of mining could occur.
Coupled with this, the mining methods at the time were still fairly primitive, making the actual unearthing of these sapphires very difficult indeed. Access to the Kashmir mines is only achievable by foot, or today by helicopter, with the closest road a three day walk from the mines. With many river crossings, some facilitated solely by hanging bridges, and mountainous paths, no industrial machinery has been able to get to the area, so mining methods have never been able to evolve.
The first sapphires were obtained in large quantities simply by digging, with many crystals of impressive sizes discovered, however within just six years, the old Kashmir sapphire mine was exhausted. In this short space of time they earned a reputation as being the very best sapphires in the world.
Incredibly, all of the fine Kashmir sapphires in existence were mined between 1881 and 1887 and even today, these stones remain the exemplar by which other sapphires are compared.
The Finest Colouration
Kashmir sapphires are most famous for their superiority of colour, a colour unlike any other sapphire. It is possibly best described as an intense cornflower or cobalt blue with a fine velvety, milky softness. With a blue glow, their beauty is unparalleled and they have a rarity to match.
Some Kashmir sapphires with the most exquisite colouration have also been awarded the status of ‘royal blue’.
The silk that can be seen in Kashmir stones differs from sapphires from Burma and Ceylon. The needle like inclusions are much finer, with many appearing as minute dots in a snowflake pattern. This allows for the light to scatter more subtly within the gem without affecting the transparency, giving Kashmir sapphires their distinctive velvety appearance.
With exceptional clarity, to own a fine natural unenhanced Kashmir sapphire is to have a truly astonishing gemstone of immense rarity.
£42,500
£17,500
£27,200
£198,000
Fit for Royalty
Kashmir sapphires have unsurprisingly decorated some well known figures over the ages. Wallis Simpson, the Duchess of Windsor and wife of Edward VIII, was known for her jewel collection. In 1949 she acquired a panther brooch featuring a cabochon Kashmir sapphire weighing an incredible 152.35 carats!
Discovering Kashmir Sapphires Today
Unearthed in the 19th century, Kashmir sapphires are often seen fashioned as antique cuts and today can more often be found in historic pieces. In particular, Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco pieces were all being created around the time these gems were in circulation.
Whilst the old mine is depleted, throughout the twentieth century, there were sporadic mining attempts both by the government and private companies to discover new deposits, although these did not produce much success.
Desire for Kashmir sapphires is yet to wane, and they remain the most valuable of all sapphires in existence, commanding the highest price per carat. Indeed, their rarity and value surpasses even other highly coveted gems, such as an internally flawless diamond.
As of 2024, the average price a fine unenhanced Kashmir sapphire fetches at auction is over an astonishing £100,000 per carat, which is sure to only increase over the coming years.
Despite being one of the most rare gems on the earth, we are most privileged to currently showcase a few Kashmir sapphire rings within our collection - truly the jewel in our crown!
This Victorian Kashmir sapphire engagement ring set in rich yellow gold and with a frame of old mine diamonds is sure to set your heart alight!
Or perhaps our Art Deco Kashmir rings have caught your eye, with their astonishing beauty that transcends time.
Whatever your style, contact our jewellery specialists today to find out more about this rarest of gems!
Burmese Sapphires
Read more
Ceylon Sapphires
Siam Rubies
Zambian Emeralds
Kashmir Sapphires are thought to signify the third eye chakra, protecting against negative energy and enhancing intuition.
We would recommend booking an appointment via our website to view these rings in order to ensure our Kashmir specialist is available to see you.
Yes, due to their increasing rarity and innate beauty, Kashmir sapphires are one of the most sought after of all antique gemstones. They are increasingly valuable and are becoming harder to acquire, making for a wonderful piece to invest in.
