Guide on kashmir sapphires

The beauty of Sapphire gemstones needs no mention. This member of the Corundum mineral family is available in a variety of colors. From the gorgeous yellow sapphires to the lovely pink sapphires you can get a wide range of sapphires in this day and age. However, it is a natural Blue Sapphire which gets the highest attention of gem lovers across the world. 

Blue Sapphires gemstones are found in different areas of the globe. From Afghanistan, Australia, Burma, Cambodia, China, Colombia, India, and Kenya to Laos, Madagascar, Malawi, Nepal, Nigeria, North America, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, USA, and Vietnam, there are various prominent sources of Sapphires in this day and age. 

But what is so significant about Kashmir Sapphires that are found in India? Why are they considered to be the most valuable of them all? Let’s find that out with some information on Kashmir Sapphires!

Also known as the Switzerland of India, Kashmir, is a stunning place which is home to everything beautiful, including classic Blue Sapphires. Since their discovery, Kashmir Sapphires have been attributed as the finest quality sapphires. There was a time when the mining of these gemstones was at the highest ever, particularly during the late 19th century and early 20th century. However, today the mining of Blue Sapphires is rarely done in the region as the deposits are on the verge of extinction. 

Most of the Kashmir Sapphires that are found in the world were discovered more than 120 years. It is the stunning royal blue color and the velvety texture of these sapphires that make them unique. Kashmir Sapphires are not only highly valuable but are also highly demanded across the globe. 

This is the reason why many suppliers sell gems that are of different origin categorizing them as Kashmir Sapphires. So, while buying Kashmir Sapphires, it is important to get authenticity certificates from the sellers.

The Kashmir Sapphires come from a remote location in the Zanskar range of the Himalayas. Apart from producing the exquisite blue sapphires, these mines are also famous for the pink sapphire gemstones that they produced. 

It is said that the Maharaja of Kashmir made sure that the mine was guarded to protect the invaluable Kashmir Sapphires. The mine was worked extensively from 1882 to 1887, and they produced gemstones that were as big as the size of an eggplant.

By 1887, a geologist named T. D. LaTour discovered that these stones came from two different mines. One was the “Old Mine” which included pits in the valley wall, and the other one was on the valley floor below the “Old Mine”.

Even though the discovery of new sapphires from these mines is almost non-existent, many of the earlier found Kashmir Sapphires have become a part of antique vintage jewelry. Perhaps, that’s why these gemstones are mostly purchased by the royalties. 

Kashmir Sapphires are known for their amazing cornflower blue shade and the silky inclusions that they have. The ‘blue velvet’ like quality makes them superior from the rest. Although Ceylon Sapphires and Burmese Sapphires are also high quality, yet they don’t come near the incredible Kashmir Sapphire gemstones. And it is the rarity of these gemstones that makes them all the more invaluable.

The beautiful Kashmir Sapphires come in a stupendous hue that resembles a peacock's neck. The hue and vividness of these sapphires make them absolutely wonderful.

When it comes to the clarity of Kashmir Sapphires, they carry flaws and blemishes than most of the other varieties of Blue Sapphires. These gemstones may contain cavities, windows, or holes in their texture. Finding a high-end Kashmir Sapphire that is flawless is extremely difficult. That’s why they demand high prices in the market. It is important to note that Kashmir Sapphires usually remain more or less thick once they are cut. These gemstones don’t even contain the typical star effect that sapphires are highly famous for.

As for the cuts of Kashmir Sapphires, most of these gems are cut as sugarloaf cabochons. This cut helps in bringing the best color of these gemstones. 

 

To begin with, make sure the color of the gemstone is easily distinguishable from the rest and that they contain the well-known velvety texture. Certain zoning is acceptable be it in the form of alternating color saturation or clarities. Besides this, these gemstones must also be free from inclusions called rutiles which result in asterism. 

So, what is it that you wish to know more? 

Now that you know Kashmir Sapphires well, make sure to buy them from a reputed seller who supplies nothing but high-quality natural Kashmir Sapphires that are genuine. Doing this will give you the peace of mind that you are investing your money in an original stunning gemstone that is highly valuable. And, don’t forget to get the authenticity certificate from the seller which states that the Kashmir Sapphire that you have bought is original and from Kashmir only. 

Once you have purchased this beautiful gemstone, ensure proper care to keep the gemstone in the best possible condition for a long time to come. As these gems are highly durable, thanks to the rank of 9 on the Mohs scale of hardness, they can last for a good duration if cared for in a good manner. 

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