A Kashmir Sapphire of Exceptional Beauty to Headline Bellmans’ Fine Jewellery & Watches Auction

Rich History and Sourcing

The discovery of Kashmir sapphires dates back to 1881, when an avalanche in the Zanskar range of the Himalayas exposed a rich deposit of exceptional blue sapphires. The mining boom between 1882 and 1887 yielded some of the world's largest and finest stones. By the late 19th century, production had ceased as deposits were exhausted, leaving an exceedingly scarce supply in world markets. Mining remnants remain fiercely guarded, with the region’s harsh climate and political challenges further hampering any new operations.

Unique Characteristics

Kashmir sapphires are distinguished above all by their luminous, velvety blue colour. This captivating hue is due to a combination of trace elements and subtle inclusions, which scatter light and impart a mysterious, soft glow often called “blue velvet”; unlike most other sapphires, they retain vibrancy even under artificial lighting.

Rarity and Auction Value

The rarity of Kashmir sapphires cannot be overstated. The brief period of extraction, political factors and subsequent closure of the mines mean only a handful of fine stones exist, often less than five carats in weight. When these gems do appear at fine jewellery auctions, they consistently shatter price records—most recently, the 35.09-carat Regent Kashmir sapphire achieved $9.5 million at Christie's Hong Kong in May 2025, setting a new world record for price per carat ($271,515). Even smaller stones routinely sell for hundreds of thousands, with fierce competition among global buyers.

Grading Kashmir Sapphires

The grading of Kashmir sapphires is a meticulous process involving expert laboratory analysis. Stones are assessed for colour saturation, hue and the presence of characteristic inclusions that distinguish authentic Kashmir gems from sapphires of other origins. The finest stones will have strong, even saturation, homogenous colouring and little to no evidence of heat treatment. Dual independent certification, such as from renowned laboratories like SSEF in Switzerland or the GCS on Bond Street, is the gold standard, offering reassurance to buyers and maximising market appeal.

Tips for Auction Buyers

For collectors seeking to acquire Kashmir sapphires at fine jewellery auctions, consider these expert tips:

• Verify Kashmir origin with two independent laboratory reports, ideally including one prestigious certifier.
• Look for stones with natural, unheated status and a blue with medium-strong saturation.
• Expect significant interest and competitive bidding for authentic, high-quality examples, even those below five carats.
• Be prepared for prices that reflect rarity: record-breaking sums are now commonplace for top specimens.
• Seek expert guidance from auctions with a reputation for handling prestigious gemstones.

The Collector’s Gemstone

Kashmir sapphires are the benchmark of excellence in coloured gemstones and a potent symbol of investment-grade luxury. Whether set in period or contemporary fine jewellery, their rarity and beauty inspire awe and drive vigorous demand among global connoisseurs. For fine jewellery auction houses, offering a natural Kashmir sapphire means attracting the world’s most passionate and knowledgeable bidders, enhancing both prestige and visibility for any sale.

For those pursuing the extraordinary in fine jewellery auctions, few treasures rival the Kashmir sapphire, an exquisite fusion of nature, history and luxury. This gemstone’s mystique, desirability and value only continue to grow with each record-breaking auction appearance.

Our Fine Jewellery & Watches auction will feature a Kashmir sapphire among a curated selection of fine jewellery, including signed pieces and exceptional gemstones from notable master jewellers.

Auction Date: 20 November 2025

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