Question 1

Why are Kashmir sapphires so expensive?

Accepted Answer

Supply is extremely limited. The deposit produced its best material for only a few years in the 1880s, so most fine stones on the market come from older jewellery and collections. Combined with a distinctive velvety blue and a long record of results at major auctions, this scarcity places fine Kashmir sapphires among the most expensive coloured gemstones per carat.

Question 2

Are Kashmir sapphires still mined?

Accepted Answer

Small-scale, sporadic mining has taken place at times, but the high-altitude location, short working season and depleted original deposit mean that new production of fine stones has been negligible for many decades. Claims of new Kashmir material appear occasionally and should be treated with caution until a stone has been examined by a respected laboratory.

Question 3

How can I verify a Kashmir sapphire?

Accepted Answer

Only a laboratory can give an origin opinion, based on inclusion features, colour zoning, trace-element chemistry and spectroscopy. For a stone of this value, most buyers expect reports from one or more leading labs such as GRS, SSEF or Gübelin. Check the date of each report and confirm the stone matches it, including weight and measurements.

Question 4

Is Kashmir a colour grade or an origin?

Accepted Answer

Kashmir is a geographic origin, stated on a report as the laboratory's opinion. The word is sometimes used loosely in the trade to describe a velvety blue from any source, which can mislead. When a stone is described as Kashmir, confirm that the lab report actually gives Kashmir as the origin, rather than relying on a description of colour.

Kashmir Sapphires