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Kashmir. The origin of beauty

The Kashmir sapphire is the most famous type of sapphire in the world. It has a mysterious cornflower blue hue that gem enthusiasts describe as ‘blue velvet’.

Some of the best Burmese and Ceylonese sapphires come close, but they can never compare to one from Kashmir, because this one continues to be the most precious of those in existence. The extreme rarity of these gems gives them a mythological reputation, making them the dream of every gem collector.

Kashmiri sapphires descend from a remote part of the Himalayan mountains called the Zanskar range. When the Maharaja of Kashmir heard about the presence of bright blue sapphires, he had guards posted outside the mines to protect their value. The mines were exhausted within five years – from 1882 to 1887 – and for this reason the stones enjoy a legendary reputation that is perpetuated through time.

In the Jewellery auction held on 13 July 2022 in Monte Carlo three rare and beautiful Kashmir sapphires were sold for a total of €2,590,800. A pendant in gold, diamonds and an antique cut sapphire of 9.36 carats estimated at €180,000 – €200,000 was hammered at €482,600 (lot 183). A splendid ring in gold, diamonds and a 9.33-carat ‘sugar loaf’ sapphire starting from a valuation of €70,000 – €90,000 reached €393,700 (lot 184).

An exceptional pair of earrings, diamonds and sapphires of 9.44 and 10.62 carats, signed Pedochi, valued at €400,000 – €600,000, went for €1,714,500, the second highest adjudication ever in the department, second only to two Kashmir sapphires, which in the deep hypnotic blue of their stones, preserve the secret of the origin of beauty.