SAPPHIRE BANKKASHMIR SAPPHIRES
Kashmir sapphires are the holy grail of the sapphire world. Mined briefly from 1881 to 1887 in the Himalayan mountains, these stones possess a unique "velvety" appearance that has never been replicated. Today, they are virtually unobtainable outside of major auctions.
THE KASHMIR LEGEND
The Velvety Effect: Kashmir sapphires contain microscopic silk inclusions that scatter light in a unique way, creating a soft, "sleepy" appearance that makes the color appear to float within the stone. This effect has never been successfully replicated in any other origin.
Extreme Rarity: The original Kashmir mines were only productive for about 6 years. No significant new material has been found since. Every Kashmir sapphire on the market today is from old stock — and that supply diminishes with each passing year.
Auction Records: Kashmir sapphires consistently set world records at auction. In 2015, a 35.09ct Kashmir sapphire sold for $7.35 million ($209,689 per carat). These stones are as much historical artifacts as they are gemstones.
Investment Grade: For serious collectors, a certified Kashmir sapphire represents the pinnacle of sapphire collecting. Values have appreciated consistently over decades, outperforming most traditional investments. Read more about why origin matters.
IMPORTANT: VERIFICATION
Due to the extreme value of Kashmir sapphires, we require certification from at least two major laboratories (GRS, Gübelin, SSEF, or GIA) confirming Kashmir origin before acquisition. Learn more about reading gemstone certificates.