Glossary
Kashmir
Kashmir sapphires are considered the epitome of velvety blue – although the deposit was productive for only a few years. Around 1881 a landslide high in the Indian Himalayas exposed sapphires of extraordinary quality. By the late 1880s the richest spot was exhausted; later attempts failed because of altitude, access and politics.
The Kashmir blue
Typical is a vivid blue with a slightly milky, velvety sheen that holds the colour under any light. This appearance remains the ideal against which other sapphires are compared.
Today
Almost all Kashmir sapphires on the market come from old stocks. Because stones from Madagascar and Sri Lanka can look very similar, the origin statement of a recognised laboratory carries particular weight.
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Updated 2026-10-06