The Impossibility of Kashmir Sapphire Engagement Rings

Sapphire engagement rings are gaining increasing popularity as a rare but more affordable alternative to the traditional diamond. However, this is not the case with all sapphires. Undoubtedly, the most famous sapphires in the world are those from Kashmir and it is these beauties that are so highly valued that your chances of even seeing one, except in a museum or in a photograph, are slim to none.

Kashmir is in the northwest region of the Indian subcontinent, lying in a valley between India and Pakistan. These famous sapphires were first discovered in Kashmir in 1880 when a landslide uncovered the deposit, high up in the Himalayas. The mine was very productive between 1882 and 1887, yielding numerous sapphires of exceptional quality and size. However, by 1887, production was declining and the mine was declared to be exhausted and all future mining efforts failed to produce sapphires that matched the beauty and quality of those originally found.

Kashmir sapphires have an almost mythical reputation due to their extreme exclusivity and beauty. Sapphires are very rarely discovered in Kashmir now and most of those currently in existence were discovered during the mine’s initial productive years, which were more than a 100 years ago. As a result, such sapphires rarely appear, even at high-end auctions, and when they do, they tend to fetch astronomical prices. In April 2007, for instance, a 22.66-carat Kashmir sapphire was sold for $3,064,000 to an anonymous bidder. This makes it around $135,000 a carat, which was a new record for sapphires. Kashmir sapphires are highly valued for their described cornflower blue colour and the velvety quality of the stones, produced as a result of fine silk inclusions. While the typical colour is a pure, intense blue, Kashmir sapphires sometimes exhibit undertones of green, gray or purple. The value placed on deep blue sapphires is actually reflected in the price of all sapphire engagement rings, regardless of origin. However, what makes Kashmir sapphires really special is their ability to boast a rich, strong colour that holds up in all kinds of light; even the prized Burmese Sapphires tend to lose their rich hue in the evening light.

If by extraordinary luck you do come across any sapphire engagement rings with a Kashmir sapphire, they tend not to be cut in any of the popular fancy cuts, like the cushion, oval, round or emerald cuts. Rather they are often cut in a traditional cabochon form called the ‘Sugar Loaf’, which is a unique shape designed to best emphasise the special velvety quality that Kashmir sapphires are famous for.

While such sapphires have a reputation second to none, it is best for couples to avoid setting their hearts on Kashmir sapphire engagement rings. If you can afford it, the best Ceylon and Burmese sapphires come very close in both quality and beauty.

Frederick Holm is staff writer for of the F&L Designer Guides, compiled and written to help consumers choose a unique engagement ring design. From diamond to sapphire engagement rings from a princess cut to a platinum band, we have ideas and opinions covering all the options. Offering advice, tips and suggestions on how to choose that perfect ring, F&L will accompany you on every stage of your search to find the right designer.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.