A Treasure To Remember – Kashmir Sapphire
Bellmans Auctions hosts two fine jewellery and watch sales a year, in May and November, but on the 20th of November 2025, we bear witness to something so fine it defines the sale: A Kashmir Sapphire ring! Testament to the jewellery department’s skill, a beautiful blue velvety sapphire came in for appraisal and the company’s resident Gemmologist, Liberty King, FGA, knew she had something special. A month later and a fair amount of air miles flown, we had one of the most sought-after stones in the entire gem world. A stunning 3.24ct natural sapphire originating from Kashmir, and crucially with no signs of treatment.
The discovery of Kashmir sapphires dates back to 1881, when an avalanche in the Zanskar range of the Himalayas exposed a rich deposit of exceptional blue sapphires. The mining boom between 1882 and 1887 yielded some of the world’s finest stones. By the late 19th century, production had ceased as deposits were exhausted, leaving an exceedingly scarce supply in world markets. Mining remnants remain fiercely guarded, with the region’s harsh climate and political challenges further hampering any new operations.
The rarity of Kashmir sapphires cannot be overstated. The brief period of extraction, combined with political factors and the subsequent closure of the mines, means that only a handful of fine stones exist, often weighing less than five carats. When larger gems do appear at fine jewellery auctions, they consistently shatter price records, even smaller stones routinely sell for hundreds of thousands, with fierce competition among global buyers.
The grading of Kashmir sapphires is a meticulous process involving expert laboratory analysis. Stones are assessed for colour saturation, hue, and the presence of characteristic inclusions that distinguish authentic Kashmir gems from sapphires of other origins. The finest stones will have strong, even saturation, homogenous colouring and little to no evidence of heat treatment.
Dual independent certification, such as from renowned laboratories like SSEF in Switzerland or the GCS on Bond Street, is the gold standard, offering reassurance to buyers and maximising market appeal.
Our Fine Jewellery & Watches auction will feature the Kashmir sapphire among a curated selection of fine jewellery and watches, including pieces from notable makers, such as Kutchinsky, Cartier, Fope, Bvlgari, Tiffany & Co., Rolex, Breitling and Jaeger LeCoultre.
Auction Date: 20 November 2025
Bellmans Jewellery and Watch Wednesdays: Every Wednesday, our expert team welcomes you to 4 Cromwell Place, South Kensington, London, SW7, where you can bring your treasured pieces for a complimentary, no obligation appraisal between 10am and 4pm, no appointment necessary. Simply drop in and discover the true value of your rarities, with no pressure to sell.
https://app.bellmans.co.uk/en/auction/nov-jewellery-2025-20-november-fine-jewellery-watches
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Established in 1989, Bellmans has earned its standing as one of southern England’s premier auction houses, combining traditional expertise with a contemporary, client-focused outlook. From our spacious showrooms in West Sussex, we showcase everything from fine art and rare timepieces to diamonds, furniture and objets d’art.
With our London office at 4 Cromwell Place, South Kensington, we offer discreet valuations and a convenient gateway to London’s vibrant art and jewellery markets. Nestled in the city’s leading cultural quarter, clients enjoy direct access to our experts and a bridge to an international stage.
Innovation is in our DNA. Bellmans was among the first regional auction houses to pioneer a live online bidding service, BellmansLive, enabling clients everywhere to bid, watch and participate, wherever they are in the world.
Whether through highly curated auctions or tailored valuation services, Bellmans continues to blend heritage and innovation, delivering outcomes that consistently exceed expectations for collectors and sellers alike.
