A Closer Look at

Magnificent Gems

Kashmir Sapphires

Sapphires from Kashmir were first discovered in the late 1870s/early 1880s high up in the snow-clad Great Himalayas of north-western India where a landslide revealed hitherto unknown deposits in a rock valley 4500m above sea level. By 1882 the Maharaja of Kashmir had taken control of the mine that could only be worked from July - September each year due to the high altitude and near perpetual heavy snowfall. Because of its remote location mining techniques were always primitive. This first mine, known as the Old Mine, was really just a series of shallow pits sunk into the rock. Apparently, the first specimens were so huge and abundant, they were studded in places as thick as 'plums in a pudding' and could be plucked from the rock. By 1887 the Old Mine was nearly exhausted and a New Mine, on the valley floor 250m below, gave up some fine sapphires but they were generally of lesser quality, size and quantity. The area was worked sporadically until the late 1920s/early 1930s but the glory years of the 1880s were never repeated.

Legend tells that the finest stones from this 30 - 40 year period were all acquired by the Maharaja and jealously guarded in the chambers of the Kashmir State Treasury. British geologist, Charles Stewart Middlemiss, Superintendent of the Mineral Survey of Jammu and Kashmir State from 1917 until 1930, recorded seeing some of this fabled hoard, describing the sacks of rough and cut gems as a 'king's ransom', with some sapphires the size of polo balls.

Burmese Rubies

The ruby is important for many cultures and historically has been a talisman of power, protection, wealth, status, a cure for illness and a symbol of peace. The Sanskrit name, ratnaraj or 'King of Precious Stones' given to rubies very much embodies the value bestowed upon this gemstone. For over 800 years, the finest rubies have been unearthed in the Mogok Stone Tract region of Burma, now Myanmar. Burmese rubies are prized for their vibrant fiery colour which is caused by high levels of chromium saturating the ground from which they are mined. It is this colour combined with their strong fluorescence which gives them a glowing, fiery radiance.

The Gold Standard

Today, Kashmir sapphires and Burmese rubies are the gold standard against which all other sapphires and rubies are measured. These coveted gems are hotly contested amongst collectors who are prepared to pay princely sums for top-quality specimens.

Because of the rarity of these gems, when they do appear at auction, they often exceed expectations. A 5.00 carats Burmese ruby and diamond cluster ring achieved £200,250 from a pre-sale estimate of £15,000 - £20,000. Results for impressive Kashmir sapphires include £187,750 (from a pre-sale estimate of £150,000 -£200,000) for a circa 1920 ring set with a 3.52 carats Kashmir sapphire of exceptional transparency and clarity and £723.062 for a magnificent 17.43 carats Kashmir sapphire and diamond ring from a pre-sale estimate of £300,000 - £400,000. An impressive 14.03 carats Kashmir sapphire acquired by the vendor's grandfather during his travels in Asia during the early 20^th century achieved £1.3 million from a pre-sale estimate of £600,000 - £800,000.

A Closer Look

The sapphires all possess the rare velvety Royal blue colour, for which the coveted Kashmir region is heralded and the fiery pinkish-red ruby is richly saturated throughout its desirable 4.07 carat weight – a collection of truly fine gems.

We are delighted to present this magnificent collection of stones from two coveted regions in our London Jewels sale as Lot 234. To have a collection of six well-matched top-quality sapphires, all from Kashmir and a vibrant 4.07 carats ruby from Burma is a rare opportunity at auction.

Register now to bid in London Jewels on 27^th April. For additional information, please contact emily.barber@bonhams.com.