SSEF certificate no. 132463 from 2023 enclosed
Shape and cut: Oval cabochon Weight: 13.963 ct
Colour: Blue of strong saturation
Comments: No indications of heating
Origin: Kashmir

bracelet, gold 585, length c. 19.3 cm, socket fastening, safety fastenings, workmanship end of the 19th century, 43.3

Kashmir Sapphires
Hidden in the inhospitable mountain ranges of the Himalayas, at over 4,000 metres above sea level, is one of the most precious and valuable stones that nature has to offer: Kashmir sapphires.
In 1880, a landslide in the secluded Paddar region of the Kishtwar district revealed unique sapphires of extraordinary beauty.
The resulting mines were only productive between 1882 and 1887. After that date, no more significant finds were recorded and the mines were soon declared exhausted.
Kashmir sapphires in an impressive size of almost 14 ct are exceptional and rare.

A typical feature of Kashmir sapphires is the velvety shimmer of their blue colour. The present report of the Swiss Gemological Institute qualifies the colour of this stone as “blue of strong saturation”, thus certifying the highest colour saturation.

Its transparency is particularly enhanced by the simplicity of its cabochon cut. With its smooth, unfacetted surface, it absorbs the power of light to reveal its unique and unmistakable blue.

The exceptional quality and colour of Kashmir sapphires was not only appreciated by maharajas, but soon found its way into the haute joaillerie.
The present piece of jewellery comes from the property of an old European aristocratic family.