KCR Winter 2025 2026 Mag V3 FINAL - Flipbook - Page 22
Finest Kashmir Sapphires Sparkle
at Bellmans Auctions
Bellmans Auctions hosts two 昀椀ne jewellery and watch sales a year, in
May and November, but on the 20th of November 2025, we bear
witness to something so 昀椀ne it de昀椀nes the sale: A Kashmir Sapphire
ring!
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.
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 昀氀own, 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.
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 昀椀ne art and rare
timepieces to diamonds, furniture and objets d’art.
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 昀椀nest stones. By the late 19th century,
production had ceased as deposits were exhausted, leaving an
exceedingly scarce supply in world markets. Mining remnants remain
昀椀ercely 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 昀椀ne stones exist,
often weighing less than 昀椀ve carats. When larger gems do appear at 昀椀ne
jewellery auctions, they consistently shatter price records, even smaller
stones routinely sell for hundreds of thousands, with 昀椀erce 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 昀椀nest
stones will have strong, even saturation, homogenous colouring and
little to no evidence of heat treatment. Dual independent certi昀椀cation,
such as from renowned laboratories like SSEF in Switzerland or the GCS
on Bond Street, is the gold standard, o昀昀ering reassurance to buyers and
maximising market appeal.
Our Fine Jewellery & Watches auction will feature the Kashmir sapphire
among a curated selection of 昀椀ne jewellery and watches, including
pieces from notable makers, such as Kutchinsky, Cartier, Fope, Bvlgari,
Ti昀昀any & 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
With our London o昀케ce at 4 Cromwell Place, South Kensington, we o昀昀er
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 昀椀rst 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.
