In comparison to sapphire from other regions of the world, very little is written about Kashmir sapphire.  Although every source, agrees to the superiority of Kashmir's finest gemstones, the country and its people seem to have been left for dead.  Whether it be for lack of interest or the decades of political conflict, very few people in the world visit India's"Camelot" even to investigate. Nevertheless, every year eye brows are lifted when world-record setting prices are broken for these breathe-taking blues.  From New York City's 5th Avenue to the elite auction houses of Switzerland, the world's rich and famous pay big dollars and even bigger respect for the "name" that transcends all other factors.  KB "The world's finest and most expensive sapphires are from Kashmir and experts agree that Kashmir sapphires are among the rarest of all gemstones. Found in the legendary mines in the high Himalayas, these gems are set apart by the rare combination of intense blue color and their warm, soft velvety, glowing appearance is unlike any other type of sapphire." Sotheby's Auction House   "In the 30-40 year period during which the mines were intensively worked, Kashmir sapphires achieved a reputation second to none.  Today, with the exception of estate sales, fine Kashmir sapphires are virtually unobtainable, mute testimony of the degree to which they are coveted, Outside the collection seen in the Jammu and Kashmir State Treasury, few cut stones of greater than 65ct have been reported (Sweiger, 1990). Crystals are sometimes of enormous size.  Mallet (1882) reported on one which measured 1ft (30cm) in length." Ruby + Sapphire, by Richard Hughes.   "Since their discovery in 1881 high in the Himalaya Mountains of northwest India, the sapphire deposits of Kashmir have become synonymous with the finest blue sapphire" Los Angelos Natural History Museum's Hixon Vault   We highly suggest you perform an internet search on Kashmir sapphire and or write us for additional resources if interested. There are many more sources of information which include Gems & Gemology articles or gemstone guides that we have not received permission to list.