Kashmir sapphires are among the most prized and coveted gemstones in the world. Known for their exceptional color and rarity, they are a variety of blue sapphire that originates from the Kashmir region in northern India. These sapphires are renowned for their vivid, velvety blue hue, often described as a "cornflower blue," which is considered the ideal shade for sapphires.

The unique and intense color of Kashmir sapphires is due to the specific geological conditions of the region, which are thought to have created these gemstones several million years ago. Their remarkable clarity and depth of color, combined with a silky, internal texture known as "needle inclusions," further add to their appeal. These inclusions, while not always visible to the naked eye, contribute to the gemstone's characteristic glow, referred to as "sleepy" or "velvety" in appearance.

Kashmir sapphires are incredibly rare. The mines in Kashmir were primarily active from the late 19th century to the early 20th century, and the supply has been exhausted for decades. This scarcity, along with their remarkable beauty, makes Kashmir sapphires highly sought after by collectors and jewelry enthusiasts. Their value is often significantly higher compared to other sapphires, particularly those from regions with less distinctive color and clarity.