A SUPERB KASHMIR SAPPHIRE AND DIAMOND RING, LATE 19TH CENTURY

Centering a cushion-shaped mixed-cut Kashmir sapphire, weighing 5.22 carats, within an old European-cut diamond frame; estimated total diamond weight: 4.00 carats; mounted in 18k pink and silver-topped gold; size: 9 1/4

Accompanied by AGL report no. 1107128, dated 26 February 2020, stating that the sapphire, weighing 5.22 carats, is of Classic Kashmir origin, with no gemological evidence of heat.

Together with an AGL letter stating, "This sapphire has received the highest origin determination issued by AGL: Classic Kashmir."

Accompanied by Gübelin report no. 20032002, dated 04 March 2020, stating that the sapphire, weighing 5.22 carats, is of Kashmir origin, with no indications of heating.

The velvet-like texture of a Kashmir sapphire is unparalleled. These exquisite gems were mined throughout the summer months in the difficult-to-traverse Himalayan mountains, with the majority of production occurring in only seven short years in the late 19th century. A soft, dream like quality can be observed in the unique way these exceptional sapphires glow, due to fine needle-like inclusions known as silk. Since the mine's depletion in 1887, top quality Kashmir sapphires are among the rarest and most beautiful of all gemstones, since the finite number in circulation all come from this limited period of discovery over 100 years ago.