Sapphire (bicolor and color change)

Item Description

Sapphires come in a wide range of colors and from variuos worldwide localities, but the name Kashmir evokes the thought of some of the finest blue Sapphires ever known. The most famous gems came from the Zanskar Mountains (Kudi Valley) of northern India and were mined over 100 years ago, but the finest Sapphires have long since disappeared from the market. Without a doubt, blue Kashmir Sapphires set the standard by which all other blue Sapphires are judged. In today's market, the top Sapphires from Kashmir are incredibly rare, and carry a high price tag. Kashmir sapphires are known for their highly saturated violetish-blue color, and the presence of slight inertnal "silk", which gives them a slight "sleepy" appearance. Interestingly enough, Kashmir Sapphires are also known to have significant color zoning. This particular stone is not only a color zoned or bicolor gem, but it actually changes color from halogen lighting to sunlight. As you can see from the photos, a purple (with a slight blue overtone) and pink bicolor zoning can be see in halogen lighting, and a blue and pale yellow to pink multicolor zoning can be seen in sunlight. The "Oval Brilliant" cut stone has VVS clarity, and the multicolor appearance is very appealing. This is a genuine UN-treated and UN-heated Sapphire from arguably the most famous Sapphire producing district in the world. We purchased this stone directly from an Indian gem dealer who personally overseas the mining and faceting on these particular gems. Even though this isn't a true blue Kashmir Sapphire, it is still a highly desirable stone with a wonderful eye-catching coloration. The high end retail value on this stone is $525. Do NOT miss out on this unique and hard to find stone.