What is the difference between Kashmir sapphire and Azad Kashmir? A specialty store explains the “Kashmir” production area in the identification book
Bottom line: Kashmiri sapphires and Azad Kashmir sapphires are two different things and have vastly different values and prices. When purchasing or selling, be sure to check the country of origin "Kashmir origin" on the identification book.
Kashmir sapphire and sapphire from Azad Kashmir are different from each other even though they are from Kashmir. In this article, we will explain the differences between the two and what "Kashmir" written in the Origin column of the identification report (laboratory report) means from the perspective of a professional jewelry buyer's appraisal practice. This article is for those who want to check the meaning of "Kashmir" before purchasing or selling.
- Difference between Kashmir and Azad Kashmir
- What does the “Kashmir” notation on the identification book mean and how to tell it apart?
- How to read the Origin column of the identification report (lab report)
- Difference in market price between the two
- Points to note when purchasing/selling
Difference between Kashmir and Azad Kashmir (comparison in 1 minute)
Conclusion: Historical Kashmir and Azad Kashmir sapphires are different. Market values and price ranges vary widely.First, please check the main points in the quick reference table.
| Item | Kashmir (historical deposits) | azad kashmir |
|---|---|---|
| 📍 location | Indian side Jammu and Kashmir (around Sumujam, Padar region) | Area controlled by Pakistan (reported to be around Batakundi/Basil mining area) |
| 🎨 main color | Cornflower Blue | Mainly pink to purple |
| ⛏ supply | Almost no new supply | Still in circulation today |
| 💰 market evaluation | The highest peak of sapphire | significantly lower level |
| 📄 Origin description on identification book | "Kashmir" | Varies by institution/report (original confirmation required) |
Takazo Saito(Selby Co., Ltd.)
Buyer for the Komehei Group's only company specializing in jewelry. In addition to supervising the e-commerce, SNS, loose, and product production departments, he is also in charge of purchasing rare stones. He specializes in determining authenticity and evaluating value, and works to protect consumers and improve market transparency by disseminating gemological information.
Supervisor comment:At the appraisal site, there are many cases where the product name alone, ``Kashmir'', is mistaken for product from historical Kashmir. We always check the Origin column of the original identification document and suggest re-identification if necessary.
- In the jewelry market, sapphires that are classified as ``Kashmir'' refer to blue sapphires that are determined to originate from historical deposits (around Sumujam) in the Padar region of Jammu and Kashmir on the Indian side.
- "Azad Kashmir" is the name of the Kashmir region that is effectively controlled by Pakistan, and GIA research has reported that mainly pink to purple sapphires are produced from around the Batakundi/Basil mining area.
- Even though the two products are in the same "Kashmir region", their market evaluations are completely different, and the price difference is very large.
- The word "Kashmir" has multiple layers: historical deposits, new mining areas on the Pakistani side, similar stones, trade names, and report descriptions, and confusion can lead to misunderstandings and high prices.
- The standard for determining value is not the product name, but the description in the "Origin" column of the original report issued by a reliable identification organization.
- Difference between Kashmir and Azad Kashmir (comparison in 1 minute)
- What is the difference between Kashmir and Azad Kashmir?
- Why is it important to identify the word “Kashmir”?
- Five layers that the word “Kashmir” refers to
- There is a difference between “looking like Kashmir” and “producing in Kashmir”
- Major identification organizations and efforts to determine Kashmir origin
- How is origin identification performed?
- Actual appraisal/handling in the used market (SELBY's perspective)
- Check points when purchasing and selling
- Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
- Summary
- Reference materials
What is the difference between Kashmir and Azad Kashmir?
Conclusion: "Kashmiri" refers to blue sapphires determined to originate from historical deposits on the Indian side, while "Azad Kashmir" is the name of the area controlled by Pakistan.In the jewelry market, sapphires that are evaluated as ``Kashmiri-produced'' mainly refer to those determined to originate from historical deposits in the Padar region of Jammu and Kashmir on the Indian side, while sapphires produced from the Azad Kashmir side are subject to a different market evaluation. Even though they contain the same word "Kashmir", their rarity as gemstones, prices, and treatment on identification documents vary greatly. Understanding this distinction is the first step to avoid making mistakes when purchasing or selling Kashmiri sapphires.
What is Kashmir (Historical Mineral Deposit)?
"Kashmir" is the name of the former kingdom of Kashmir, which originally spanned India, Pakistan, and China. In the jewelry industry, the term "Kashmiri" usually refers to a historic deposit located at an altitude of approximately 4,500 meters near the village of Sumjam/Soomjam in the Padar region of Jammu and Kashmir on the Indian side. This deposit is said to have been discovered by a landslide around 1881, and is particularly known for producing high-quality blue sapphires during the early mining period in the 1880s. After that, production became limited, and it is reported that there is currently almost no new supply. It is known for its velvety "cornflower blue" color and is considered the rarest sapphire on the jewelry market.
What is Azad Kashmir?
Azad Kashmir (Azad Jammu and Kashmir) is the name of the administrative division of Kashmir, which is under the effective control of Pakistan. Since the 2000s, sapphires have been reported to be produced around the Batakundi/Basil mining area, which is located near the border between Azad Kashmir and the former northern region (now Gilgit-Baltistan). These are also called "Batakundi Sapphire" and "Pakistan Sapphire" in overseas markets. According to GIA's field survey report, stones in this area are mainly light pink to purplish pink, with blue stones being rare. It differs from the blue sapphire from historic Kashmir deposits in color tone, production period, and market evaluation.
| Item | Kashmir (historical deposits) | Azad Kashmir (Batakundi/Basil etc.) |
|---|---|---|
| 📍 Location | Around Sumujam in Padar region, Jammu and Kashmir on the Indian side | Area controlled by Pakistan (reported to be near the border with Gilgit-Baltistan) |
| ⛏ Mining period | Discovered around 1881. It is reported that high-quality stone was produced during the initial mining period, but the supply thereafter is limited. | Production has been reported since the 2000s and is still in circulation. |
| 🎨 main color | velvety cornflower blue | Mainly pink to purple. Blue color reported as rare |
| 📦 Supply amount | Almost no new supply. Focus on auctions and existing distribution items | available on loose market |
| 💰 market evaluation | The highest peak of sapphire. Numerous cases of high-value winning bids at famous auctions have been reported. | significantly lower than historical Kashmir production. |
| 📄 Origin description on identification book | "Kashmir" | The notation differs depending on the institution/individual report, so it is essential to check the country of origin column in the original. |
Why is it important to identify the word “Kashmir”?
Conclusion: The value evaluation axis for the same sapphire fundamentally changes depending on whether "Kashmir" refers to the country of origin or something else.High-quality unheated Kashmir Blue Sapphire, determined to be from historic Kashmir, fetches extremely high prices at prestigious auctions. For example, SSEF listings introduce an example in which an 8.91 ct stone was sold at an auction in New York in 2012 for approximately $154,000 per ct, and an example in which a 16.46 ct unheated Kashmir sapphire was sold for approximately $2.168 million in 2022. On the other hand, stones from new mining areas on the Azad Kashmir side are available in large quantities, and their price levels vary widely.
Because of this price difference, there are cases where stones produced in Pakistan are sold under the name "Kashmiri sapphires", using the broad term "produced in the Kashmir region". In fact, on overseas sales sites, you can see examples of products being sold with expressions such as "Kashmir Sapphire from Azad Kashmir, Pakistan". Although the representation itself is not necessarily false, purchasing products under the mistaken belief that they are of the same value as those produced in historical Kashmir can lead to large losses.
Five layers that the word “Kashmir” refers to
Conclusion: "Kashmir" is written in the product name and "the identification agency has determined that the product is of Kashmir origin" are two different things.The word 'Kashmir' that you see in the market is used in at least five different demographics. If you can distinguish between these five layers, you can avoid most of the misconceptions surrounding Kashmir sapphires.
Blue sapphire determined to originate from a historical deposit in the Padar region of India. The original meaning of "Kashmir Sapphire", which is highly rated on the market.
Stones from new mining areas around Azad Kashmir. Although the region name is "Kashmir", the market evaluation is different from Tier 1.
Stones from Madagascar, etc. whose appearance and inclusions are similar to those from Kashmir. SSEF alerts for identification.
Distribution names including "Fuchsia Sapphire" and "Kashmir Color". It is not proof of origin.
The opinion of the place of origin described by an identification organization based on scientific tests. This is the only layer that serves as the basis for value judgments.
What you should check when making a purchase or appraisal is whether the meaning of "Kashmir" in layers 1 to 4 can be substantiated in layer 5 (Origin column of the original report). It is always necessary to consider the possibility that "Kashmir", which has no substantiation, is just a description of a region name, product name, or color.
There is a difference between “looking like Kashmir” and “producing in Kashmir”
Conclusion: ``Kashmiri-like appearance'' does not prove that the product originates from Kashmir.The velvet-like texture (an appearance described as velvet sapphire) and cornflower blue hue may also appear in stones from other sources. In a 2017 trade alert, SSEF reported that large stones similar in appearance and inclusions to those from Kashmir were entering the market among sapphires produced around Bemainti, Madagascar, and called for caution in identifying them. The Central Gem Laboratory (CGL) also explains that some Madagascar sapphires closely resemble Kashmir sapphires.
In other words, there are similar stones in circulation that are difficult to distinguish even by experienced traders, and the only way to evaluate the origin of ``Kashmiri-like stones'' is to leave it to the judgment of identification organizations equipped with reference stone databases and analysis equipment. Conversely, stones that are priced as ``Kashmiri'' based solely on their appearance or explanation at the time of sale are objects that should be treated with caution.
At SELBY, we only handle sapphires after checking the contents of the certificate of authenticity. You can see the actual inventory below.
See SELBY's sapphire collection About purchasing and appraising sapphireMajor identification organizations and efforts to determine Kashmir origin
Conclusion: All major identification organizations treat "Kashmir" as a target of origin determination, but the wording in the origin column of each report varies depending on the agency, period, and individual determination.The same applies to SSEF, Gübelin, GIA, AGL, GRS, and domestic institutions. Below is a summary of initiatives that can be confirmed from primary information about each institution. When actually buying or selling, be sure to check the Origin column of the original report.
| Identification organization | Efforts to determine Kashmir production area (scope that can be confirmed with primary information) |
|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 GIA (Gemological Institute of America) | We provide identification of the origin of blue sapphires and publish research on the identification of historical Kashmir production in magazines such as Gems & Gemology. We have also published a field survey report on the Batakundi/Basil mining area on the Pakistani side, as well as an article on blue sapphire reported to be from Azad Kashmir, and are researching the two areas separately. |
| 🇨🇭 SSEF (Swiss Gem Research Institute) | Since his paper in 1990, he has continued to research the distinguishing characteristics (inclusions, trace elements, etc.) of sapphire from Kashmir. Announces that trade alert has been issued and identification standards have been established for 'Kashmir-like' sapphires from Madagascar |
| 🇨🇭 Gübelin | Since the 1950s, it has been one of the pioneering institutions that has been working on identification of locality, and has received international recognition for determining the origin of Kashmir. Reports are often used along with SSEF and AGL for auctioned stones. |
| 🇺🇸 AGL (American Gem Laboratory) | It is reported that they have been providing origin identification services since 1977, and they are treating Kashmir as a target for determining the origin of blue sapphire. |
| 🇨🇭 GRS (Switzerland) | We provide ruby and sapphire origin determination services. The wording in the country of origin column in each report must be confirmed in the original report. |
| 🇯🇵 CGL (Central Gem Research Institute) and other domestic organizations | We provide a service to identify the origin of sapphire using LA-ICP-MS, etc., and publish explanations of internal characteristics that are useful for determining whether the sapphire is from Kashmir. If the characteristics of the production area cannot be confirmed, the production area is not listed. |
How is origin identification performed?
Conclusion: Identification of locality is an "expert's opinion" based on scientific testing, and is not determined mechanically by administrative boundaries.Specifically, the judgment is made by combining observation of inclusions, spectroscopic analysis, trace element analysis by LA-ICP-MS, etc., and comparing it with a reference stone database. Please understand that this is not something determined mechanically by administrative boundaries, but rather a process of reading the geological fingerprints of each ore deposit. GIA also explains in its academic journal that origin identification is a comprehensive judgment based on multiple analytical methods.
Historic blue sapphire from Kashmir is known for its fine silk-like inclusions that give it a velvety feel, its distinctive growth structure, and mineral inclusions such as pergasite and tourmaline. However, as mentioned above, there are stones from other regions that have similar appearances and inclusions, so the region of origin is rarely determined based on a single characteristic, but is determined based on the accumulation of multiple pieces of evidence. If the characteristics are insufficient, it may become impossible to determine the origin.
| era | event |
|---|---|
| circa 1881 | A sapphire deposit is said to have been discovered in a landslide near Sumujam in the Padar region of India. |
| 1880s | Mining was at its peak under the control of the Kashmir kingdom. Reported that many high quality crystals were produced. |
| first half of the 20th century | It is reported that production in major mining areas has decreased and new supply will be limited thereafter. |
| 1990 | SSEF researchers publish paper on identifying characteristics of Kashmir sapphires |
| late 2000s | Sapphires from the Batakundi/Basil field on the Pakistani side have appeared on the market. GIA reports on-site investigation |
| 2017 | SSEF issues trade alert over influx of 'Kashmir-like' sapphires from Madagascar |
Actual appraisal/handling in the used market (SELBY's perspective)
Conclusion: In the second-hand market and appraisal sites, the evaluation of sapphire that looks the same can vary greatly depending on which organization issued it and what wording the origin report is attached to.From here on, my thoughts are based on my practical experience as a jewelry specialty store.
In the appraisal requests we see, there are cases in which an old overseas identification book with "Kashmir" written on it is attached, and cases in which the item was purchased as "Kashmir sapphire" but there is no report to support its origin. Here are the points we look at in these cases:
- In order to receive a high evaluation as a historical product of Kashmir, the de facto prerequisite is that it be listed as "Kashmir" in the locality report of an internationally trusted organization such as SSEF, Gübelin, GIA, or AGL. Even in the auction market, it is common to include reports from multiple institutions.
- Stones that have "Pakistan" written in the region of origin, or stones with the name "Kashmir" that have no proof of origin, are evaluated not as Kashmir sapphires, but as fancy color sapphires depending on their color and quality. There are many beautiful stones, but the price range is different.
- If the identification document is from an older publication year, or if it is only marked as "Kashmir" by an overseas laboratory whose track record cannot be confirmed, SELBY recommends re-identification without assuming the country of origin. Since the appearance of similar stones from Madagascar, the standards and technology for identifying locality have advanced significantly, and older reports may change the current analysis and conclusions.
- At distribution sites, we often see stones whose prices are determined based on their trade name alone. If you are thinking of selling, it may be better to obtain an official production area report before submitting it for appraisal, which may lead to a more appropriate evaluation.
In some cases, sapphires purchased overseas were brought in as "produced in Kashmir," but upon re-identification, they were determined to be produced in Pakistan. The criteria for evaluation is not the product name or description at the time of sale, but the description in the Origin column of a report from a reliable identification organization.
Check points when purchasing and selling
Conclusion: When trading Kashmir sapphires, be sure to check three points: the issuing agency of the certificate of authenticity, the correct wording in the region of origin, and whether or not it has been heated.Specifically:
- ✔ Check the issuing authority:Is it an institution such as SSEF, Gübelin, GIA, or AGL that has published research results for determining Kashmiri origin?
- ✔ Check the wording in the country of origin column word for word:Is it "Kashmir" or does it include "Pakistan" etc.? Check the Origin column of the original report, not the product name or katakana notation.
- ✔ Check for heating:Is there a statement stating "No indications of heating"? In historical Kashmir, the higher the quality of stone that has been confirmed to be unheated, the higher the premium rating.
- ✔ Check the year of publication of the report:Old reports will be considered for re-identification.
- ✔ Consider retrieving multiple reports:For high-value stones, it is international practice to have reports from two or more institutions.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Q1. Are Kashmir sapphires and Azad Kashmir sapphires the same?
treated as separate. What is called "Kashmir sapphire" in the market is blue sapphire that has been determined to originate from historical deposits mainly in the Padar region on the Indian side. Stones from the Batakundi/Basil mining area on the Azad Kashmir side vary in production time, color tone, and market evaluation.
Q2. If the identification book says "Kashmir", can we assume that it is from historical Kashmir?
It depends on which agency issued the report and when. Recent reports from organizations such as SSEF, Gübelin, GIA, and AGL that have published their research results on determining Kashmiri origin are highly reliable. If the certificate is only listed as a laboratory with no proven track record, or if the year of publication is old, it is safe to obtain re-identification.
Q3. Do sapphires from the Kashmir region that are labeled as "Pakistan" have any value?
Although it has gem value, it is completely out of the price range of historic Kashmiri blue sapphires. As an unheated fancy color sapphire from Pakistan, it will be evaluated based on color, clarity, and size. Beautiful pink to purple stones are also in demand by collectors.
Q4. Can blue sapphire be obtained from the Azad Kashmir side?
GIA's field survey reports that stones in the Batakundi/Basil mining area are primarily light pink to purplish pink, with blue stones being rare. Although blue-colored stones may be available, they do not have the same reputation as the historic cornflower blue from Kashmir.
Q5. Can a Japanese identification agency also identify the origin of Kashmiri products?
can. Central Gem Laboratories (CGL) and others provide sapphire origin identification services using trace element analysis using LA-ICP-MS. However, when buying and selling at a high price, reports such as SSEF, Gübelin, and AGL are often required internationally, so it is practical to use them depending on the purpose.
Q6. What is Fuchsia sapphire/Indus Kashmir sapphire?
This is a trade name (distribution name) that is sometimes used in Japanese distribution for red-purple and blue-purple sapphires that are said to be produced in the Kashmir region on the Pakistani side. This is not an official gemological classification or identification report indicating the place of origin, so please check the country of origin column on the original report when purchasing.
Q7. Can I trust the old identification book “Made in Kashmir”?
We recommend that you double check. Since the 2010s, SSEF and other organizations have reported the influx of Kashmiri-like stones from Madagascar, and the standards and technology for identifying the origin have greatly improved. It's safe to get the most up-to-date report before making any high-value trades, as the current analysis may change your conclusions.
Q8. How can I identify the production area?
Judgments are made by combining observation of inclusions, spectroscopic analysis, trace element analysis by LA-ICP-MS, etc., and comparing with reference stone data of known origin held by each institution. Identification of locality is based on the opinions of experts based on scientific evidence, and if a stone has insufficient characteristics, it may be impossible to determine the locality.
Q9. What is the market price of Kashmir sapphires?
It is difficult to give a uniform market price, and it fluctuates greatly depending on quality and size. As a guideline, it has been reported that high-quality unheated historical Kashmiri grains have sold for over $100,000 per ct at famous auctions. In terms of Japanese yen, it has been reported that the price ranges from several million yen for high-quality stones to hundreds of millions of yen for large, top-quality stones. The actual price depends on the combination of color, transparency, and report.
Q10. Can I sell sapphires from Azad Kashmir?
You can sell it. As a fancy colored sapphire from Pakistan, it can be evaluated according to color and quality. It will be easier to evaluate if there is a production area report and a description of non-heating. At SELBY, we check the wording of the region of origin and make assessments based on current market conditions.
Summary
Although the words "Kashmir" and "Azad Kashmir" originate from the same region of Kashmir, they mean completely different values in the world of sapphire. Furthermore, in the market, the word "Kashmir" is used at five levels: historical deposits, new mining areas on the Pakistani side, similar stones, trade names, and report descriptions, and the fact that "Kashmir" is written in the product name does not mean that the identification agency has determined that the product is of Kashmir origin.
When purchasing or selling, be sure to check the four points on the certificate of authenticity: the issuing agency, the exact wording in the region of origin, whether or not it has been heated, and the year of publication. If you are unsure about the origin, we recommend that you prepare the original report and consult a specialty store. SELBY also accepts consultations and makes suggestions for re-identification if necessary.
If you only have an old identification report or if you purchased the product as being made in Kashmir but have no proof, please feel free to contact us with the original identification report/report available. If you are considering purchasing sapphires, please take a look at our collection.
Click here to inquire about purchasing and appraising sapphires. See SELBY's sapphire collectionReference materials
- GIA (V. Pardieu et al.) “Sapphires Reportedly from Batakundi/Basil area” field survey report (gia.edu)
- GIA, Gems & Gemology, Gem News International “Blue Sapphires Reportedly from Azad Kashmir”
- GIA, Gems & Gemology, Winter 2019 “A Review of Analytical Methods Used in Geographic Origin Determination of Gemstones”
- SSEF Trade Alert (2017) "'Kashmir-like' sapphires from Madagascar entering the gem trade" (ssef.ch)
- SSEF Facette (M.S. Krzemnicki) “Kashmir Sapphire” (ssef.ch)
- Journal of Gemmology, Vol.22 No.2 (1990) Paper on distinguishing characteristics of Kashmir sapphires (Gem-A)
- Central Gem Laboratory (CGL) CGL News “Identification of the origin of blue sapphires: Information on the origin and internal characteristics useful for identification” (cgl.co.jp)
- Richard W. Hughes, Ruby & Sapphire (1997) “Kashmir Sapphire” (ruby-sapphire.com)