Introduction to Gemology with Jeffery Bergman — Kashmir
Introduction to Burmese and Kashmir Sapphires
ArjunaIrsuttiPhotography Asia Lounges blog burma color gem gemological laboratory Gemstone Jeffery L Bergman Kashmir lotus gemology Natural Gems origin sapphire Simon Dussart SSEF
When it comes to the finest gem quality blue sapphires in the world, nothing can compare with the best stones from Kashmir in northern India, and its neighbor to the east, Burma. Sapphires were first discovered in Kashmir around the year 1880, in the region known as Padar. Mining activity went on for several decades, but the finest material came out within the first thirty years. By contrast, Burma has been producing sapphires from several localities for well over 1,000 years. Queen of her own domain, this lovely and rich twilight blue unheated Burmese sapphire is the perfect example...