A Rare Kashmir Sapphire Leads Phillips’ Hong Kong Jewellery Auction 2026
– 1 min read
A 9.86-carat unheated Kashmir sapphire and diamond ring will lead the Phillips Hong Kong Jewels Auction 2026 on 29 September, with an estimate of HK$7.5 million to HK$9.5 million (approximately US$962,000 to US$1.22 million). The cushion-shaped sapphire is described by Phillips as originating from Kashmir, a historic source of some of the most sought-after sapphires among collectors.
The appeal of Kashmir sapphires comes from a combination of origin, colour and rarity. Stones from the former Kashmir mines are known for their distinctive blue appearance and are frequently documented through leading gemological laboratories when offered at auction. The absence of heat treatment is another important factor for collectors, as naturally coloured and untreated stones are generally assessed differently from treated examples.
The sapphire ring will headline a sale that brings together coloured gemstones, diamonds, jadeite and signed jewels from established maisons. Phillips highlights Colombian emeralds, Mozambican rubies, Burmese jadeite, alexandrite chrysoberyl and coloured diamonds among the notable categories. Signed creations from Cartier, Harry Winston, Bulgari and Tiffany & Co. are also included in the auction selection.
Among the additional highlights is a 7.45-carat Brazilian alexandrite chrysoberyl and diamond ring, valued for the colour-change effect associated with the gemstone, alongside a 10.17-carat Ceylon padparadscha sapphire and diamond ring. The sale also features natural Burmese jadeite jewellery and diamond creations from major jewellery houses.
For collectors, the significance of the Kashmir sapphire extends beyond its estimate. At major jewellery auctions, provenance, treatment status and gemological documentation often determine how a stone is evaluated. A rare coloured gemstone is considered as an individual object with its own geological origin and characteristics, rather than simply by carat weight alone.
The Phillips Hong Kong Jewels Auction 2026 will take place at 2pm HKT on 29 September at the WKCDA Tower, West Kowloon Cultural District, Hong Kong. The online auction runs from 22 to 30 September. Public viewing is scheduled from 22 to 28 September, 11am to 7pm, and on 29 September from 10am to 12pm.
