Sapphires in Antique Rings: Kashmir, Burma, Ceylon – What’s the Difference?

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by Melissa Mayntz • 5 min read

THE BASICS --

Sapphires are outstanding gems and one of the most popular colored gemstones. While these stones are available in a surprising range of colors, classic blue remains the most recognizable and desirable. Blue sapphires do vary, however, and may be described not just by color or quality, but with names such as Kashmir, Burma, and Ceylon. What does this mean and how are the stones different?

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW--

In this guide, we will explain the following:

• Sapphire Origins
• Kashmir Sapphires
• Why are Kashmir Sapphires More Valuable Than Other Sapphires?
• Burma Sapphires
• Ceylon Sapphires
• How Can You Tell the Origin of an Antique Sapphire?
• What is the Typical Price Range For Antique Sapphire Rings?
• Evaluating Antique Sapphires

Sapphire Origins

The terms Kashmir, Burma, and Ceylon refer to where sapphires have been mined – indeed, these are the most luxurious and stunning sapphire mines in the world. Each mine has different qualities and stones from each one can be lovely in all sorts of antique jewelry.

Kashmir Sapphires

Kashmir sapphires are some of the rarest and most sought after in the world. Mined from one elite region of northern India, these stones have a medium to light cornflower blue hue with unbelievable intensity. The slightly hazy clarity of the stones creates a velvety texture and lustrous finish, striking with both elegance and luxury.

The Kashmir mine was first discovered in the early 1880s, and unfortunately, was mined out within just a few years. Any Kashmir sapphires seen today are sure to be antique though they are extremely rare and very expensive. The quality speaks for itself, and these coveted stones are the ultimate choice for anyone who loves and collects sapphires.

Why are Kashmir Sapphires More Valuable Than Other Sapphires?

Kashmir sapphires are considered the most valuable sapphires due to their exceptional color, rarity, and historical significance. They were mined for only a short period in the late 1800s in the Kashmir region of India, and no new stones are entering the market today.

Their defining feature is a rich yet soft cornflower blue color with a velvety appearance caused by natural inclusions. Because of their scarcity, confirmed Kashmir sapphires typically appear only in museum-quality pieces or high-end private collections and command significantly higher prices than most antique sapphires available on the market today.

At Vintage Diamond Ring, we focus on sourcing beautiful antique sapphires that offer exceptional character and value, even when they are not from Kashmir.

Burma Sapphires

Burma or Burmese sapphires have been mined in Myanmar (which was named Burma before 1989). These are darker, midnight blue stones with a deep saturation, creating incomparably rich coloration. Because they are so dark, clarity can seem more opaque than transparent, but the stones are generally of good quality and clean from strong flaws or inclusions to the naked eyes.

Burmese sapphire mines are still active, though a bit less productive than in years past. These are lovely stones with such a distinctive shade that they are highly coveted for unique and beautiful antique rings and other jewelry.

Ceylon Sapphires

Ceylon sapphires are the most widespread and the most affordable, with exquisite quality and gorgeous color. Mined in what is now Sri Lanka (but was called Ceylon as a British colony until it achieved independence in 1948), these stones have a medium to slightly lighter royal blue hue, excellent clarity, and brilliant sparkle, making them highly desirable for stunning jewelry.

Ceylon sapphires have been ethically mined for centuries and are still mined today. This can make it a bit more challenging to determine if a Ceylon sapphire is a true antique, but also means the supply is more abundant and lovely gems can be found at any price point.

Evaluating Antique Sapphires

Anyone interested in antique rings and other vintage and antique jewelry featuring sapphires should be able to recognize the difference between Kashmir, Burma, and Ceylon sapphires. Not only do the different stones offer unique histories and origins, but recognizing them can lead to extraordinary quality and beauty for a signature piece, a stunning antique engagement ring, or a gorgeous cocktail ring.

Slight differences in color, clarity, and brilliance can help distinguish these three types of sapphires, but it is also important to track down as much provenance about individual jewelry pieces as possible. This can further verify the stone’s origins and value. Having an experienced jeweler well-versed in antique sapphires evaluate the stones can offer peace of mind as to the stone’s authenticity. This can also make it easier to effectively insure antique rings and other pieces to protect the true value of the sapphires.

How Can You Tell the Origin of an Antique Sapphire?

The geographic origin of an antique sapphire cannot be determined by appearance alone. While certain visual traits may suggest a likely origin, definitive identification requires professional gemological testing.

Reputable laboratories use microscopic examination and advanced analytical techniques to determine sapphire origin when possible. For antique rings, especially those over a century old, this documentation adds important context but is not always available. Many antique sapphires are valued for their beauty, age, and craftsmanship regardless of whether a specific origin can be confirmed.

What is the Typical Price Range For Antique Sapphire Rings?

Antique sapphire rings can vary widely in price depending on the stone’s size, color, condition, and the intricacy of the setting.

At Vintage Diamond Ring, our antique sapphire rings typically range from approximately $1,500 to $6,000, making them an accessible option for collectors and couples seeking something truly distinctive. Rings with documented rare origins or unusually fine sapphires may exceed this range, but many beautiful antique pieces fall comfortably within it.

Each ring is unique, and value is best judged by the overall quality and character of the piece rather than a single factor alone.

Are Sapphires Durable Enough For Engagement Rings?

Yes — sapphires are an excellent and time-tested choice for engagement rings. With a hardness rating of 9 on the Mohs scale, sapphires are second only to diamonds in durability among gemstones commonly used in jewelry.

This strength makes them well suited for everyday wear, particularly in antique settings that were designed with longevity in mind. Sapphires have been used in engagement and heirloom rings for generations, offering both durability and timeless beauty.

Kashmir, Burma, and Ceylon sapphires are all distinctly beautiful, offering outstanding value and elegance in antique rings. Knowing the origins of the stones and the differences between them can help anyone better appreciate the rich history of sapphires and why they remain so highly prized and desirable today.

Suzanne Sachs

Suzanne has been in the jewelry industry for over 35 years, working with vintage jewelers, diamond dealers, diamond cutters, and gemologists. Suzanne started Artdecodiamonds in 2000 and understood the demand for vintage rings throughout the world. She ultimately started VintageDiamondRing.com in 2014, and understands each vintage ring is a reflection of you — your history, your relationships, your style, your elegance and is honored to have the opportunity to help you showcase your flair in a unique and exquisite way.

Contact Suzanne

If you love vintage jewelry please feel free to contact Suzanne or browse our collection.