Product Description
This is facet rough parcel of natural pink sapphires for cutting. The stones have nice clarity, color.
Details of the Raw Sapphires
- Total Weight: 100 carats
- Weight Ratio of the Stones: under 1 to 4.5 carats with average 1.5 to 3 ct in between
- Colour: Purplish Pink, Purplish pink with blue hue
- Clarity: Si (slightly included) to VS (Very slightly Included)
- Shape: Raw
- Transparency: Semi-Transparent to Transparent
- Origin: Azad Kashmir Pakistan
- Treatment: No heat no treatment
Raw Kashmir sapphires are known for their exceptional quality and beauty. However, cutting them requires great skill and expertise. This document aims to provide the necessary knowledge and guidelines for professionals in the field.
Technical Analysis
Key Observations from the Listing:
- Color:
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- Purplish-pink with blue hues – Indicates a mix of pink and violet-blue zoning, common in Batakundi (Azad Kashmir) corundum.
- Potential for color shift – Depending on cutting orientation, some stones may appear more pink or more purple.
- Clarity (SI to VS):
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- Expect inclusions – Silk, fingerprints, or small fractures are typical in Kashmir sapphire rough.
- VS clarity is not guaranteed – Some stones may require strategic cutting to avoid inclusions.
- Transparency (Semi-Transparent to Transparent):
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- Windowed areas possible – Thinner sections may appear less saturated.
- Best yield from thicker pieces – Optimal for retaining color depth.
- Size Distribution (1–4.5 ct, avg. 1.5–3 ct):
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- Small to medium-sized faceting rough – Expect 0.5–2.5 ct finished stones after cutting.
- Larger pieces may have more fractures – Check for internal flaws before cutting.
- Treatment:
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- Untreated (no heat) – Natural color, but may show uneven zoning.
Raw Kashmir sapphires have the following characteristics:
- High density
- Excellent luster
- Good hardness
- Distinctive inclusions
These characteristics make them ideal for cutting into various gemstone shapes and sizes.
Common FAQs for Gemstone Cutters and Lapidary Artists
Q: Can I achieve eye-clean stones from this material?
A: Some stones may yield near eye-clean results, but most will retain minor inclusions. Expect to sacrifice weight for better clarity.
Q: What color yield is possible after cutting?
A: Polishing may enhance pink-lavender to bluish tones, but overly dark or included zones will limit brightness.
Q: Are there risks of internal fractures during cutting?
A: Yes. Batakundi sapphires often contain tension fractures or internal stress. Use low-speed sawing and cautious preforming.
Q: Can they be cut into calibrated sizes?
A: With effort, yes, but due to natural variation and pre-existing fractures, yield for calibrated melee or center stones is limited.
Q: Are these suitable for faceting or cabochons?
A: Mixed use. Transparent zones with good shape = faceting; fractured, silken, or too small = cabbing.
Q: How does this compare with other Kashmir-type sapphires?
A: True Kashmir blues are highly saturated and velvety; this Batakundi corundum leans toward lavender-pink, a different but attractive palette.
Q: What is the best way to cut a raw Kashmir sapphire? A: The best way to cut a raw Kashmir sapphire is to use a combination of traditional craftsmanship and modern technology. This ensures that the stone is cut to perfection, bringing out its full beauty and value.
Q: How do I identify a raw Kashmir sapphire? A: Raw Kashmir sapphires have a distinct appearance, with a high density and excellent luster. They also have unique inclusions that set them apart from other gemstones.
Q: What are the most common shapes and sizes for cut Kashmir sapphires? A: The most common shapes and sizes for cut Kashmir sapphires are round, oval, and cushion cut, ranging from 1 to 5 carats in weight.
What Type of Finished Sapphire I can cut from these Raw Stones? These are small sizes raw sapphires which are quite rare variety of Kashmir Corundum. The parcel has good quantity of stones. Following types of finished stones can be cut from these:-
- Center Stone Pieces for rings / earrings
- Pairs for Earrings / Bracelets / Pendants or Earrings
- Melee size calibrated stones such as 1 mm to 3mm which can be utilised in jewelry pieces
Where I can Use these raw sapphires stones?
- Apart from faceting, these stones can be utiltized as raw stone jewelry also
- Lapidary artists can cut them into cabochons or carved stones
- These raw stones can be utilized into rings / pendants or wirewrapped jewelry items.
💡 Cutting Tips & Guidelines
For Kashmir/Batakundi Sapphires (Pakistan origin):
Initial Inspection:
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- Use strong lighting and immersion to assess inclusion patterns and potential fracture lines.
- Identify natural color zoning – optimize orientation for best hue retention.
Preforming:
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- Saw slowly to avoid thermal shock or chipping.
- Avoid orienting the table perpendicular to silk; instead, use silk at a slight angle for dispersion.
Faceting Considerations:
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- Use medium pavilion angles (~39–42°) to balance brilliance with color retention.
- Polish carefully: Batakundi corundum is less forgiving to scratches and pits.
Cabochon Cutting (if faceting not ideal):
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- Highlight star/silk effects in dome shape (if rutile is dense).
- Best for pieces with low transparency but attractive hue.
Safety Tip:
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- Some pieces may contain iron or graphite inclusions; avoid over-heating during dop or polish to prevent breakage.
📝 Summary
Batakundi Kashmir Sapphires are an exciting choice for cutters seeking unheated, natural corundum with unique hues. While inclusions and fractures are common, careful orientation and selection can yield beautifully colored faceted gems or cabochons.