World's Most Valuable Blue Sapphire - Hill's Kashmir Sapphire

22.6 carats Kashmir Blue Sapphire pendent worth $3,064,000. Photo courtesy : Christie's

Deep intense blue 22.6 carats cushion-cut Blue Sapphire was sold for whooping 3,064,000 US Dollars at Christies. This costliest Sapphire in the world is set in a gold pendant surrounded with diamonds in a classic Precious Gemstone setting.

The necklace that was associated with this pendant, consisted of 36 other gemstones and the entire magnificent piece was purchased by the railroad magnate James J. Hill in 1886 for $2,200 which he presented to his wife Mary. The necklace was dismantled in 1919, three years after Hill's death and the sapphire and 36 other gemstones were passed on to his daughters. For more than 120 years the Sapphire has stayed in the Hill family until recently in the year 2006, when it was donated to the Minnesota Historical Society situated at the James J. Hill house with authorization to sell it, by a granddaughter of James J. Hill.

Later the Blue Sapphire amassed over 3 Million US Dollars at an auction.

The magnificent Blue Sapphire gave a simple interest return of about 11.6% p.a. for more than 120 years at a stretch, trust me few investments can do that for so long. That is why, I always say, make an investment in fine colored gemstones, it pays.

What do you think about this beautiful & relatively Unknown Blue Sapphire? Do you know of other gems or investments that gave such magnificent returns?

I'd love to know your comments below.