Color: Not all Sapphires Are Blue

Sapphires come in a wide range of colors, and each color has its own quality variations. In general, the more intense the color with a minimum of distracting zones, the more valuable the stone. Since sapphires come in so many colors, the first step is often choosing a color. A blue sapphire’s value is determined by its color. The most highly valued blue sapphires are velvety blue to violet blue, with medium to medium dark tones. Preferred sapphires also have vivid color saturation. The saturation should be as strong as possible without darkening the color and compromising brightness. Sapphires with these qualities command the highest prices per carat.

Blue sapphires range in color from Sweden princess blue to dark navy or black. The most coveted―and most expensive―is royal blue, right in the middle of the blue spectrum. If you’re drawn to the royal blue sapphire but deterred by the price tag, camelot or commodore blue―one shade lighter and darker than royal blue, respectively―make fine substitutes. Another highly desired sapphire is an extraordinary orange/pink gem called padparadscha. Padparadscha takes its name from the Sanskrit word padgma raga, meaning lotus flower. Padparadscha sapphires are mainly found in Sri Lanka, as well as Madagascar and Tanzania Some experts insist that true padparadscha sapphires can originate only from Sri Lanka, which for centuries was the only source of this coveted stone. Naturally produced padparadscha are one of the rarest gems in the world, so elusive that collectors buy them as soon as they appear on the market.

Additionally, another fascinating corundum is the remarkable color-changing sapphire. The color of this stone changes color based on the light source. Referred to as the chameleon of sapphires, the stone will appear blue or violet under fluorescent light. In incandescent light, the color ranges from violet purple to strongly reddish purple. Some rare color-change sapphires change from
green in daylight to reddish brown in incandescent light.

Another sapphire to consider is the pink sapphire. Ranging in color from medium pink to dark purple, these gems bring a delightful pop of color and are well suited for romantic gestures. Considered to be purest form of corundum is the white sapphire, also known as the colorless sapphire. The closer corundum comes to having no color, the more valuable it is as a colorless sapphire. Traces of extremely light gray, yellow, brown, and blue commonly occur, but they also
result in a reduction of value. Additionally, colorless sapphires are used as small accent stones in jewelry. Another sapphire to consider is the pink or purple sapphire. Ranging in color from medium pink to dark purple, these gems bring a delightful pop of color and are well suited for romantic gestures. Green sapphires provide an eye-catching option for jewelry that makes a statement. Sapphires also come in yellow and orange hues, ranging from soft to vibrant color saturation.

Hue: Keep It Close with Color

Simply put, hue refers to the graduation or variety of the gemstone’s color. Gemstones are usually referred to by their primary color, but most stones also contain a secondary layer of color that affects its appearance. The most valuable sapphires are pure blue, with sapphires with a slight purple tint as the next desired. The most valuable gemstones are those that exhibit a pure color and only "slight" hues of other colors in addition to their primary color, like the Blue Nile gemstones For example, Blue Nile sapphires range in hue from "slightly purplish-blue" to "slightly greenish-blue.” Pink sapphires usually range from "pink" to "slightly purplish-pink," and rubies range from "slightly orange- red" to "slightly purple-red.” With the exception of opals, variation in a gemstone's hue will be
listed in the gemstone details on the product detail page. If you envision the classic color wheel, the position of color runs from red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and violet. White and black are considered achromatic, or without color. Generally, people favor gems with blue, green, and red hues; hence our attraction to rubies, emeralds, and sapphires.

Transparency: Let in the Light

The transparency of sapphires directly correlates to their brilliance. Fully transparent sapphires allow the maximum light to pass through the gem, but they are also the most expensive option. Semi-transparent stones have a very nice appearance, and they are a great option for those operating on a budget. In contrast, opaque and semi-opaque gems allow no to little light to pass
through, rendering them an undesirable option.

Cut: Consider It Your Style Statement

Cutting styles refer to the facet pattern, which is a matter of personal preference. For gems, the term proportion refers to how the faceted cut reveals the brilliance and sparkle of the stone in a proportionate way. Faceted stones have two components, the crown and pavilion. As the top part,the crown is designed to capture the light for maximum sparkle. The pavilion also assists with
scintillation as well as the stone’s brilliance.

Well-cut sapphires will also contain correct and pleasing proportion, known as symmetry. Sapphires that lack symmetry will reveal an obvious lack of attention and skill. Lastly, the finish is the final polish that makes the gemstone look its vibrant best.

Origin and Price: A Lasting Value

It’s true that where a sapphire originates can affect the price, but there are many affordable options for this lasting investment. Sapphires are found in many countries around the world, so a sapphire based on where it originates is akin to buying a brand name. Sapphires mined in Kashmir, Mogok, Burma, and Ceylon are usually top quality, and therefore the most expensive.

Luckily, sapphires from Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Australia, Malawi, and the United States provide great options for people with a budget in mind. 

Sapphires present unrivaled value and quality in precious gemstones. They are very durable and ideal for everyday wear, much like diamonds. Gemstones are rated on their ability to withstand surface scratching using the Mohs Scale of Hardness. The Mohs Scale rates minerals specifically on their ability to withstand scratching and abrasions by other minerals. A diamond, as the hardest mineral known, receives a 10. According to the Mohs Scale, sapphires are a 9, indicating excellent hardness. In fact, the only natural gemstone that can scratch a sapphire is a diamond. Sapphires are more affordable than diamonds and offer an infinite array of style options.

Because sapphires offer so much variety, they are perfect for all kinds of jewelry. You can save by buying loose, wholesale sapphires to create unique jewelry just for you.. Retailers have to increase their prices tremendously to cover their overhead. A quality online store like Beads of Cambay offers high quality, hand‐selected gemstone beads from trusted sources worldwide.

Where to Purchase: How to Choose a Reputable Dealer and Make a Friend for Life

It is important to work only with reputable jewelry dealers. Regardless of where you decide to shop (online, major retail chains, or local jewelry shops), make sure that you ask to see the official certification of any sapphire you consider buying. A legitimate jeweler will be able to present you with certification from the GIA or other official gemstone societies.  As any smart shopper known, a well-priced sapphire should be a reflection the quality of the gemstone and the level of service offered by the retailer. By investing a little time, you’ll find the right company that offers an array of vibrant gemstones with unparalleled customer experience. The well-trained staff at Beads of Cambay has a deep knowledge of every product in their inventory, and they provide graduate gemologists to answer any questions you may have.