What Is a Sapphire ?

Sapphire is a precious gemstone. They are usually known for their beautiful blue color, although they come in a variety of colors. Sapphire has a long history, from becoming famous in the royal family to playing in ancient legends. Thus, sapphire is one of the gemstones (along with diamonds) in many jewels that are sought after.

Sapphire is a hard crystalline substance known as corundum. Sapphire comes in a variety of colors (blue, pink, yellow and white), but is famous for its beautiful, deep royal blue. Sapphire is found in several regions around the world, sapphire derives its blue color from trace elements of titanium. Sapphires are mined in Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Kashmir, Thailand and Australia. Each region produces specific types of colors. Sapphire gets its value based on size and quality. There is no standard grading method, but color is definitely the most important factor. Focusing points on sapphire quality include color, tone and saturation. As size and quality increase, so does the price. Sapphires come in a variety of shapes and sizes.

Sapphire, the birthstone of September, is preferred in pure and rich blue, but is available in almost any color, including pink, yellow, and green. It was believed that in the Middle Ages, this gem protects people close to you from harm and also shows loyalty and trust.

Sapphire is used in a variety of jewelry including bracelets, necklaces, rings and earrings. It is used both as a gemstone in pendants and rings and to complement other precious stones such as diamonds. Star sapphire is also highly polished if it is known to be very valuable.

History of Sapphire

The name sapphire is derived from the Latin word "saphirus" and the Greek word "sapheiros", both of which mean blue. Some people believe that the name sapphire is derived from its connection with the planet Saturn. This name can be translated as "dear to the planet Saturn".

Sapphire has been valued as a precious gem since 800 BC. The rulers of ancient Persia believed that the color of the sky was due to the reflection of sapphire blue. And a great poet once described sapphire as "the clear blue of the sky a few minutes after sunset." The blue sapphire was a sacred stone for the Catholic Church and ancient Persia, who believed that they made the sky blue with their reflections. According to some religions, the sapphire blue represents the heavens. Sapphires are apocalyptic stones, and ancient beliefs believed that the tablets on which the Ten Commandments were written were made of sapphire. This means that either the writing was very small, or the sapphire was made by someone other than Mother Earth, because it was the right size!

Sapphire Shapes

Sapphire is cut into different shapes. Sapphire is a favorite of many people in engagement rings (especially as an alternative to diamonds) and sapphire round and oval cuts seem to be the most popular among all shapes. Princess Diana is known for creating the oval sapphire engagement ring. High quality sapphire has a great shine due to high refraction. Round and oval shapes give them a reflective and bright quality. Other shapes such as princess / square, octagon and marquise are also popular. Round and oval sapphires are the most expensive due to their popularity and other shapes due to their rough wastage when cut. Sliced ​​sapphire is rarer than other forms, but is more common in sizes larger than 5 mm. Princess cuts are generally only available in smaller sizes of about 4 mm and less.

Sapphire Sizes

Sapphires are cut to calibrated sizes based on how beautiful they look in jewelry. The size of a sapphire is measured in millimeters, not carats. . However, each sapphire is cut a little differently. Because sapphire is deeper than diamond, carat weight is not a completely reliable measure of size. Like any gemstone, the larger the size of the sapphire, the rarer and more expensive it is. Prices change exponentially, not linearly. Always evaluate the size of the sapphire as one of the main factors influencing its price based on measurements.

Sapphire Color

In sapphire, color is the most important characteristic of quality. The color is checked by the color and saturation of the sapphire. Hue is a type of sapphire color. For example, if the sapphire is blue, its color is blue. Tone is the depth of color. Sapphire should be light blue (not dark and light), while the glow is dark purple. Finally, color saturation is very important. If the sapphire appears to have light spots or areas that are too dark or pale in color, the saturation may be uneven.

Sapphires can have different colors and still have high quality or low quality. For example, an A grade sapphire may be very dark blue (almost black) or very light blue, almost sky blue. Likewise, sapphire can be valuable.

Sapphire color is checked without magnification. It is best to hold the sapphire between two fingers or on a white surface facing up. Then tilt the sapphire to check the color and how it interacts with the light. The human eye is very good at recognizing color. You have an innate ability to distinguish good quality from low quality. Your eyes do this and can tell if the sapphire is AAA or A.

The price of sapphire varies based on color. It is important to note that color (apart from size) is the biggest factor in price. When determining the price of sapphire and the degree of quality, you should consider all three main factors of color, hue, tone and saturation.

Sapphire sources

Sapphires are commonly mined in the Eastern Hemisphere. Sapphire is needed to extract certain conditions, unlike diamonds which are found in hot, cold, humid, dry and many other climates. Sapphires are often sourced from Sri Lanka, Australia, Madagascar and Thailand. However, sapphires can also be found in other countries.

Sapphire is a rare mineral, and the extraction of sapphire helps create jobs, infrastructure, and funding hospitals, schools, and community centers.

Sapphire is an optimal choice in engagement rings and other jewelry. They are the number one alternative to diamonds and are less expensive.

Sapphire Treatments

Almost every gem quality sapphire undergoes basic or standard treatments including heating, oiling, and diffusion, which slightly improve their quality. Untreated natural sapphires in larger sizes such as 5 carats or higher can be more than 10 times as much as treated sapphires.

Heating literally exposes sapphire to high temperatures, which can improve color depth. This is a permanent treatment and is necessary for many sapphires, otherwise the colors will look very light. Other treatments include oiling, dyeing, bleaching, waxing, irradiating and laser drilling.

Uses Sapphire

Sapphire is one of the most popular gemstones and is widely used in jewelry. A beautiful dark sapphire with a dark blue color and excellent transparency can sell for several thousand dollars per carat. Blue is often used in jewelry, but recently the fancy colors of yellow, pink and orange have also become very popular. Sapphire is also known as light blue, but is less commonly used in jewelry. It also uses matte sapphire gemstones in part.

Sapphire is used in a variety of jewelry including bracelets, necklaces, rings and earrings. It is used both as a gemstone in pendants and rings and to complement other precious stones such as diamonds. Star sapphire is also highly polished if it is known to be very valuable.

Rare varieties of pink and orange sapphires are known as Padparadschah and can be even more valuable than blue sapphires. Blue sapphires are sometimes shaved in small volumes or small shapes, especially with less transparent materials. Artificial sapphire is often used as a cheap alternative to natural materials.

While diamonds are the mainstay of engagement rings and delicate jewelry, sapphire is growing in popularity. Sapphire color offers an interesting alternative to classic and transparent diamonds. You can also save a considerable amount of money by buying sapphires instead of diamonds.

Sapphire necklaces and pendants are very popular, and sapphire engagement rings are more commonly used today.

Diamonds are significantly higher than other gemstones. A high quality diamond will always shine brightly, especially in sapphire, which at first glance looks exactly like a diamond.

This is reflected in the price, so if you want to buy a beautiful piece of jewelry at a lower cost, sapphire can be a great option. Beautifully colored sapphire can attract attention as well as a diamond.

Sapphire prices

The price of sapphire can vary greatly depending on many factors. Sapphires can be priced at $ 25 per carat and more than $ 11,000 per carat. A blue sapphire costs about $ 1 to $ 1,600, depending on the quality.

Color is the biggest factor in price. The most expensive sapphires are those that have a dark and strong blue color.

Every carat of laboratory-made sapphire is definitely cheaper than natural sapphire, because natural stones are rarer and more sought after.

Sapphire from Kashmir, in the Himalayan region of India, is especially prized, so it has a higher value than others. These sapphires come from mines in the Zanskar area of ​​the Himalayas, which are very difficult to access. Ceylon and Burmese sapphires are said to have a similar appearance to Kashmir sapphires, but not exactly the same.

In terms of color, pure sapphire is very expensive and almost the most expensive. One of the characteristics of Kashmir sapphire is that it is said to look like "blue velvet".

A high quality sapphire will probably cost around $ 800-1200 per carat. Ordinary sapphires that are of good quality but less important sell for a little less, about $ 400-600 per carat.

A one-carat sapphire costs about $ 1,000-1,600. At the top level, for example, is a pillow-shaped sapphire priced at $ 1,625.

Larger rocks (3 carats or more) are rarer, and therefore more expensive. Prices can range from about $ 5,000 for a 3.38-carat heart-shaped sapphire to more than $ 80,000 for a 10-carat blue sapphire.

Types Of sapphires

One of the reasons sapphire is so attractive is because of its variety. The various chemical elements present in the formation of sapphires can produce a wide range of colors.

Blue sapphire is the most popular type of sapphire. The exact color of blue can vary from light blue to deep royal blue. There are as few as a perfect and captivating sapphire.

Pink sapphire is another type of charm. Sapphires will be created with a vivid pink color with the presence of chromium during the creation process. Pink sapphire is very romantic and is becoming more popular for engagement rings.

Yellow sapphire is an attractive type. Its color is usually warm and vibrant and most jewelry designers use it well. Yellow sapphire is very similar to yellow diamond, but it is a cheaper option.

Sapphire is a less common and non-traditional species. They can be completely pale or deep, intense or medium in color.

Sapphire is a type that is very similar to diamond and may be used as an inexpensive option. The appearance is similar at first glance, but the shine and style of a diamond is different.

Another notable type is the Padparadscha sapphire. As mentioned before, these are very rare, and have a great charm that many styles do not match. The exact color of Padparadscha sapphire is a tropical combination of pink and orange. This color along with gold rose jewelry gives us a very stunning appearance.

Interestingly, there are no red sapphires. Technically, these are rubies. Sapphires and sapphires are both precious stones that turn a red sapphire into a pink sapphire in a certain color saturation.

If you want to buy a sapphire ...

Without a standard certification process, you may not be able to easily compare gemstones. Even photos of gemstones do not always create the exact same picture because lighting can show gemstones much better than they do in natural light. Keep these tips in mind when choosing sapphires for your jewelry.

1. Budget: Always start by setting a budget and focus on the quality of the sapphire. Otherwise you may end up spending your budget on an unreal sapphire. Remember that sapphire is a precious gemstone so it is not as cheap as semi-precious stones.

2. Shape: To select a sapphire, first select the shape. Sapphires come in all shapes and sizes, but some shapes are more popular because of the shine or the way the color comes out. Round sapphire has the highest amount of shine because it causes the most wastage and is the most popular shape. Round sapphire is very suitable for engagement rings, earrings and necklaces. Oval is also very popular for rings and necklaces.

3. Size: Sapphire is measured in millimeters, which allows it to approximate the weight of a carat. When producing sapphires, the cut focuses on specific size dimensions. If you are looking to buy sapphires online, compare the measurements with a small object to get a better understanding. The price of sapphires increases exponentially with larger sizes.

4. Quality: Buying higher quality (AAA) is ideal. Low quality sapphire (Single A or Single B) looks pale, dull, very dark or light and washed and / or matte. Color (and sharpness) is one of the biggest factors in sapphire pricing. By choosing AAA or at least AA, you will balance your goal with minimal combinations and clear blue.

5. Natural vs. Abnormal: The difference between natural and artificial sapphires is very obvious, and laboratory-created sapphires have treatments to which gemstones do not always respond well. Natural sapphire has an attractive visual appeal and is a lifelong gem. Sapphire is one of the best colors among gemstones and has minimal degrees that are often covered by its color.

Often, sapphires are not laboratory approved. Examining sapphires is more of an art than a science, and beauty is often seen in the eye of the beholder. This science lies solely in identifying treatments and whether a gemstone is natural or laboratory-created.

For large or rare sapphires, there are laboratories that specialize in grading colored gemstones. We recommend that you certify sapphires higher than 2.50 carats. Often, a more cost-effective way is for a certified gemstone certifier to approve. The evaluator is likely to identify the same laboratory items. The only thing the lab can tell you is the country of origin. For some, this is important and can actually affect the value of sapphires. For example, Sri Lankan sapphires are more royal blue than African dark sapphires.

We always recommend natural gemstones because jewelry is a meaningful and emotional purchase. Artificial gemstones never look as visually appealing as natural gemstones.

Caring for sapphires

Fortunately, sapphires can be cleaned in almost any way due to their hardness. Hot water and soap are best, though you may also try ultrasonic cleaners and vapors. You can also use water with some ammonia in it. If you have a broken sapphire or star sapphire, do not use mechanical cleaning methods as it is very fragile and in case of severe impact the sapphire can be crushed with one blow. This can be dangerous if the stone has components that weaken the crystal structure. As with most gemstones, avoid heavy work or contact with chemicals while wearing the stone, as this will damage your sapphire.

Sapphire as gift

Sapphire, the birthstone of September, is preferred in pure and rich blue, but is available in almost any color, including pink, yellow, and green. It was believed that in the Middle Ages, this gem protects people close to you from harm and also shows loyalty and trust.

September is the birthstone of sapphire - a jewel that has been cherished for thousands of years. Although the term sapphire usually refers to the blue variety of sapphire (ruby red), this birthstone has a rainbow variety of other colors. Sapphire has long been associated with kingship and love, and blue sapphire is one of the most popular colored stones.