Bluish-Green & Greenish-Blue Sapphire: A Gem Lover’s Guide
Blue-green sapphires, also known as teal or turquoise sapphires, are breathtakingly beautiful gemstones with a mix of blue and green hues. Their eye-catching colors make them popular choices for jewelry, especially for engagement rings and other special pieces.
In this complete guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about blue-green sapphires, including:
- What gives them their unique color
- Sapphire sources and origins
- Grading factors like cut, clarity, carat, and color
- Price ranges and value information
- Tips for selecting a high-quality stone
- Advice for custom ring designs
- How blue-green sapphires compare to other gems
Whether you’re looking to buy a loose gem or want to design a custom ring, this guide will equip you with all the details needed to find the perfect blue-green sapphire. Let’s dive in!
What Causes the Blue-Green Color in Sapphires?
The intriguing mix of blue and green hues in these gemstones is caused by a combination of trace elements present in the corundum crystal structure.
The primary elements responsible for blue-green sapphire color are iron and titanium. Iron imparts a blue color, while titanium produces more yellowish-green tones. The interplay and balance between these trace elements is what creates the blue-green shades we see.
Other elements like chromium and magnesium may also influence the final hue. The exact blend and concentration of trace elements can vary between sapphire sources and individual stones. This makes for a wide spectrum of possible blue-green shades.
The most famous source locale for blue-green sapphires is Montana in the United States. Sapphires from the Yogo Gulch deposit in Montana are especially prized for their uniform and beautifully saturated blue-green hues.
Other significant sources for blue-green sapphires include:
- Ceylon (Sri Lanka)
- Australia
- Thailand
- Madagascar
- Tanzania
- Nigeria
Burmese blue-green sapphires were also highly esteemed, but new mining is currently banned in Burma. Colombian blue-green sapphires are also no longer available since the mines have been closed for many years.
The specific geology and trace element availability in each region leads to variations in color between sources. For example, Australian sapphires tend towards more bluish shades, while African stones often have more green.
Blue-Green Sapphire Value: Price and Cost Considerations
High quality unheated blue-green sapphires over one carat can range from $1000 to $5000 per carat. Exceptional stones over 3 carats may cost $10,000 to $30,000 per carat.
Factors influencing value include:
- Carat weight – Price rises drastically above 2 carats
- Vivid saturation – The most intense blues and greens are ideal
- Cut quality – Excellent precision and symmetry have more sparkle
- Clarity grade – Eye clean is best, inclusions reduce value
- Source locality – Montana, Ceylon, and Burma command premium prices
Overall, blue-green sapphires offer excellent value compared to many other fine gemstones. Large sizes can be purchased without paying exorbitant premiums.
Choosing the Right Blue-Green Sapphire: Buying Tips
Here are some important tips for selecting a high-quality blue-green sapphire:
- Demand a gemological lab report from GIA or AGL confirming natural origin.
- Compare stones from multiple dealers to find the best balance of color, clarity and cut.
- Look for precision cutting and excellent symmetry for maximum brilliance.
- Avoid very dark stones with muddled colors. Vibrant medium tones are ideal.
- Expect to pay significant premiums for untreated, unheated stones over 2 carats.
- If purchasing online, buy only from reputable sellers offering return guarantees.
- Be wary of deals that seem “too good to be true” – trust your instincts.
- Carefully examine the sapphire under various light conditions to judge color consistency.
Take your time, compare multiple options, and don’t rush the selection process. The right gem makes all the difference for creating memorable jewelry.
Custom Sapphire Rings: Design Inspiration and Tips
The mix of blue and green hues make blue-green sapphires perfect for unique engagement rings and other special designs. Here are some tips for custom sapphire rings:
- An oval or cushion cut sapphire makes a great centerpiece for a halo or three-stone ring.
- Add accent stones like diamonds or trilliants set into the band to complement the center gem.
- Pavé diamond side stones offer maximum sparkle and visibility of the main sapphire.
- Make sure to match the metal to your sapphire – yellow metals like gold pair better with greener stones.
- For a vintage look, consider an art deco mounting with geometric patterns in platinum or white gold.
- Timeless solitaire settings provide maximum prominence for the sapphire and its color tones.
When designing your own ring, it’s key to pick a custom mounting style that really showcases the blue-green sapphire as the star attraction. Keep things simple and classic or go bold – the choice is yours!
How Do Blue-Green Sapphires Compare to Other Gems?
Let’s quickly compare blue-green sapphires to some other popular colored gemstone options:
Emeralds – Usually much more included than sapphires. Green color also tends to be darker with less blue. Significantly more expensive, especially in larger sizes.
Aquamarine – Comes only in light blue-green tones. Lower hardness makes aquamarine more delicate compared to sapphires. Lower prices and preference for very clean stones.
Paraiba Tourmaline – Has signature neon blue-green colors. But very rare, with extremely high prices. Sapphires offer similar colors at a more accessible price point.
Blue Sapphires – Lack the green tones of blue-green sapphires. Typically have a bold primary blue color compared to blue-green’s blend of hues.
Green Sapphires – Don’t have the blue tones that give blue-green sapphires their distinctive look. Usually have very saturated green hues.
In summary, blue-green sapphires occupy a unique position among gemstones, providing an unparalleled mix of blue and green tones.
Final Thoughts and Takeaways
Blue-green sapphires are a gorgeous and versatile colored gemstone choice that offer exceptional brilliance, quality, and value. They work beautifully in both classic and modern jewelry designs.
When selecting your gem, take the time to carefully evaluate color, clarity, cut quality, carat weight, and source origin. Seek stones that balance vibrancy with liveliness – not too dark or dull. With proper care, blue-green sapphire jewelry can become a treasured heirloom passed down for generations.
An In-Depth Guide to Blue-Green Sapphires: Properties, Value, and Buying Advice – Bluish-Green & Greenish-Blue Sapphire: A Gem Lover’s Guide
Blue-green sapphires, also known as bluish-green or greenish-blue sapphires, are a beautiful and unique type of gemstone that combines both blue and green colors in varying shades. In this guide, we will explore the properties, value, and buying advice for blue-green sapphires, providing valuable information for gem lovers. Below are the answers to some of the most common questions about blue-green sapphires:
1. What is a blue-green sapphire?
A blue-green sapphire is a type of sapphire that exhibits a combination of blue and green colors. These sapphires can range in shade from light teal to deep blue-green, depending on the specific gemstone.
2. What are the properties of blue-green sapphires?
Blue-green sapphires, like other sapphires, belong to the corundum family of minerals. They have a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, making them durable and suitable for everyday wear. These gemstones can be found in various shapes, but popular cuts include oval, round, and cushion.
3. What affects the value of a blue-green sapphire?
The value of a blue-green sapphire is influenced by several factors, including its color, carat weight, clarity, and cut. The most desirable blue-green sapphires exhibit a vibrant and evenly distributed color, with excellent clarity and a precise cut that maximizes their brilliance.
4. How can I determine the color of a blue-green sapphire?
The color of a blue-green sapphire can vary from gem to gem. Some may lean more towards blue, while others may have a stronger green hue. The GIA color grading system is often used to describe the color of sapphires, including blue-green varieties. Colors can be described as various shades of teal, oceanic blue-green, or deep turquoise.
5. Are blue-green sapphires treated or enhanced?
In the gemstone market, it is common for blue-green sapphires to undergo heat treatment to improve their color and clarity. However, not all blue-green sapphires are treated. If you are looking for an unheated blue-green sapphire, make sure to inquire about its treatment status before making a purchase.
6. What is the average size of a blue-green sapphire?
Blue-green sapphires can be found in a variety of sizes, ranging from small
