All You Need to Know About the Rare and Regal Purple and Violet Sapphire
round purple sapphire
Purple sapphires are some of the most beautiful, rare and regal natural gemstones that exist. Ranging in hue from light pinkish purple to deep violet, these exotic jewels have captivated people for centuries.
In this complete guide, we will cover everything you need to know about purple and violet sapphires – from how they get their unique color, determining factors for value, where they are mined, how to choose the best stone and more. Read on to learn all about these stunning purple gems!
What Makes Sapphires Purple or Violet?
Sapphires belong to the corundum mineral family and are known for their rich, saturated colors. While blue is the most common, sapphires can also display pink, yellow, green, orange and of course – purple hues.
So what gives some sapphires their gorgeous purple or violet coloring?
It all comes down to trace elements present during their formation. The presence of both iron and titanium within the corundum is what leads to violet and purple shades. The more iron, the deeper and more blue-ish the purple color. The more titanium produces a lighter, pinker purple.
The combination of these trace elements provides the perfect recipe for these rare lavender, lilac and violet sapphire gems.
Natural Purple Sapphire vs Treated
An important factor in purple sapphire value is whether the stone is natural or has been treated. Completely natural purple sapphires with no enhancements are rare and highly sought after.
Heating is a common treatment used to improve the color of lesser quality stones. Indicators that a purple sapphire may be treated include very saturated purple color with no secondary hues, evenly distributed color, and unnaturally vivid saturation.
When shopping for loose purple sapphires, always look for “unheated” or “untreated” stated on lab certification. This guarantees the stone’s stunning purple hue is 100% natural.
Where are Purple Sapphires Mined?
The best purple sapphires typically come from a few select locations around the world.
- Sri Lanka – The most famous source, Ceylon sapphires from Sri Lanka are renowned for their beautiful violet-blue hues.
- Madagascar – Vivid purples and pinkish purple sapphires are found here.
- Tanzania – Deep purple sapphires come from this African locale.
- Myanmar – Known as Burma, fine quality purples are mined here.
Smaller deposits can also be found in Australia, Cambodia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Thailand and the United States. However Sri Lanka, Madagascar and Myanmar produce the lion’s share of top quality natural purple sapphires.
What is the Price per Carat?
When shopping for loose purple sapphires, the price per carat depends on the factors below:
- Color – Deeper, more saturated purple colors are most valued. Light pinkish hues are less expensive.
- Clarity – Very clean stones with few inclusions fetch higher prices. Cloudy or heavily included purple sapphires are cheaper.
- Cut – Ideal cuts like emerald cut or cushion maximize color. Fancy shapes can show more inclusions.
- Carat Weight – Larger purple sapphires over 2 carats are exponentially rarer and costlier.
- Source – Natural Ceylon stones from Sri Lanka demand premium pricing.
- Treatment – Untreated purple sapphires are prized over heated stones.
Given these factors, prices can range dramatically from around $50 per carat for smaller, lighter pinkish stones to over $5,000 per carat for large, natural vivid purples.
How to Choose the Best Purple Sapphire
When shopping for loose purple sapphires, here are tips for finding the very best stone:
- Look for a reputable seller that provides independent lab certification from GIA or AGL. This verifies quality factors.
- Check for the terms “unheated” or “untreated” on the lab report. This indicates a natural, non-enhanced purple color.
- Evaluate the purple hue. More blue and less pink purple is generally preferred. But choose the hue you find most beautiful.
- Examine clarity under magnification. Some inclusions are expected, but look for overall eye clean stones.
- Consider carat weight. Larger purple sapphires over 2 carats are rare and pricey. But have the biggest visual impact.
- Choose ideal cuts like oval, cushion or emerald that really make the purple pop. Avoid cuts with large bellies where color can look washed out at the center or “windowed”.
By keeping these tips in mind, you can pick that perfect regal purple sapphire to fit your preferences and budget.
Purple Sapphire Engagement Rings
What better way to propose than with a majestic purple sapphire engagement ring?
Purple sapphires are a unique alternative to blue sapphires or diamonds for engagement rings. Their stunning color has many meanings – wisdom, mystery, spirituality, royalty and imagination.
Here are beautiful engagement ring styles that showcase purple sapphires:
- Solitaire – A single larger purple sapphire as the focal point works nicely with their bold color. Halo and split shank settings add extra sparkle.
- Three Stone – Alternating purple sapphires with diamonds makes for a color contrast. Or use all purple sapphires in graduating sizes.
- Vintage – Embrace purple sapphire’s romantic regal history with filigree and halo settings in rose or yellow gold.
- Modern – Contemporary east-west set sapphires or asymmetrical groupings have artsy appeal.
Thanks to their durability, purple sapphires also make practical engagement gems to wear every day. Their Mohs hardness of 9 means these violet stones are built to last.
Purple Sapphires Meaning & Healing Properties
Beyond beauty, many believe purple sapphires hold special meaning and energy:
- They are thought to activate the Crown Chakra, associated with wisdom and spirituality. The violet rays bring clarity and deep vision.
- Purple sapphires represent luxury and nobility. Historically they were worn by royalty and the elite. Today they still convey wisdom, mystery and imagination.
- They symbolize accomplishment and are associated with achieving ambitions. Purple sapphires make perfect graduation gifts.
- Many feel purple sapphires have healing effects on both mental clarity and creative expression. They encourage following dreams and sincerity in pursuing goals.
So for lovers of purple hues, violet sapphires make the perfect gemstone to harness intuition and imagination. Their regal purple energies will inspire and delight.
Q: What is a violet sapphire?
A: A violet sapphire is a type of sapphire gemstone that exhibits a lovely violet or purple color. It’s a rare and beautiful gemstone that is highly valued in the jewelry industry.
Q: How is a violet sapphire different from a blue sapphire?
A: While both violet sapphires and blue sapphires belong to the sapphire family, the main difference is the color. Violet sapphires have a purple hue, while blue sapphires have a deep blue color.
Q: Are violet sapphires rare?
A: Yes, violet sapphires are considered to be rare gemstones. Their unique color and limited availability make them highly coveted by collectors and gem enthusiasts.
Q: What are the different cuts available for violet sapphires?
A: Violet sapphires can be cut into various shapes, including emerald cut, cushion cut, oval cut, and pear cut. Each cut accentuates the gem’s natural beauty in different ways.
Q: Are all violet sapphires natural and unheated?
A: It depends. While some violet sapphires are natural and unheated, meaning they have not undergone any heat treatment, others may have been treated to enhance their color or clarity. It’s essential to inquire about the gem’s origin and treatment when purchasing.
Q: Where are violet sapphires typically found?
A: Violet sapphires can be found in various locations worldwide, including Madagascar and Ceylon. These regions are known for producing high-quality violet sapphires.
Q: Can violet sapphires have secondary colors?
A: Yes, it is possible for violet sapphires to have secondary colors. Some violet sapphires may have hints of pink, blue, or even yellow, adding to their unique beauty.
Q: How valuable are violet sapphires?
A: The value of violet sapphires depends on various factors, including color, cut, clarity, and carat weight. Generally, high-quality violet sapphires with vivid and intense color are more valuable.
Q: Are there any famous violet sapphires?
A: Yes, there are several famous violet sapphires, including the Queen Marie Amethyst, a violet sapphire surrounded by diamonds, and the Logan Sapphire, a magnificent blue-violet sapphire weighing over 423 carats.
Q: Can I purchase a violet sapphire?
A: Yes, you can purchase a violet sapphire. There are reputable jewelry stores and online retailers that offer a variety of violet sapphire gemstones for sale. Make sure to choose a certified natural purple sapphire to ensure authenticity.
