Sapphire Education

Table of Contents

Your Complete Guide to Sapphire Facts, Lore, and Shopping Tips

Sapphires dazzle with their stunning blue hues and longstanding lore. But there’s much more to know about these legendary gemstones. This extensive sapphire guide explores everything from sapphire origins and colors to quality factors, jewelry uses, and shopping advice. Whether you’re looking to buy a sapphire engagement ring or simply appreciate the beauty of gemstones, you’ll discover a wealth of intriguing sapphire info here. Let’s delve into the captivating world of sapphires!

What Makes Sapphires So Prized?

Sapphires belong to the mineral family of corundum, composed of aluminum oxide crystals. After diamond, corundum is the hardest natural mineral substance. Sapphire forms deep in the earth’s crust over millions of years as liquids cool and crystallize. Trace elements like iron, titanium, and chromium give corundum its saturated blue color.

While many equate sapphires with blue, they actually occur in every hue except red. Red corundum is called ruby instead. Sapphires were steeped in myth for centuries. Today, the most prized sapphires still hail from historic locales like Myanmar and Kashmir. Their rarity and saturated hues drive demand. Learn more sapphire origins and facts ahead.

The Intriguing Geologic Origins of Sapphires

For ages, the genesis of sapphires was obscured in legend. Some believed they were crystallized from the heavens, falling to earth in bolts of lightning. Others linked sapphires to spiritual virtues like inner peace.

Today, geologists have unlocked the true geologic origins of these gemstones. The most esteemed sapphires form close to the earth’s surface in alluvial deposits across Southeast Asia. Leading sources include:

Myanmar (Burma) – Produces fine blue sapphires, especially in the Mogok mining region. Political turmoil limits new mining.
Sri Lanka – A top source of blue and fancy color sapphires, especially padparadscha sapphires. Mining dates back 2,000 years.
Kashmir – Prized for velvety cornflower blue sapphires. New material is virtually nonexistent after mines closed in 1887.
Thailand – Renowned for deep blue sapphires from Kanchanaburi and pinkish-orange padparadscha sapphires.
Cambodia – A smaller but significant source of royal blue sapphires from Pailin.
Australia – Home to the dark blue to black sapphires. Fancy colors come from Queensland and New South Wales.

While new mining technology has expanded sapphire sources, fine gems from historic locales still command the highest prices and prestige.

How Many Color Varieties Exist?

BLUE is most famed sapphire hue, they occur in every color except red. Their diverse palette comes from trace elements that tint the crystallizing corundum:

Pink sapphires – Trace chromium, especially in Sri Lankan gems
Yellow sapphires – Presence of iron
Green sapphires – Mix of iron and titanium
Orange sapphires – High iron content
Purple sapphires – Titanium and chromium combinations
Black sapphires – Very concentrated titanium
Colorless sapphires – Absolutely free of impurities

Padparadscha sapphires in shades of pink-orange are exceptionally rare and valuable. Fancy sapphire hues differ in availability and price, but all lend unique beauty.

How is the Ideal Blue Sapphire Color Judged?

Blue is still the most popular sapphire shade. Within blue hues, certain color qualities are more prized. The most valued blue sapphires exhibit:

Vivid, intense saturation – paler stones are less desirable
Medium to medium-dark tone – too light or too dark diminishes value
Hint of violet – should not take on green or gray secondary hues

Ideally, blue sapphires will exhibit a pure, vivid royal blue or cornflower blue color. This balance of saturation and lightness affords maximum sparkle. Stones that are overly dark also face more scrutiny in terms of clarity.

What Cuts and Shapes Work Best for Sapphires?

Sapphires can be cut into different shapes just like diamonds. The most common sapphire cuts are:

Round brilliant – Shows off color with optimal light return. A classic for all sapphire hues.
Oval – Elongated shape appears larger. Flattering on the finger. Fantastic for boosting blue tones.
Cushion – Offers a pillow-like square or rectangular form with cropped corners. Provides vintage appeal.
Emerald – Rectangular cut with clipped corners perfect for emerald-green sapphires.
Princess – Sharp square shape that works beautifully in rings with diamond side stones.
Pear – Hybrid of oval and marquise that complements various finger sizes.

The cut should balance maximizing color and sparkle. Well-cut sapphires have excellent polish and symmetry.

What Size Sapphires are Typical for Jewelry?

In nature, sapphires form in a wide range of carat sizes. Some exceptional crystals weigh over 100 carats. But for jewelry purposes, smaller gems are much more common.

Natural sapphires over 2 carats are considered quite large. Stones from 5-10 carats can exhibit breathtaking color. However, availability rapidly diminishes above 1-2 carats, especially for fine quality gems.

For engagement rings and fashion jewelry, rich blue sapphires from 1-3 carats balance beauty, wearability, and affordability. Accent stones usually range from .10 to .75 carats. Evaluate size along with color, clarity, and cut based on your budget.

What Makes for Top Sapphire Quality?

Like diamonds, sapphires are assessed by professional gemologists for:

Color – Vivid blues demand the highest prices. Fancy sapphire values depend on supply and popularity of the hue.
Clarity – Eye-clean stones are ideal. Limit visible inclusions, fissures, clouds and haziness.
Cut – Proportions directly impact brilliance. Avoid “windowing” and light leakage.
Carat – Larger sapphires are exponentially more rare and costly. But color is still king.
Treatments – Heating is routinely done to improve color. Untreated gems are most prized.
Source – Historic locales like Myanmar and Kashmir command the greatest prestige.

Combining an intensely saturated blue color with superior clarity and masterful cut creates elite sapphires. These stringent factors limit top-tier gems to the tiniest fraction of sapphire production.

What’s the Price Range for Natural Sapphires?

As a precious gemstone, sapphire pricing can vary widely depending on quality factors. In general, expected price ranges are:

Commercial quality – $50 to $200 per carat
Nice blue sapphires – $300 to $600 per carat
Precision cut, rich blue gems – $800 to $1,500+ per carat
Flawless blue sapphires over 2 carats – $5,000+ per carat

However, exceptional fancy color sapphires like padparadscha can fetch over $10,000 per carat. An accredited appraisal is recommended for high-end investment sapphires.

How are Sapphires Used in Jewelry?

Thanks to their brilliance and durability, sapphires beautifully complement all types of jewelry. Here are some favorite ways to wear alluring sapphire gems:

Sapphire Engagement Rings

Sapphire engagement rings make a distinctive statement of commitment. Gorgeous blue gems as center stones surrounded by diamond accents are highly coveted ring designs. Sapphire’s toughness also suits daily wear.

Sapphire Wedding Bands

Matched sapphire wedding bands perfectly accompany a sapphire engagement ring. Sapphire’s fidelity symbolism celebrates unity and lasting love. Intricate pavé sapphire wedding bands add flair beside solitaire rings.

Sapphire Earrings

From classic studs to dramatic drops, sapphire earrings infuse elegance into any outfit. Blue sapphires radiate against yellow or white metals. Fancy color sapphire earrings supply vibrant pops of color.

Sapphire Pendants

Sapphire pendants hung from delicate chains create meaningful gifts. Blend sapphires with complementary gems for customizable styles. Vintage-inspired sapphire pendants have enduring antique appeal.

Sapphire Bracelets

Sapphire tennis bracelets, bangles, and cuffs adorn the wrist beautifully. Alternating sapphire and diamonds produce versatile two-tone bracelets. Casual sapphire bead bracelets work for daily wear.

Sapphire Rings for Men

Men’s rings displaying sapphires and diamonds telegraph success and sophistication. Choose durable metals like white gold, platinum, or titanium. Sapphires lend bold style that enhances business suits.

Sapphire Necklaces

Sapphire necklaces make bold fashion statements. Suspending large gems from linked chains shows off sapphires. Geometric sapphire patterns produce mesmerizing optical effects. Keeping sapphires close to the neck magnifies their brilliance.

Tips for Buying Loose Sapphire Stones

In the market for unset sapphire stones? Here are some tips:

Have stones certified by GIA, AGS or other reputable gem labs to verify quality claims.
Review dimensions to envision how stones will look once set in jewelry.
Select “good” or “ideal” cut grades for optimal light return.
For matching pairs, ensure earrings/rings have consistent dimensions and color.
Ask about any treatments that could impact value like heating.
Work with trusted suppliers and seek fair return policies in case the beauty doesn’t match expectations.

Are Sapphires Traditional Birthstones?

Sapphire is both a traditional and modern birthstone for September. Historically, sapphire’s celestial blue color linked it to cosmic events in September. Sapphire supposedly imparts wisdom, prophecy and spiritual insight.

The September sapphire birthstone meaning connects to these virtues. People born in September are reputed to be wise, loyal and worthy of trust – traits associated with sapphires.

Sapphire Anniversary Gemstone Lore

Beyond birthstones, sapphire is the traditional 45th wedding anniversary gem. Sapphires fittingly honor relationships achieving this “sapphire anniversary” milestone. The blue color signifies fidelity and commitment – perfect for honoring decades of marriage.

Sapphire is also suggested for 5th and 20th anniversaries. Sapphires can commemorate relationships at many different stages – new and long-term. Popular sapphire anniversary gifts include rings, pendants, cufflinks, and other jewelry.

Key Sapphire Takeaways

We’ve covered extensive ground on sapphires here. To recap, keep these essential sapphire facts in mind:

Sapphires exist in every color except red – blue is most prized. But fancy hues lend unique beauty.
Top blue sapphires exhibit intense saturation, medium-dark tones, and a hint of violet.
Sapphires over 2 carats are considered large and increasingly rare.
Historic sources like Myanmar and Kashmir yield the world’s finest gems.
Sapphires work well in all jewelry thanks to their brilliance and durability.
September’s birthstone and the 45th anniversary stone.
Exceptional fancy sapphires like padparadscha can fetch over $10,000 per carat.
Combining great color, clarity, cut and carat weight yields the pinnacle of sapphire quality.

The marvelous realm of sapphires extends far beyond blue. Hopefully this guide provides inspiration to learn more about sapphires and explore their full spectrum of colors!

Frequently Asked Questions About Sapphires

Q: What is the clarity of a sapphire?

A: Clarity refers to the presence of any visible inclusions or flaws within a sapphire. The clarity of a sapphire can greatly impact its value.

Q: What does treatment mean in relation to sapphires?

A: Treatment refers to any process or enhancement done to a sapphire to improve its color, clarity, or overall appearance. This can include heat treatment or diffusion.

Q: Karat or Carat relation to sapphires?

A: Karat and Carat are units of measurement. Karat is used to indicate the purity (%) of metals (Gold, Platinum ect,). Carat is a measurement of weight it is used the weight the stone. 5 carats are 1 gram.

Q: What is grading in relation to sapphires?

A: Grading is the process of evaluating and assigning a grade or quality to a sapphire based on various factors such as color, clarity, and cut.

Q: What does it mean to certify a sapphire?

A: To certify a sapphire means to have it evaluated and graded by a professional gemologist who issues a certificate or report stating the quality and characteristics of the sapphire.

Q: What is an overview of sapphires?

A: An overview of sapphires includes information about their formation, historical significance, physical properties, and common uses.

Q: What is measurement in relation to sapphires?

A: Measurement refers to the size or dimensions of a sapphire and is typically expressed in millimeters. This information can help determine the overall appearance and value of a sapphire.

Q: What is certification in relation to sapphires?

A: Certification refers to the process of having a sapphire evaluated and graded by a reputable gemological laboratory, resulting in a certificate that provides detailed information about the sapphire’s characteristics.

Q: How are sapphires mined?

A: Sapphires are typically mined from the ground using various mining techniques, including open-pit mining and underground mining.

Do’s and Don’ts When Buying Sapphires

Follow these top do’s and don’ts when shopping for sapphires:

DO:

Review any gemological lab reports from respected labs like GIA, AGS, or Gubelin.
Closely evaluate color, clarity, cut, and carat weight.
Ask about any treatments done on the stones.
Only buy from reputable jewelers with fair return policies.
Get an independent appraisal for high-end investment pieces.
Insure valuable sapphire jewelry against loss or damage.

DON’T:

Assume all sapphires are untreated – many are heated to improve color.
Buy stones with visible inclusions, dull spots, or windowing.
Purchase sapphires without written verification of quality.
Buy from sellers unwilling to provide return privileges.
Choose sapphires with extremely dark or light tones.
Wear sapphire rings for rough activities where they could chip.