Sapphire Colors
The captivating world of gemstones is rich with colors, and the sapphire is one shining example. The color of sapphire varies vastly, making it one of the most versatile and desirable gems on the market. Whether you’re choosing a sapphire for an engagement ring or simply wanting to understand more about this beloved gemstone, a closer assessment of sapphire color is worth your attention.
Here is the list of sapphire colors organized by main color categories and shades under each:
Blue Sapphire
– Blue
– Greenish blue
– Sky blue
Yellow Sapphire
– Yellow
– Yellowish green
– Champagne
– Apricot
Pink Sapphire
– Pink
– Padparadscha
– Orange pink
– Purplish pink
– Salmon
– Peach
Orange Sapphire
– Orange
– Pink orange
Purple Sapphire
– Purple
– Violet
– Lavender
– Lilac
– Mauve
Green Sapphire
– Green
– Olive
– Teal
Multi color Sapphire
– Color-change
– Bicolor
– Multicolor
Other colors
– White
– Black
– Gray
– Brown
– Red
Understanding Sapphire Color
What is Sapphire Color?
Sapphire is a precious gemstone that gets its color from the presence of various metallic compounds during its formation. While the blue sapphire is the most common, sapphires come in almost every color of the rainbow. From royal blue sapphires all the way to the rarest sapphire, the Padparadscha, which boasts a delicate pink and orange hue, the color of a sapphire is a fascinating study in the influence of nature on beauty.
Factors Affecting Sapphire Color
Fundamental factors that determine the sapphire color are hue, tone, and saturation. The hue refers to the spectral color, the tone is the shade of color (ranging from light to dark), while the saturation refers to the color’s brightness or intensity. A deeper understanding of these aspects is essential if you wish to determine and appreciate the true value of a sapphire gemstone.
Why is Sapphire Color Important?
The sapphire color dictates the appeal and market value of the gem. For instance, a blue sapphire with a deep blue, velvety hue, and excellent saturation usually commands a higher price per carat than, say, a light blue sapphire. Besides the aesthetic appeal, the color also carries cultural significance and personal preference, making it an essential factor to consider when buying a sapphire.
Different Shades of Sapphire
The striking diversity in sapphire color is part of its allure. This spectrum of shades gives consumers a wide array of choices while also contributing elements of rarity and unique beauty to particular colors.
Pink Sapphire
The pink sapphire is an enchanting choice for anyone who seeks to deviate from the traditional blue. Loved for its versatility and the softness of its hue, the pink sapphire is truly a fancy sapphire that stands out in the colored gemstones family. It captures the essence of romance, making it an ideal choice for a sapphire engagement ring.
Padparadscha Sapphire
Padparadscha, named after the lotus flower, exudes an exquisite pink and orange glow, making it one of the rarest sapphires. Due to its exceptional color range, the Padparadscha sapphire is a coveted gemstone, treasured by collectors and gem enthusiasts globally.
Yellow Sapphire
With color ranges from light lemon hues up to a rich, royal gold, yellow sapphire is a vibrant and attractive choice. Ideal for those seeking a different colored sapphire, its bright hue symbolizes wisdom and prosperity.
Blue Sapphire
The blue sapphire, particularly the royal blue and cornflower blue sapphires, is arguably the most recognized coloring of this gem. The deep blue shade exudes elegance and nobility, making it an apt choice for a blue sapphire engagement ring.
White Sapphire
A relatively lesser-known member of the sapphire family is the white sapphire, which is a colorless gem. It provides the brilliance of a diamond at a fraction of the cost, making it an economical yet stunning option for jewelry.
Star Sapphire
The magic of the star sapphire is its “asterism” or the star-like reflection that appears on the surface of the gem. It can range in color but the blue star sapphire, with its intense blue hue and enchanting star effect, is truly a sight to behold.
Green Sapphire
Synonymous with compassion and renewal, the green sapphire is another exotic member of the sapphire family. From a faint green to a deeper hue, it offers an interesting variation to consider in your selection of sapphires.
Purple Sapphire
The mysterious and majestic purple sapphire surpasses expectations with its vibrant coloring. Its very hue stands for wisdom and royalty, making it a regal choice for people wanting to make a statement.
Black Sapphire
Exuding a sense of luxury and strength, the black sapphire is impressive and striking. It offers a dramatic and bold alternative to the more commonly known colors.
Teal Sapphire
Combining tones of blue and green, the teal sapphire is a distinctive gem that personifies the beauty of the ocean. It embodies both charm and sophistication, making it a profound choice for jewelry.
Choosing the Best Sapphire Color
Factors to Consider When Choosing Sapphire Color
When choosing the best sapphire, factors such as personal taste, color zoning, budget constraints, gem’s origin, and purpose (say, for a sapphire engagement ring), play a crucial role. An understanding of the nuances such as tone, intensity of color, zoning, and the presence of inclusions also aids in selecting the best sapphire color for your needs.
Popular Sapphire Colors
The popular sapphire colors firmly stand as blue, followed by pink and yellow. Nonetheless, the final choice always depends on the individual’s preference, as each color has its own unique appeal and significance.
How to Evaluate Sapphire Color
Evaluating sapphire color involves observing the gem under different light sources and varying intensity. It is advisable to study the gem’s color in both natural and artificial lighting, to get a true understanding of its color. The best sapphire will exhibit vibrant color with high saturation, regardless of the light source.
Buying a Sapphire
Where to Buy Sapphire?
Buying a sapphire can be done from reputed jewelers, gemstone trade shows, and online stores. Be sure to choose a trusted dealer who provides information regarding the gem’s origin, treatment, and valid gemstone certification.
Understanding Sapphire Prices
Sapphire prices are determined by its color, size (karat), clarity, cut, and origin. Among these, the intensity and hue of the sapphire color hold significant importance. The most expensive are often the most saturated and well-cut stones.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Sapphire
A common mistake to avoid when buying sapphire is ignoring the quality of the color and falling for synthetically enhanced gems. Remember, it is the mastery of the color that adds value to the sapphire. It would be best not to compromise on the quality of color for price or size.
How to Choose the Right Sapphire Color for an Engagement Ring
When choosing a sapphire color for your engagement ring, consider your partner’s favorite color, how often the ring will be worn, and the kind of setting it will have. The color of the sapphire should align with your partner’s preferences and lifestyle.
Important Considerations When Buying a Sapphire
When buying a sapphire, pay close attention to its color, clarity, cut, carat weight, and any possible treatments it may have undergone. These considerations will ensure you buy a quality gem that provides lasting beauty and value.
In conclusion, understanding sapphire color is a fascinating journey that allows you to behold the marvels of Mother Nature. In its myriad of colors, from royal blue to the rare pink-orange Padparadscha, the sapphire truly is a gem for all seasons.
1. What are the different sapphire colors?
Sapphires come in every color of the rainbow, from the best known blue sapphire to the rare padparadscha sapphire, which is a mix of pink and orange. You can also find yellow sapphire, green sapphire, orange sapphire, pink sapphire, black sapphire, white sapphire, and even purple sapphire. The term for these multi-hued beauties is fancy sapphire. A special type of sapphire, known as star sapphire, exhibits a star-like phenomenon when viewed under a single light source.
2. What influences the color of sapphires?
The color of sapphire is primarily determined by the presence of trace elements like iron, titanium, and chromium. The way these elements interact with light as it passes through the gem is what gives a sapphire gemstone its distinct hue. Sometimes, a sapphire may have color zoning — areas of different colored saturation — which impact the uniformity of the color throughout the gem.
3. How does color affect the value of a sapphire?
The color of a sapphire greatly impacts its value — the most ‘valuable’ color blue is often described as a vivid, intense, and pure royal blue or cornflower blue. The value also increases with the color saturation, a deep blue sapphire gemstone with minimal gray or brown hues would be more valuable. The sapphire prices also change with the color range, colored gemstones with rare colors like padparadscha can command high prices per carat.
4. What is the rarest sapphire color?
The rarest sapphire color is the padparadscha sapphire, named after the Sinhalese word for ‘lotus flower’. The unique pink and orange hue of this gem is extremely sought after and considered one of the most valuable. Add to that its rarity
