Sapphire Information

Sapphires are one of the most revered gemstones, known for their striking colours, exceptional hardness (9 on the Mohs scale), and rarity. Collectors and investors often seek out fine specimens, which have historically appreciated in value.

Colours and Sources:

Sapphires come in a variety of colours including blue, pink, yellow, orange, green, purple, and the rare orange-pink Padparadscha. Blue sapphires range from pale blue to cornflower blue to royal blue, navy blue, and midnight blue. Major sources include Sri Lanka (Ceylon), Burma (Myanmar), Madagascar, Tanzania, Australia, and Thailand. Historically, exceptional sapphires have also come from Kashmir, though no new material has been found there for about a century.

Value and Pricing:

The value of sapphires varies based on size, colour, and quality. Colour is the most critical determinant, with highly saturated hues being the most valuable. Eye-clean gems are especially desirable, and prices increase significantly with carat weight. High-quality sapphires over 5 carats are considered very rare and collectible.

Why Buy Loose Gemstones Instead of Pre-Set Jewellery?

There are many advantages to buying loose gemstones:

1. Value: Loose gemstones are less expensive, providing better value for your money. You can inspect the gem without a setting hiding any inclusions or altering its colour.
2. Choice: You have the freedom to choose the exact colour, cut, shape, and variety of the stone for your ideal setting. This allows you to create a unique piece of jewellery that perfectly suits your style.

 Attributes

Origin	Madagascar, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Ceylon, Burma, Australia, India, Kenya, Tanzania, U.S.A., China
Colour	Blue light to dark blue, cornflower blue, royal blue, Burma blue, Ceylon blue, deep blue
Refractive Index	1.759-1.778
Chemical Composition	AL2 O3
Hardness	9
Density	4
Crystal Structure	Trigonal
Zodiac Sign	Libra
Planet	Venus
Month	September
Anniversary	5th and 45th

 

 Physical and Optical Properties

Sapphires are known for their hardness and durability. They have a vitreous (glassy) lustre and a refractive index of 1.76 - 1.78. The specific gravity is around 4.00, and they exhibit birefringence of 0.008, causing a doubling effect in light reflection.

Cut

Common cuts for sapphires include ovals, rounds, cushions, and emeralds. Star sapphires are typically cut into cabochons to display the star effect caused by fibrous inclusions.

Treatments

Traditional heating methods are used to enhance the colour and clarity of sapphires. Modern treatments, like heat-diffusion, are more controversial but stable. It's crucial to buy from reputable dealers who disclose any treatments.

 Colour

Colour is the single most important factor in determining the value of a blue sapphire.  Indeed, the colour of a blue sapphire is more important than its clarity. Sapphires are rarely completely clean and even very expensive stones can be slightly included. Subtle differences in colour can make great variations in valuations of fine gemstones. Fine loose gemstones of good colour and clarity are always rare and valuable. Highly saturated medium or medium dark blue tones are best, blue sapphires which are too dark or too light are worth considerably less.

The name sapphire comes from the Greek word "sapphirus", meaning "blue".  However, sapphire gemstones come in many colours including pink, yellow, orange, green, black, colour-change, purple, violet, light blue, and the rare orange-pink Padparadscha sapphire gems. Padparadscha comes from the Sinahalese word meaning "lotus colour". Sapphires other than blue, pink, yellow, green and orange sapphire are usually called natural fancy-colour sapphire. Red hues result from traces of chromium. The greater the concentration of oxides the deeper the colour.

Sources and Mining

• Madagascar: A significant source since the 1990s, known for high-quality sapphires similar to those from Sri Lanka.
• Sri Lanka: Known for Ceylon Blue and Padparadscha sapphires. Mining has a history of over 2000 years.
• Burma (Myanmar): Produces highly saturated blue sapphires from the Mogok gem tract.
• USA: Montana is a notable source, with historical finds in various locations.

Mythology

Sapphires have been surrounded by myths and legends for centuries. Known as the "Gem of Heaven," they were believed to bring divine Favor, wisdom, and protection. In ancient Persia, it was thought that the sky's colour came from reflections of a giant sapphire pedestal supporting the Earth.

Whether you are an enthusiast, a collector, or someone looking to create a unique piece of jewellery, sapphires offer a combination of beauty, durability, and historical significance that few other gemstones can match.