Sapphires Colorful Gem
Sapphires - Most COlorful Gem
Color has the greatest influence on a sapphire’s value, and preferred sapphires have strong to vivid blue color saturation. The most valued blue sapphires are velvety blue to violet blue, in medium to medium-dark tones. Sapphires with these qualities command the highest prices per carat. Less valuable blue sapphires might also be grayish, too light, or too dark.
While the classic deep blue sapphire is perhaps the most iconic, sapphires come in a breathtaking array of colors, each with its own unique allure and value. These variations in color are due to the presence of different trace elements and the influence of various factors during the gemstone’s formation.
BLUE SAPPHIRES
Hue and Quality: The deep blue sapphire is renowned for its rich, intense color, which can range from vibrant cornflower blue to royal blue. The most prized blue sapphires exhibit a pure blue hue with minimal secondary color tones. The depth and saturation of the blue color are key factors in determining the value of these stones.
Sources: Famous blue sapphires are sourced from regions like Kashmir, Myanmar (Burma), Sri Lanka, and Madagascar. Each location imparts distinct qualities to the sapphires, contributing to their unique appearances.
PINK SAPPHIRES
Hue and Quality: Pink sapphires exhibit a range of hues from light pastel pink to vivid, deep pink. The most valuable pink sapphires are those with a strong, vibrant pink color and high saturation, resembling the color of a pink diamond.
Sources: Pink sapphires are found in various locations, including Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Madagascar. These sapphires can sometimes have a slight orange or purple undertone, adding to their complexity and beauty.
YELLOW SAPPHIRES
Hue and Quality: Yellow sapphires vary from pale, lemon-yellow to a rich, golden hue. The most valuable yellow sapphires have a deep, bright yellow color with high saturation. These stones are often compared to fancy yellow diamonds due to their striking appearance.
Sources: Major sources of yellow sapphires include Sri Lanka, Madagascar, and Thailand. Each region produces sapphires with distinct shades of yellow, influenced by the specific trace elements present.
GREEN SAPPHIRES
Hue and Quality: Green sapphires come in a spectrum from light green to a more intense, forest green. The most valuable green sapphires have a deep, rich green color with good saturation. They often display a pleasing balance of brightness and depth.
Sources: Significant sources of green sapphires are Sri Lanka, Madagascar, and Australia. The green color in these sapphires is due to the presence of trace elements such as iron.
ORANGE SAPPHIRES
Hue and Quality: Orange sapphires can range from a pale, pastel orange to a vivid, intense tangerine color. The most valuable orange sapphires are those with a bright, lively orange hue and high saturation, often referred to as “padparadscha” sapphires.
Sources: Notable sources include Sri Lanka and Madagascar. Padparadscha sapphires, which are a unique blend of orange and pink, are particularly rare and valuable.
PURPLE SAPPHIRES
Hue and Quality: Purple sapphires range from light lavender to deep, rich purple. The most prized purple sapphires have a strong, vivid purple hue with good saturation. These stones are valued for their deep, royal appearance.
Sources: Purple sapphires are found in Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Madagascar. The presence of trace elements like chromium and iron gives these sapphires their distinctive color.
COLORLESS SAPPHIRES
Hue and Quality: Colorless sapphires, often called “white sapphires,” can be a beautiful alternative to diamonds. They are valued for their clarity and brilliance, with a transparent appearance that allows for a sparkle similar to that of diamonds.
Sources: Colorless sapphires can be sourced from several locations, including Sri Lanka and Madagascar. They are often used in jewelry as a more affordable option to diamonds.
