From the Ceylon sapphire ring worn by the Duchess of Cambridge to the Kashmir sapphire necklace owned by Elizabeth Taylor, various types of blue sapphires have been used for centuries to adorn the wealthy and powerful.
Blue sapphire benefits in astrology have further skyrocketed its demand in the market. So, that can’t be it. Being an informed consumer, you need to know more.
As you choose a blue sapphire variety for yourself or someone special, there is a lot to comprehend before making a final call, including cut, clarity, color variation, etc. It is amusing to know how much of an impact these elements have on the final cost of this magnificent gemstone.
Once you dig deep, you will learn how extensive an empire of blue sapphire can be and how elaborate you can go to choose the perfect type of blue sparkle for yourself.
So, Without much further ado, Let’s get on with it.
Types of Blue Sapphire: What a Consumer Needs to Know
Several ways can be used to distinguish a blue sapphire, but its chemical and physical properties are the main determinants of categorization. Basically, trained gemologists look at the internal makeup of a blue sapphire to identify its color, growth, and whether it is natural or treated.
So, the first thing you need to know about blue sapphires is that whether they shine, sparkle, or glow, not all have the same journey of creation.
Hooked? Read on to learn more.
Natural Blue Sapphire
Stunning, rare, and valuable natural blue sapphires are available in mother nature and extracted organically. There is not much man-made intervention like heat treatment or chemical process to enhance its look and appeal. Natural sapphires that have not been treated or chemically changed are far rarer and more expensive.
Lab-Grown Blue Sapphire
There is not much difference between lab-grown blue sapphire from natural blue sapphire, as they are alike in terms of atomic makeup, chemical properties, and physical attributes. What distinguishes them is the use of new-age technology to match the origin process the same as mined one.
Enhanced/Treated Blue Sapphire
Treated blue sapphires are genuine blue sapphires that have undergone industry-accepted heating procedures to enhance the illumination and clarity of their blue hue. This is an accepted, legitimate, and reliable procedure that does not affect the sapphire’s durability or lifetime. They make up the majority of natural sapphires on the market right now.
All of these classifications have a significant effect on the gemstone jewelry’s overall cost as well. So, whichever option you choose, make sure to obtain a certificate from a reputable lab to support it and certify the stone’s authenticity and worth.
How Many Different Colors are There in Blue Sapphire?
Blue sapphire has different shades and variations, making it one of the most sought-after options on the blue precious stones list.
From light sky blue to deep blue, the color of blue sapphires can range extensively. It is seen that they occasionally have violet or greenish undertones. Specialists examine three factors in discussing color as a determining factor in sapphire prices- color tone and saturation.
Read along to know more.
Cornflower Blue Sapphire
This sapphire has the most true-to-color and brilliant medium blue disposition that leaves you asking for more. Due to its vivid color, it is one of the most expensive sapphire kinds.
Teal Sapphire
These are blue sapphires that are either more iron-rich than a pure blue sapphire or show green-blue pleochroism (color change), giving them a greener appearance.
Ice Blue Sapphire
These light, icy blue sapphires are attractive and sought-after by individuals who prefer only a bit of blue. However, they are not the most expensive variety due to their lack of vivid hue.
Also See: List of Gemstones By Value
Types of Blue Sapphire: Based on its Origin
Blue sapphire is gaining momentum and creating its niche in the market. No wonder more and more people are looking for blue sapphire rings for their D-day. They come from various origins, each having its own color, importance, and clarity.
So, what are they? Keep reading.
Burma (Burmese/Myanmar) Blue Sapphire
Since they are mined in Burma, these blue sapphires are prized for their exceptional quality and consistent coloration. These sapphires are even more alluring because of their blue and violet hues.
Additionally, only in Burma can one find sapphires with the “electric blue color.”
Ceylon Blue Sapphire
The Ceylon sapphire is a kind of blue sapphire that shares the name with its origin place. Ceylon sapphires come from Sri Lanka (formerly known as Ceylon), as the site is the source of some of the best sapphires in the world.
The Kashmir Blue Sapphire
They are among the most well-known names in the blue sapphire industry thanks to their brilliance and shine. This gorgeous stone is known for having exceptional clarity in its facets, little grey masking, and fewer darker flecks.
Mining for these sapphires ceased in 1938; therefore, the ones currently for sale are of the most outstanding quality and cost a lot of money.
The Thailand Blue Sapphire
Thailand produces some of the world’s finest and rarest blue sapphires. They have an exceptional cut, a deep blue color, and excellent clarity that goes around 90%. The inclusions are so minute that the human eye cannot detect them.
The Australian Blue Sapphire
Australian blue sapphires stand out for their distinctive colors and appearance. Do you know? It is the only location where you can obtain sapphires with a greenish-blue undertone. These blue sapphires are also so darkly blue that they seem black.
Also See: List of Gemstones By Color
Blue Sapphire Quality: The Role of Cut, Color, and Clarity
Cut and clarity play a decisive role in determining the quality and overall appearance of any gemstone, and blue sapphire is no exception. Let’s know more.
What Impact Does Cut Have on the Color of Blue Sapphire?
The cut can have unexpected effects on the color of blue sapphires. Since sapphires are dichroic stones, their color can change depending on the angle at which they are seen. Most blue sapphires have a blue to violet hue when viewed one way; they have a slightly greenish blue tint when viewed another way.
How Does Clarity Impact Blue Sapphire?
The second most critical element in establishing the value of your blue sapphire, after color, is clarity. Inclusions in the stone, whether they are apparent to the naked eye or when magnified, are referred to as being present (or absent) in terms of clarity.
As per gemologists, every blue sapphire contains needle-like imperfections, often known as silk, and it isn’t easy to find one that is immaculate. So exceptionally clear blue sapphires are exceedingly expensive and uncommon.
Do you Like Knowing Different Types of Blue Sapphire?
Sapphire is regal, magnificent, and highly desirable in any form; therefore, blue sapphire jewelry has its own fan following in the market. Therefore, learning about different types of blue sapphire has its own share of perks.
So, what are you waiting for? Now you know what to explore in blue sapphire to match your distinctive taste and personality.
Liking what you are reading, you may also read our blogs on how to take care of blue sapphire bracelets and clean blue sapphire bracelets.
Know More About Different Kinds of Sapphire
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FAQs
Yes, blue sapphires are priced differently depending on the stone. When a sapphire’s color is supported by good transparency, even color distribution, no impurities, and an even cut, its value rises even more.
A large, low-quality sapphire would be less expensive than a little, really high-quality sapphire because its price depends on its quality. Simply said, sapphires with a bright blue hue and a medium to medium-dark undertone are the most precious.
The most expensive blue sapphires are velvety blue to violetish blue with medium to medium-dark undertones.
Additionally, blue sapphires that are too light, too dark, or grey may be less desirable. You may also check the parameters of clarity and cut to make a better choice.
To find your blue sapphire’s authenticity, consult an expert in gemology, as they know to differentiate between real and fake blue sapphire stones. Otherwise, there is an instant go-to method you may use.
You need to take your blue sapphire to a dark room and put a flashlight on it. The sapphire stone’s color should reflect if the stone is natural. In contrast, the crystal will reflect different colors if it’s a false sapphire jewel.
