Blue sapphire reflects the colour of the sky and oceans. It is one of the most beautiful and highly sought after gemstones in the world. Blue sapphire is also known as Neelam Ratna in India, an ancient Sanskrit word for blue gemstone.
For centuries, this stone has been believed to bring good luck, prosperity and to protect the wearer from negative energies. It is also believed to enhance communication, and to benefit the wearer in terms of wisdom and self-expression. As a birthstone for September, blue sapphire is the perfect gift for people born in this month.
The word “sapphire” is derived from the Latin word “sapphirus” which means blue. It’s also one of the hardest minerals on Earth and second only to diamond among gemstones. With a strong demand for blue sapphire in the international market and very less supply, the blue sapphire price can be quite high.
Despite its popularity, not many people are aware that there are several factors that affect the price of sapphires. In this article, we will discuss these factors so that you can make an informed decision when buying blue sapphire gemstone.
Origin of the Stone
The quality of blue sapphire is highly dependent on its origin. For example, Kashmirian sapphires are considered to be the best quality because they are very pure and have a rich blue colour. They also have a very strong dispersion, which means that when you look at them from different angles, they give off different colours like indigo, violet or greenish-blue. However, the mines in Kashmir are now extinct, so these sapphires are very rare and expensive.
The second-best quality of blue sapphire is the Ceylon variety, which comes from Sri Lanka. These stones have an intense colour and strong dispersion too. The African sapphires, mined in Madagascar and Tanzania have a medium to dark blue colour and very weak dispersion.
At reputed stores like GemPundit, you can get a wide selection of both Kashmir and Ceylon blue sapphires at affordable prices that too with a free lab certificate to authenticate your gemstone.
Colour of the Blue Sapphire
The most sought-after blue sapphires are those that have a deep, rich shade of blue, often referred to as “cornflower blue.” These stones are highly prized for their rarity and beauty, and as such command the highest prices. Additionally, sapphires that have a high colour intensity, or a strong saturation of colour, are also highly valued and can command a premium price.
The colour of a blue sapphire can also be affected by its specific hue. A sapphire that has a more purplish hue, for example, may be less expensive than one that has a more pure blue hue. Similarly, a sapphire that has a more grey or green undertone may be less valuable than one that has a purer blue undertone.
Another important factor that affects the price of blue sapphires is colour dispersion. Colour dispersion refers to the ability of a gemstone to split light into its component colours, creating a rainbow-like effect. Sapphires that have a high dispersion, also known as “fire,” will be more valuable than those with a low dispersion.
Cut of The Gemstone
A well-cut blue sapphire will have a high level of symmetry, with all facets aligning perfectly to create a balanced and visually pleasing stone. This type of cut will also maximize the gemstone’s brilliance and sparkle, making it more desirable and valuable. On the other hand, a poorly cut blue sapphire will appear dull and lack lustre, resulting in a lower price.
Blue sapphires can be cut into various shapes, including round, cushion, oval, pear, and princess. Round cut blue sapphires are the most popular and traditional shape, and are considered to be the most valuable due to their symmetry and the high level of skill required to cut them.
Clarity Also Matters
High clarity means that your blue sapphire has few internal flaws or inclusions and will command a higher price. Flaws, or inclusions, are natural occurrences within the gemstone, such as bubbles, crystals, or other mineral deposits. These inclusions can range from small and insignificant to large and obvious, and can detract from the overall beauty and value of the gemstone.
The fewer and smaller the inclusions, the more valuable the sapphire is considered to be. Additionally, the location and size of inclusions can also affect the price, with inclusions located near the surface or in a visible area of the stone generally lowering its value. A well-cut sapphire can mask inclusions and increase the overall clarity of the stone, making it appear more valuable.
Look at the Carat Weight
The carat is a unit of measurement for the weight of a gemstone, and one carat is equal to 0.2 grams. The heavier a gemstone is, the more valuable it will be considered to be, as there are fewer stones available that meet certain minimum sizes.
However, large stones are not always higher in quality than smaller ones and some experts recommend buying small to medium-sized sapphires for maximum value. For example, a one-carat round sapphire that has been appropriately cut can be worth more than an uncut 10-carat stone because of its clarity and other factors.
Conclusion
In terms of value, sapphire is one of the most popular gemstones in the world. It’s also one of the hardest minerals on earth, making it a very durable stone that can be worn for a lifetime. However, there are many different types of sapphires available on the market today and understanding these differences can help you find the perfect one for your budget and style preferences. The best way to ensure you get a quality gemstone is by working with an experienced jeweller who can guide you through each step of the process.
