Sapphires, with their captivating colors and historical significance, are among the most sought-after gemstones in the world. Whether you’re looking to purchase a sapphire for an engagement ring, a pendant, or any other piece of jewelry, understanding the key factors that determine its quality is crucial. This guide will walk you through what to look for when buying a sapphire, covering aspects like color, clarity, cut, carat weight, origin, treatments, and certification.
Color: The Most Important Factor
Hue
Blue Sapphires: The most famous sapphires are blue, ranging from pale baby blue to deep royal blue. The ideal hue for a blue sapphire is a vibrant, intense blue without any green or grey undertones.
Fancy Sapphires: Sapphires come in a variety of colors, including pink, yellow, green, purple, and even colorless (white sapphires). Each hue has its own appeal and market value.
Saturation
Intensity: The saturation, or intensity of the color, greatly influences a sapphire’s appeal. High saturation means a rich, vivid color, while low saturation results in a dull, washed-out appearance. Look for stones with medium to high saturation for the best visual impact.
Tone
Lightness or Darkness: Tone refers to the lightness or darkness of the color. The best sapphires have a medium to medium-dark tone, offering a perfect balance that enhances the stone’s brilliance.
Clarity: Evaluating Inclusions
Types of Inclusions
Needles: Thin, needle-like inclusions are common in sapphires and generally don’t detract from their beauty.
Feathers: These are fractures within the stone that resemble feathers. Depending on their size and location, they can impact the sapphire’s durability.
Crystal Inclusions: Tiny crystals of other minerals can be present inside the sapphire. While small, well-dispersed crystals may be acceptable, large or concentrated ones can lower the stone’s value.
Clarity Grades
Eye-Clean: Sapphires that appear clean to the naked eye are highly desirable. Use a 10x magnification loupe to inspect the stone for inclusions.
Slightly Included: Minor inclusions that are visible under magnification but not to the naked eye are acceptable for most jewelry pieces.
Included: Sapphires with visible inclusions to the naked eye are less valuable, especially if the inclusions affect the stone’s transparency or brilliance.
Cut: Maximizing Brilliance
Common Cuts
Oval and Cushion Cuts: These are popular for sapphires as they retain much of the rough stone’s weight and enhance its color and brilliance.
Round Cuts: Although less common due to the higher wastage of rough material, round cuts can provide excellent brilliance and symmetry.
Fancy Cuts: Emerald, pear, and marquise cuts can also be found and offer unique and stylish options for jewelry.
Proportions
Symmetry and Proportion: A well-cut sapphire will have good symmetry and proportions, ensuring it reflects light evenly and displays maximum brilliance.
Depth and Table: Check the depth percentage and table percentage. Ideal depth percentages range from 65% to 75%, and table percentages should be around 60% to 70% of the gemstone’s width.
Carat Weight: Size Matters
Understanding Carat Weight
Size vs. Weight: Sapphires are denser than diamonds, so a 1-carat sapphire will appear smaller than a 1-carat diamond.
Value Per Carat: The price per carat increases significantly with size, especially for high-quality stones. Larger sapphires with good color and clarity are rare and command premium prices.
Origin: Geographic Significance
Famous Sources
Kashmir: Renowned for producing the most highly prized blue sapphires with a velvety blue color and high transparency.
Burma (Myanmar): Known for vivid blue sapphires and exceptional fancy-colored sapphires.
Sri Lanka (Ceylon): Famous for a wide variety of sapphire colors, including beautiful blue and pink sapphires.
Madagascar: A major source of high-quality sapphires in various colors, including blue, pink, and yellow.
Geographic Preferences
Collector’s Choice: Some collectors and buyers have strong preferences for sapphires from specific locations due to their historical significance and unique characteristics.
Treatments: Natural vs. Enhanced
Many sapphires undergo treatments to enhance their appearance. Knowing whether a sapphire has been treated is essential for making an informed purchase.
Common Treatments
Heat Treatment: The most common treatment, used to improve color and clarity. Heat-treated sapphires are generally accepted in the market, but untreated stones are more valuable.
Diffusion Treatment: Involves adding elements like beryllium to the surface of the stone to alter its color. Diffusion-treated sapphires are less valuable and should be disclosed by the seller.
Fracture Filling: Filling fractures with a glass-like substance to improve clarity. This treatment is less common and significantly lowers the stone’s value.
Identifying Treatments
Certification: Always request a gemological certificate from a reputable lab (such as GIA or AGS) that discloses any treatments the sapphire has undergone.
Visual Inspection: Trained gemologists can often detect treatments through microscopic examination and advanced testing techniques.
See Also: Is Yellow Sapphire Rare: Everything You Need To Know
Certification: Ensuring Authenticity
A gemological certificate provides assurance that the sapphire is genuine and details its key characteristics.
Reputable Labs
Gemological Institute of America (GIA): One of the most trusted gemological labs, providing detailed and reliable certification.
American Gem Society (AGS): Known for their strict grading standards and accurate assessments.
International Gemological Institute (IGI): Offers comprehensive certification services.
Certificate Details
Color, Clarity, Cut, and Carat Weight: The certificate will describe these key characteristics, helping you understand the quality of the sapphire.
Treatment Disclosure: Any treatments the sapphire has undergone will be listed, ensuring transparency in your purchase.
Practical Considerations: Matching Your Needs
When buying a sapphire, consider practical aspects such as the intended use, budget, and personal preferences.
Jewelry Setting
Durability: Sapphires are durable (9 on the Mohs scale), making them suitable for everyday wear in rings, earrings, and pendants.
Setting Style: Choose a setting that protects the stone while showcasing its beauty. Prong settings are popular for their ability to highlight the sapphire, while bezel settings offer extra protection.
Budget
Cost Considerations: High-quality sapphires can be expensive. Determine your budget beforehand and prioritize factors like color and clarity within your price range.
Investment Value: Sapphires, especially untreated and large ones, can appreciate over time, making them a good investment.
Personal Preference
Color Choice: Select a color that appeals to you. Fancy sapphires offer a range of options beyond the traditional blue.
Unique Characteristics: Each sapphire is unique. Find one that resonates with your style and personality.
Conclusion
Buying a sapphire involves careful consideration of multiple factors to ensure you get a gemstone that is both beautiful and valuable.
By understanding the importance of color, clarity, cut, carat weight, origin, treatments, and certification, you can make an informed decision and find a sapphire that meets your expectations. Whether you’re purchasing a sapphire for a special occasion or as an investment, taking the time to educate yourself about these key aspects will help you select a gemstone that you’ll cherish for years to come.