You may know about sapphire because of Princess Diana. Its elegant and fascinating blue color appeals to most people, but check this Q&A guide before buying sapphire jewelry. Maybe it can offer you some elements you need to consider.
Q1: What color is the sapphire?
A: The most valuable blue sapphires are velvety blue to indigo blue in medium to medium-dark tones, while prevalent sapphires also have a high vivid shade. But its brilliance may be weakened by the dark shade. Due to its corundum nature, sapphires can be colorless, yellow, pink, black, green, purple, etc. And well-known unique sapphires conclude Kashmir Sapphire and Padparadscha.
Q2: How is the clarity of the sapphire?
A: Inclusions are very common in sapphires. However, sapphires with high clarity are extremely rare and valuable. And the value of sapphires fluctuates if the inclusion affects the durability. The tiny inclusions contained in Kashmir Sapphire give it a marvelous velvety appearance. Moreover, the inclusions in Star Sapphire show a starburst pattern.
Q3: What about the cut of the sapphire?
A: The final goal of cutters is to achieve the best overall color. So they orient the cut to maintain the best proportions and try to retain the maximum weight. There are three factors they consider: color zoning, pleochroism, and the lightness of the gem. The gorgeous sapphire polished by skilled craftsmen can exert the most significant aesthetic potential.
Q4: Has the sapphire been treated to enhance its color?
A: Around 95% of the sapphires on the market are under-treated to enhance the color and improve clarity. The treatments involve heat, radiation, and lattice diffusion. High-quality sapphires with slight heat treatment can fetch up to $3000/ct, while sapphires with lattice diffusion treatment are not nearly as valuable as heat-treated sapphires.
Q5: Does sapphire cost much?
A: As one of the most expensive gems in the world, the value of sapphires can be compared to fine ruby and emerald. The price of sapphires ranges from $25/ct to $11000/ct. But the determining factor for the price of sapphires is color. The most valuable sapphires are those with a deep blue hue. But sapphires from famous sources like Kashmir mines have higher prices, even if they are of the same quality.
Q6: How to differ it from other imitations?
A: Common imitations of sapphires are blue colored glass, cubic zirconia, blue spinel, and Tanzanite. Firstly, you can check for scratches. Sapphire is the second most durable gemstone, so it has a high Mohs scale of 9. If there are scratches on it, the chance of it being fake is high. Secondly, you can check for inclusions. Use a magnifying glass to check for small flaws within the sapphire. Your stone is real if flaws exist.
Q7: How do I care for my sapphire jewelry?
A: The enemy of jewelry including two items. The first one is oil. Any gem once stained with oil will lose its original luster; Do not touch the gems with your hands frequently because there will be oil secretion on your hands, which will also affect the brilliance of the gems. The second is acid, alkaline substances, and other common items such as cosmetics, perfume, soap may contain acid and alkali substances. At the same time, remember to wear your jewelry in order: put on your makeup first, then wear your gems.
Q8: Where to buy sapphire jewelry?
A: SHE·SAID·YES!!! Browse through our collection and search for sapphire rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets. You will also find special sections for Sapphire Engagement Rings and Sapphire Wedding Rings.
