If there is any other gemstone more popular and striking than diamond, it’s a sapphire (birthstone of September). A seductive blue-colored sapphire is a variety of a mineral called corundum (although, its other hues are equally admirable). For a long time, it has been many’s popular choice for jewelry.
Since it’s naturally mined as well as lab-treated, you’ll find the stone with some visible flaws and inclusions. These signs are an indicator of something that guarantees its genuineness. And if yours is flawless, it’s fair to say that you’ve paid for a lab-treated one! If you want to know more about this precious gem, you should read this article.
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What does a sapphire look like?
The stone has a hexagonal crystal system with a value of 9 on the Mohs hardness scale. This makes it highly durable and strong next to only the diamond (Mohs hardness of a diamond is 10). While most people think of sapphire as a gemstone with an eye-catchy blue color, its other colors are also popular and prized. Colors like pink, purple, yellow, green, white, grey, black, and brown look beautiful.
How are sapphires made?
As said above, there are both natural and lab-made sapphires in the market. The natural stones come from a mineral called corundum, a crystallized form of aluminum oxide. The mineral corundum forms in crystalline rocks where several other minerals work together. This happens under extreme heat and pressure for thousands of years to create these beautiful and rare stones.
Now, as scientists have tasted success in creating look-alikes of these natural stones, you have a less-expensive synthetic September birthstone too. These synthetic variants are formed from the synthetic corundum but under a controlled environment in a very quick time. Since both natural and synthetic sapphire comes from the same mineral corundum, it’s very difficult to differentiate between the two.
The only difference between the two lies in their appearance. That is, natural sapphire will have some sorts of flaws and inclusions when viewed closely while the synthetic one will be free from such things. However, still, the natural variant is the most sought-after among the buyers.
How much does a sapphire cost?
Unlike the other precious stones, you’ll notice a sapphire under multiple price tags starting from as low as $25/ct to as high as $11,000/ct. On average, a 1-carat bright blue sapphire will cost you something between USD 450 to USD 1400 depending upon the cut, carat weight, and clarity. The color is the most decisive factor in the pricing of sapphires. With the seductive blue shade being still highly-prized and in-demand worldwide, it reigns.
Furthermore, the Kashmir variety of stones (also called “blue velvet”) is worth more. It’s excavated from the mines of the Zanskar range of the Himalayas which is greatly inaccessible. If you want something under a budget, you can get the same Kashmir sapphire look-alikes from Ceylon and Burma. But remember the standard, in that case, will be just above par.
What are the different types of sapphires?
Because of various chemicals present inside the stone, you get several types of fascinating September birthstones as discussed below.
Pink
This September birthstone gets its vibrant pink hue owing to the presence of chromium in its formation process. Pink sapphire is largely preferred for engagement and wedding rings as it symbolizes romance and affection.
Yellow
Regarded as a good alternative to yellow diamond, a yellow sapphire compliments almost every jewelry setting. It appears warm and mesmerizing to the eyes. A beauty, isn’t it?
Green
Well, this particular variety is still not much known and can be accessible in a range of colors, from pale green to intense green.
White
Beware, white sapphire is identical to a diamond but doesn’t offer the same level of brilliance as a diamond does.
Padparadscha
Most rare with a captivating allure is how one can describe a Padparadscha Stone. Although its exact color leaves many in a toss, when closely observed, it’s like a tropical mix of orange and pink.
Factors to keep in mind while buying the September birthstone
While buying a sapphire doesn’t involve much thought process, it’s right to say that the following factors must be given a thought before settling the bill for your loose stones or jewelry.
Color
Color and saturation play a crucial role in this gemstone shopping such that even its cut and clarity can be overlooked for a while.
Treatment
As natural pieces are very rare, they are not accessible at every shop. Rather you’ll find heat-treated stones with the same appearance but at half the price. Hence, don’t be fooled by just the appearance and focus on any possible treatment(s) as well.
Inclusions
Yes, any visible flaw or inclusion on your chosen sapphire is indeed a great point for you (as it indicates its genuineness) while the same in diamond might be an area of concern for you.
Wrap Up
We hope you find your perfect sapphire fit.
There are colors, variety, and a lot more.
So what’s holding you back? Get that beautiful sapphire for yourself.
FAQs
Which color of the sapphire gemstone is the most expensive?
Out of its several shades, you’ll find its alluring blue variant the most expensive as it is highly prized, finds most buyers and is very rare.
What is the meaning of sapphire?
The term “sapphire” originates from the Greek word “sappheiros” meaning “a blue color stone”. It symbolizes wisdom and integrity. Due to this, it’s one of the 4 precious gems i.e. diamond, ruby, and emerald.
What are some myths surrounding sapphires?
For ages, the gemstone has been at the center of controversies and myths like the stone is mined naturally as blue, it’s not durable, it reverses the wearer’s fortune, etc. In reality, only some of these are true while others are just ” myths”.
How much does a 5-carat sapphire cost?
Although its price keeps fluctuating, a 5-carat stone will ask for anything between USD 3000-5000 per carat.