Sapphire gemstones are precious gemstones in the corundum family known for their traditionally blue coloring. Sapphires also come in almost every other color but red, as red corundum is ruby. Pure corundum is colorless, so all of the colors in sapphire gemstones come from impurities (e.g. iron and titanium for blue, chromium for pink, ferric iron for yellow, etc.)
Gemologists love sapphire gems for their high durability, gorgeous color range, and diverse jewelry options. But sapphires have been known for thousands of years, used for protection by ancient royals, spiritual guidance by ancient Greeks, and healing the eyes by folks in Medieval times. Today, sapphire gems symbolize commitment, wisdom, serenity, harmony, and strength.
FAQs
What month is sapphire?
Sapphire is a September birthstone, though historical lists classified sapphire as an April birthstone.
What is the history and origin of sapphires?
The oldest confirmed sapphires are Sri Lankan gems found in jewelry worn by Etruscans (ancient Italians) dated circa 600 BC. Sapphire gemstone popularity spread in Europe thanks to writings by Marco Polo, and wearing sapphire gemstones became a trend among royals and religious clergy. The 11th-century Persian scholar Al-Biruni first discovered sapphires and rubies were the same stone (yakut meaning “corundum”), though Western scientists didn’t accept this until the late 1700s.
Are there different types of sapphire gemstones?
Absolutely. The traditional blue sapphires come in various shades like Kashmir, Cornflower, Royal, and Ice. But sapphire gems can also be pink, purple, yellow, orange, green, white, black, or brown — essentially any color but red, which is ruby.
Other interesting types of sapphire gemstones are:
- > Padparadscha Sapphires: Among rarest & most valuable; Combination of pink and orange hue; Traditionally from Sri Lanka
- > Peacock or Mermaid Sapphires: Perfect 50-50 mixture of blue and green; Usually from Montana, USA
- > Parti-Colored Sapphires: Pretty rare; Two or more distinct color zones, like green and yellow or blue and purple
- > Color-Changing Sapphires: Shift from one color in daylight or fluorescent light to another hue under incandescent light, like green to red
- > Star Sapphires: Display a multi-ray reflection of light on the surface called “asterism” thanks to specifically aligned inclusions
- > Trapiche Sapphires: Six-rayed internal pattern (not reflected on the surface) resembling wheel spokes
What is the difference between natural and synthetic sapphires?
Synthetic sapphires are identical to natural sapphires in composition and structure, they’re just made in a lab. As such, synthetic sapphire gems are usually more flawless with more vibrant and evenly distributed coloring. Natural sapphires are significantly pricier than synthetic sapphires.
Can sapphire be used in engagement rings?
You bet! Blue sapphires and white sapphires are among the most popular non-diamond alternatives. Sapphire gemstones are great for their high durability and hardness. Plus, blue sapphires were the most common engagement ring stone in the US before diamonds became standard in the early 1900s.
If you still want a diamond engagement ring, you can use sapphire gems as accent stones or gift your loved one some sapphire jewelry for your anniversary, as sapphires are the traditional 5th wedding anniversary gem.
What factors affect the value of a sapphire gemstone?
Sapphires are graded similarly to diamonds with the 4 Cs: color, cut, clarity, and carat weight. Color is number-one for sapphire gemstones — the most valuable sapphire colors are Kashmir blue, hot pink, or Padparadscha; strong saturation and medium to deep tone also boost value.
High clarity is also important, as top-quality Type II gems like sapphires should be free of eye-visible inclusions. Cut is also important. A faceted cut that enhances brilliance and color is key. Price-per-carat rates will generally increase at 2, 3, 4, and 5+ carat weights for sapphire gems. Lastly, treatments like lattice diffusion can lower a sapphire gemstone’s value.
How can I verify the authenticity of a sapphire gem?
The best way to know a sapphire gem is authentic is with a report from a reputable, third-party agency like GIA or AGL.
Here at GemRockAuctions, verified sellers may provide these reports on their sapphire gem listings. You can even narrow your search using the checkboxes above to only see sapphire gems with lab certificates from specific agencies.
If you’re unsure, you can always request a free audit of any sapphire listing via our Gemstone Sheriff Program to have a third-party panel of experts review the listing for accuracy.
How do I choose the right sapphire gemstone for my needs?
Get familiar with the range of sapphire hues and shades to find one that suits your budget and tastes. Look for sapphire gems cut in a way to enhance the color and sparkle as you turn the stone. Ask if it’s been treated, as this can reduce its value.
If you’re buying a loose sapphire gem to be set into jewelry, consult with your jeweler beforehand to see which setting would work best with the sapphire shape you prefer (or vice versa if you’re more set on a specific setting style.)
What is the process for purchasing sapphires from your site?
Once you’ve created your account, check out the hundreds of beautiful sapphire gemstones available. You can buy a sapphire gem right away if it’s listed as a Catalogue or Buy it Now item (the price will be green with a cart symbol next to it).
Or you can try a more thrilling auction listing, where you bid on open reserve or no reserve sapphires with starting bids as low as $1. Whichever option you choose, you can rest easy knowing you’re buying high-quality sapphire gemstones from thoroughly vetted Verified Sellers with transparent policies.
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