SAPPHIRE RING EDUCATION- What to consider before buying

When you think of sapphires you often think of a blue stone generally used as the main stone of a ring or an accenting gem in a fine jewelry piece. So what is a sapphire and how do you know which one is the best choice for you?
Sapphires are a type of precious gemstone that belong to the mineral family corundum. They are typically blue in color, but can also come in a range of other hues such as pink, yellow, green, purple, and even colorless (known as "white sapphires"). Sapphires are known for their durability, making them a popular choice for engagement rings and other types of fine jewelry.

When buying a sapphire it is important to consider the following factors; Color, Clarity, Cut, Treatment, Origin and Certification.

  1. Color: The color of a sapphire is a key factor in determining its value. The most valuable sapphires are those that are deep, vivid, and evenly saturated in color. They can range upwards of $7000/ct for loupe clean evenly distributed. When considering color think of the best value for your budget. Sometimes budget friendly stones will be available with less than even distribution of color and still look great in jewelry pieces. Your jeweler should be a good source for options and advice on which stone would fit best with the selected design.

  2. Clarity: Like all gemstones, sapphires can have internal inclusions and blemishes. The fewer the inclusions and blemishes, the more valuable the sapphire. The less visible the inclusions to the naked eye the more valuable the stone. The key here is to purchase an eye clean stone that may have a few blemishes under the loupe which will not be visible to the naked eye.

  3. Cut: A well-cut sapphire will have good proportions, symmetry, and polish, which enhances its brilliance and color.

  4. Carat weight: Sapphires come in a range of sizes, and larger stones are typically more valuable than smaller ones. The price per carat can increase exponentially as the carat weight goes up.

  5. Treatment: Many sapphires are treated to improve their color or clarity. Heat treatment is a common practice that can enhance the color and clarity of a sapphire, but other treatments, such as diffusion or fracture filling, can significantly affect its value. Glass filled sapphires are the most budget friendly but may not have the same characteristics or wow factor of a natural non glass filled gem.

  6. Certification: When buying a sapphire, it's important to ensure that it comes with a certificate from a reputable gemological laboratory, such as GIA or GRS AGS. This certificate provides important information about the sapphire's quality and authenticity.

    Overall, buying a sapphire requires careful consideration of these factors, as well as working with a reputable jeweler who can guide you through the process and help you make an informed decision. There are many options and many opportunities to get the "right" stone for your budget.