When you talk about sapphires? Blue sapphire stone comes to your mind first. The captivating color and brilliance make it different from others. But do you know that this shade of blue is not just blue but comes in several mesmerizing tones, each with its own charm and value.
Among them, Cornflower Blue and Royal Blue Sapphires stand out as the most admired — both symbolizing beauty, luxury, and timeless appeal. Physically, when you see them, you can’t make out the difference between the two because of the same color. But there exists a significant difference from color to price. Let’s know more about this:
What Is a Cornflower Blue Sapphire?
Cornflower blue sapphires are sought-after varieties of blue sapphires. The soft medium blue hue of this stone is its highlighted feature. The color resembles the soft glow of cornflower, which is a rare hue in nature. Because of the resemblance of the color, this stone is named so. Some say that this blue sapphire variety is of Kashmir origin, but it is also found in Ceylon (Sri Lanka).
Read Our blog: How to Identify Genuine Blue Sapphire: Color, Cut & Certification – navratan.us
What is a Royal Blue sapphire?
Royal blue sapphire is also the most prized gemstone from the sapphire family. The royal blue color of this stone is rich and exudes royalty, one of the reasons it is widely preferred in engagement rings. These sapphires are primarily mined in Sri Lanka, Myanmar (Burma), and Thailand. Their darker tone and vivid depth give them a bold and striking appearance, making them a favorite for statement jewelry.
Color Comparison: Cornflower vs. Royal Blue Sapphire
Cornflower sapphire has a medium soft blue tone. This color is rare, thus making this stone equally rare. The cornflower blue color ranges from pale to darker blue. On the contrary, the royal blue sapphire has a darker tone. It ranges from a deep blue tone to a darker tone. Some of the specimens also show a very dark tone with less saturation, appearing to be black. The ideal royal sapphire color is the one that features a medium tone, a rich blue hue, and high saturation.
| Feature | Cornflower Sapphire | Royal Blue Sapphire |
| Color | Medium, velvety blue | Deep, vivid blue |
| Origin | Kashmir, Sri Lanka | Sri Lanka, Burma |
| Rarity | Kashmir cornflower sapphires are highly rare | High carat weight with good brilliance are rare |
| Brilliance | High Brilliance | Comparatively Low |
| Value | Kashmir sapphires are highly prized | High carat weight stones with vivid color are prized |
The Rarity Factor
Rarity plays a considerable role in determining a gemstone’s worth. Kashmir cornflower blue sapphires are the rarest ones because of their limited accessibility and velvety appearance. Kashmir mines are closed now, and these stones are not actively mined. This has made them highly sought after by collectors. The velvety texture adds to their exclusivity.
Royal Blue sapphires are widely available. Noted mines are in Sri Lanka and Burma. High carat weight sapphires with this color and exceptional brilliance are rare.
Brilliance and Light Reflection
Kashmir cornflower blue sapphires display a velvety appearance. These gemstones with a pale blue color, medium tone, and high saturation are considered ideal. They reflect more light in comparison to royal blue sapphires and are suitable for exclusive jewelry pieces.
Royal blue sapphires with darker tones do not reflect light and appear dull. These gems reflect shine with their medium tone and high saturation.
Royal Blue Sapphire vs Cornflower Sapphire Price and Value
When it comes to pricing, both types can fetch impressive figures. Cornflower blue sapphires from Kashmir with a velvety glow are considered the most valuable. This is because of their rarity and historical significance.
Royal Blue Sapphires from Burma or Ceylon can also reach high prices, especially if they are untreated and have excellent clarity. Read More: Gemstone Grading Explained: What Makes a Stone Truly Rare? – navratan.us
Which Is More Valuable?
In terms of investment, both gemstones are highly valuable. Kashmir cornflower blue sapphires are considered legendary among gem collectors. Royal Blue Sapphires are equally admired for their bold color.
Looking for certified Cornflower or Royal Blue Sapphires? There is only one place you can find these, and that is Navratan. We have a vast collection of sapphires, all of which have unmatched beauty and value.