Blue sapphire is the most precious gemstone from the corundum mineral family. These gems are loved for their vivid blue color, preferably for jewelry purposes in Western cultures.
However, in other cultures, there is much to say about the magical powers of blue sapphire stone. In Indian culture, it is considered the most powerful gemstone for Saturn. Legends consider this blue gem as the treasure of wealth and power.
Stunning and full of magical powers, natural blue sapphire is the best gemstone to invest in. You may find gems that also feature the same color. For instance, tanzanite stone is sometimes confused with sapphire blue. Affordable blue gemstones like Iolite are also sold under the name sapphires.
One needs to understand the key factors responsible when buying blue sapphire. This will help you with an authentic purchase.
Interested in buying a blue sapphire ring for your wedding read our blog to know more: Want Something Blue For Your Wedding – How About Blue Sapphires?
Tips to Buy Natural Sapphire
Here are some factors you should consider
- Choose a trusted seller
Whether you want to buy natural blue sapphire online or offline, always seek trusted gemstone sellers. Consider good customer reviews, certificates for authenticity, and transparent policies.
Also Read: Why Buy Gemstones Online from Navratan?
- Certification Matters a lot
Recognized laboratories such as IGI, GIA, AGL, and GRS provide gemstone certificates for sapphires. The IGL certificate for blue sapphire specifies the stone’s weight, clarity, color, cut, and size. A GRS (Gem Research Swiss lab) tells you the origin of the gemstone. So, if it’s a sapphire, it states which origin it belongs to-Ceylon, Burma, Kashmir, Madagascar, and more.
- Evaluate the Color
The best sapphire color is deep blue with medium tone and high saturation. A slight purplish overtone is considerable, like those from Burma. Kashmir blue sapphire features a rare blue shade not found in other origins.
Also Read: How to Identify a Kashmir Blue Sapphire
The intense royal blue color, velvety texture, and fine inclusions make Kashmir sapphire look like it is glowing from the inside. While purchasing this blue corundum, the color is the main 4C, and one should check for the same online and offline.
- Examine Clarity and Inclusions
Eye-clean sapphires with no cloudiness are best. If the color is equally distributed, it might be a lab-created gemstone. So, it’s important to check the color distribution pattern. Burma blue sapphires have equal color distribution, whereas Ceylon sapphires show uneven shades ranging from pale blue to intense blue.
- Consider Cut and Shape
Most of us do not find this factor relevant in examining the sapphire price, but it holds a significant value. A well-cut gemstone reflecting vivid color and clarity is considered a high-quality sapphire. This blue gemstone looks beautiful in every shape. Yes, shape and cut are used interchangeably but have different meanings.
Also Read: Gemstone Shapes vs Gemstone Cuts
The cut is facets performed by skilled lapidaries, whereas shape is what we look at on gemstone surfaces. So, if you choose the best shape of sapphire that is round and cushion, ensure it is symmetrically cut from all sides.
- Check Carat Weight
The higher the carat weight, the higher the price. A 1-carat weight sapphire price is less than a 3-carat weight sapphire blue. One should always check the other 3 Cs: cut, color, and clarity. Don’t buy sapphire just because it weighs high. Check for the different factors, too. It is believed that finding 3-carat Kashmir sapphire and above is rare and pricey, too.
- Origin and Treatment (OT)
The 4Cs+OT is most important when evaluating the price of your gem. Sapphires are found worldwide. The best place where they are found is Ceylon (Sri Lanka). Ceylon blue sapphires are incredible in terms of color and clarity. They are most popular when it comes to quality and beauty. Other sapphire origins include Burma, Madagascar, Australia and Thailand.
Mostly, all sapphires available on the market go through heat treatment. Only 2% of them in the marketplace are untreated. However, some say you can tell if a sapphire is treated by looking at its color. Still, the only way to determine the difference is to obtain a certificate from a recognized laboratory.
GIA is the most trustworthy certificate one can look for. Apart from this, GRS, IGI, Gubelin, and GII are well-known gemstone certificate providers. Sapphires that have not undergone any treatment are priceless and worth buying.
Are you purchasing fake sapphire? Tips that can help you
Blue sapphire price ranges from $500 to $ 1500. Natural sapphires of higher carat weight above 3 carats with good color, clarity and cut are exclusively high in price. Here are some essential tips you can consider while buying sapphire from the market:
1. Check for Air Bubbles
Fake sapphire or glass imitation may contain gas bubbles. A real sapphire has imperfections and flaws, and it makes an identification proof that you can see with your naked eyes. So, whenever you buy a blue sapphire, ask whether the imperfections are inclusions or glass.
2. Assess the Hardness
Genuine sapphires are hard and do not scratch easily. So, it is the perfect test you can perform at home to check the stone’s authenticity.
3. Observe the Color
The best blue sapphire color is velvety blue to violetish blue. Blue sapphire vs tanzanite relates to the former, with blue as the primary color, whereas the second mentioned features purple as the primary hue.
Read More here: Which is Better, Sapphire or Tanzanite?
Lastly, order blue sapphire with GIA certified from a reputable gemstone seller to ensure you have paid the right price.