Blue sapphire is the most powerful gemstone. Whether you are looking for an engagement ring or cosmic energy to radiate around you, this sapphire type is the best. High-quality blue sapphire stone is expensive and rare, especially the Kashmir variety.
The market is filled with counterfeits, such as blue glass or amethyst being sold as sapphire. This is where the identification of natural blue sapphire becomes important.
Identification of any gemstone is not easy. Besides a reputed seller you can trust, here are certain tips you can choose to buy sapphire blue.
How To Tell If A Sapphire Is Real?
In general 4Cs define the criteria to buy any gemstone. Whether it’s emerald stone, sapphires, ruby stone, or semi-precious stones like aquamarine, the price is determined by the 4Cs. Determining real sapphire vs fake is significant through three main criterias that is color, cut and certificate.
Color: The First Sign
Color is noticed first when purchasing any gemstone. The brighter the color, the more it catches the eye. But one must be careful, as all that glitters is not gold.
- A real sapphire features color from pale to darker blue. While choosing the best sapphire, one must consider the medium-toned blue color. This is because pale blue sapphire looks dull, whereas a darker one lacks brilliance.
- A fake stone often looks too bright or too even, almost like glass.
Pro Tip: Hold it in natural light. A real sapphire will show tiny differences in tone, while a fake often looks the same all over. Natural blue sapphire shows color windowing, which means uneven color is seen all over the stone. An evenly distributed color may be a glass or a fake sapphire.
Read More: Is Your Gemstone Authentic? Essential Tips Every Consumer Should Know – navratan.us
Types of Sapphires
- Natural sapphires – Found beneath the earth’s surface, and are most valuable. They are mined from the earth. Sapphires are characterised by their origin. For instance, most prized sapphires are from Kashmir.
Also Know: How Gemstone Origin Affects Price and Energy – navratan.us
- Treated sapphires –Most sapphires are treated to enhance their color and clarity. Though they are natural, they undergo some kind of treatment and hence are less expensive than the natural ones.
- Synthetic sapphires –These are grown in labs under controlled conditions. Though they mimic the natural conditions under which natural sapphires are formed, they are less valued.
- Imitations – They look like sapphire but are glass pieces.
Cut: Why It Matters
Gemstone cut is defined as the shape that is given by the lapidaries after it is sourced from the earth’s surface.
- A well-cut sapphire reflects brilliance. The higher it reflects the more it shines and is thus expensive.
- A poor cut makes the stone look dull and devalues its price.
Pro Tip: Tilt the stone under light, a real one will shine evenly.
Grades of Sapphires
Gem experts grade sapphires by three main things:
- Color – Deep and bright colors get higher grades.
- Clarity – Real sapphires usually have tiny marks inside. A stone that looks “too perfect” could be lab-made.
- Cut – A sharp, balanced cut makes the stone more valuable.
These three decide the overall sapphire grades.
AAAA, AAA, AA are the best sapphire grades. They show excellent color, clarity, and cut.
How to Tell if Sapphire is Real
Here are a few easy checks:
- Inclusions: Most real sapphires have small natural lines or dots inside. If you see no marks at all, it may be fake or lab-grown.
- Hardness: Sapphires rank high on the Mohs scale of hardness. They are scratch-resistant.
- Bubbles: If you see air bubbles inside, it might be a glass, not a real sapphire.
- Weight: A glass feels a little lighter compared to the natural sapphire.
Certification: The Final Proof
Always ask for a gemstone certificate. Labs like GIA, IGI, or GRS test the stone and confirm if it’s natural, treated, or synthetic.
This is very important when buying a 14K gold blue sapphire engagement ring. Certification makes sure you’re not paying for a fake.
Learn More: Gemstone Certification: Why It Matters for Jewellery Buyers! – navratan.us
Why Trusted Sellers Matter
Because sapphires are expensive, it’s best to buy from a trusted gemstone seller. Navratan is the best seller who gives you an authentic proof that is a certificate from a recognised laboratory like GIA, GRS.
Final Thoughts
Buying any gemstone is not easy. It is important to tick all the boxes before investing in these natural pieces. The most important part is that wherever you buy a blue sapphire, ask for the certificate.