You can tell a rough sapphire from a polished one by its crystal structure. Its colour banding and lineations are located at right angles to its c axis. Its six-sided crystal structure is an indication of its corundum, or sapphire, composition. Sapphires are among the most precious gemstones, and are prized for their beauty and rarity. Learn more about sapphire quality and care.
Value of loose sapphire gemstones
Blue sapphire is one of the most expensive gems, and the value increases considerably with size. If you find a 2 carat stone without any treatment, expect to pay at least $300 per carat. For larger gems, expect to pay $1500 to $2500 per carat. Interestingly, sapphires from Sri Lanka are much more expensive than stones from other countries. Several years ago, the average price of a blue sapphire was around $400 per carat.
However, sapphires can also be treated to decrease the value. A common extreme sapphire treatment involves heating with chemicals to create a shallow rind of color. Heat-treated sapphires tend to have a lower value than those without this treatment. Additionally, some sapphires have surface inclusions filled with lead glass, boosting clarity but detracting value. So, if you’re looking to buy loose sapphire gemstones, you’ll want to be sure to do your research before making your purchase.
When buying loose sapphire gemstones, it’s important to remember that they are not diamonds. Sapphires are graded differently than diamonds, and their color and origin will determine the price of the stone. It’s easiest to understand the differences between different sapphires by their basic grading distinctions. For example, blue sapphires will always command the highest prices due to their size. Pink sapphires will only reach high prices if they’re more than 100 carats in weight.
Sapphire prices vary greatly. The price of a top-quality one to two carat sapphire is typically between $800 and $1200. For a smaller, less rare stone, a quality two to three carat sapphire may sell for $1600 to $2000 per carat. As the price of larger sapphires increases, the price per carat can skyrocket. However, these prices can be higher if you’re looking for a large, high-quality stone.
Quality of color and clarity is critical in sapphire’s value. Sapphires with high-quality color will sparkle and look vibrant, without any brown or gray areas. In addition, they should be well-cut to maximize their unique features. While sapphires can’t be identified based on color alone, the higher the saturation, the better. If you’re buying a loose sapphire, make sure it comes from a reputable vendor.
While lab-created sapphires are cheaper, natural ones tend to be more valuable and rarer. A Kashmir sapphire is a prime example. These gemstones are renowned for their deep blue color. Their deep blue hue has attracted people throughout history. The sapphire’s name is derived from Latin, meaning blue, but some believe it comes from the Sanskrit word for Saturn. This word loosely translates to “close to Saturn”.
Common inclusions in sapphires
Sapphires have a variety of inclusions that affect their sparkle and visibility. You can identify them with a 10x microscope. Fingerprint inclusions are networks of tiny liquid-filled tubes that resemble human fingerprints. These inclusions occur when sapphires re-crystallize to partially heal the fracture zone. Though these inclusions may not appear as noticeable as fingerprints in rubies, they are usually not harmful to sapphire quality.
Aside from being a common gemstone inclusion, sapphires may contain a variety of other materials, such as iron oxide, tungsten, or cobalt. These are all common in sapphire, but may affect its appearance. The inclusions in sapphire can affect its clarity, and the color of the gemstone. Some gemstones may have traces of lead, or they may be cobalt-lead-glass-filled.
Generally, the most expensive sapphires are blue. These sapphires are considered to be the most valuable blue gemstone in the world. Their colours range from light to medium pink-orange, and can be difficult to describe. Most sapphires have a mixture of blue and yellow, and a blue sapphire is a rare find. The varying hue of sapphire can be determined through a stone’s clarity and cut.
A star sapphire is a beautiful gemstone that contains a star. While the star sapphire has six rays, this stone can have as many as twelve. Inclusions in these gemstones can change the colour of the stone, and even make it appear black. Regardless of the inclusions in a sapphire, you should look for a star shaped gemstone with a distinct asterism.
Color change sapphires contain iron and chromium. These elements transfer electrons from the transition metal ion to the sapphire, and this causes the gemstone to change color. Color change sapphires tend to show a broad line at 450nm and transmit the remainder of the spectrum to yellow. A pale blue sapphire rarely has visible absorption lines in the blue and red areas.
Sapphire’s color determines its value. The most valuable sapphires are those with rich color saturation. A velvety blue or violet blue sapphire will command the highest price per carat. Other colors may be less desirable, such as grayish or green or too light or too dark. A rough sapphire with any of these characteristics will not garner much value. If you find a sapphire with a dark color, it is best to avoid it.
Blue sapphire is found in large quantities in Australia, but these stones are often of questionable quality. Many of the Aussie sapphires are enhanced in Thailand, the masters of gemstone enhancement. They are often too dark for the international market. A high-quality cut is critical when buying sapphire. Sapphires with flat weightsaving cuts are considered severe flaws. A high-quality cut will improve its appearance and value.
Quality of loose sapphire gemstones
There are many benefits of buying loose sapphire gemstones rather than a setting. First, loose sapphires are much less expensive than their set counterparts. They allow buyers to see what they’re getting, which means less worry about hidden inclusions or a deepened color. Second, loose sapphires enable buyers to compare the quality and value of the stone before making a purchase. And, third, loose sapphires are more affordable than a jewelry-set stone.
The color of the gemstone is a key factor. Most sapphires are blue, but not all of them are created equal. High-quality sapphires should be clear, but the color can be muddled if there are inclusions. Experts inspect loose sapphire gemstones to see if they contain visible inclusions. The more inclusions, the lower the grade. Inclusions are not as important as the color, however, so it’s important to choose loose sapphire gemstones that don’t contain any visible defects.
Color is the most important factor for determining the value of a blue sapphire. In addition to clarity, color saturation is important. The most valuable blue sapphires are velvety blue or violetish blue with medium to dark blue tones. These stones command the highest prices per carat. Light-blue sapphires, on the other hand, are less valuable and therefore worth less. You should also consider the cut of a sapphire before making your purchase.
The color of loose sapphire gemstones is highly important as sapphires have various secondary hues. Secondary hues are usually very subtle or non-existent and will not affect the overall appearance of the stone. However, sapphires with a uniform hue increase the value of the stone. The better the quality, the higher its price. A sapphire with only minor secondary hues is also a higher quality stone.
The top 1% of sapphires contain the highest brilliance and have deep hue. However, they may contain a few inclusions. This is not a bad thing, as the inclusions can help identify the variety of sapphire and differentiate it from an imitation. Moreover, inclusions differ from location to location. The inclusions in the best 10% are often light, while the rest exhibit medium or heavy inclusions.
The size of a sapphire is important as well. A 1 carat round sapphire might have a diameter of 5.7 to 6 mm. However, the size of the center stone will depend on the cut of the gemstone. Similarly, a 0.5-carat round sapphire will have a diameter of 1.6 to 2.5 millimeters. As a result, a 1.5-carat sapphire will fit in a 1-carat diamond setting.
The hardness of sapphire is nine on the Mohs scale. It is the second hardest material on earth after diamond. Its durability makes it an excellent choice for engagement rings and other pieces of jewelry. Despite their high price, sapphires can also be used in non-ornamental settings. Many sapphires undergo heat-treatment to enhance their color and clarity. They are also more transparent if the heating removes some inclusions.