While shopping for sapphires is less complex than shopping for a diamond, it still requires some knowledge. Diamonds are prized for their brilliance, but sapphires are prized primarily for their color. This is the key to successfully shopping for these very expensive gemstones.

The Fundamentals of Sapphire

Historically sapphires have been owned by royalty and the extraordinarily wealthy. They were prized during ancient times, especially among the Persians, who believed the entire planet rested on one. They come in an array of colors, including yellow, pink, brown, orange, red and green. Red sapphires are referred to as being rubies and these gems are considered the birthstone of the month of September. In terms of hardness, they score 9 out of 10 according to Mohs’ scale, and are surpassed only by diamonds.

Know The Four C’s of Sapphires

The key to successfully purchasing the right sapphire is to know the four C’s. These are clarity, color, carat and cut. It is virtually impossible to find a sapphire that is completely free of inclusions. In fact, a sapphire that doesn’t have them is likely to be a fake. The majority of sapphires are treated by heat to enhance their color and clarity. Sapphires which have not been heat treated are worth much more.

Color is the most important characteristic of a sapphire. The most beautiful have a wonderful balance of tone, saturation and hue. Less desirable sapphires tend to be dull and devoid of color. Sapphires are distinct from diamonds in that no standard exist for cuts. For sapphires one must depend on a gem cutter to bring out the best balance of clarity and color. Sapphires which have been cut well are symmetrical and will correctly reflect light at angles which will maximize its luster. Gem cutters that work with sapphires will often make deeper cuts to ensure the tone is just right. Carat refers to a sapphire’s weight. They tend to be heavier than diamonds, but may appear smaller.

Sapphire Shapes

Sapphires come in four shapes, which are round, oval, emerald and cushion. Another variant is a cabochon cut, where the sapphire will appear as an oval which is smooth with a convex dome. This shape is the best for displaying the asterism of the sapphire. When shopping for these gemstones it is important to get a high resolution image of them. You will also need to determine the tone, saturation and hue.

Diamonds use a color grading system which is standardized, while sapphires do not. This means it is more difficult to compare different sapphires, which emphasizes the importance of purchasing them from a reputable dealer. Blue sapphires in particular are highly valued, as is the Padparadscha Sapphire of Sri Lanka, which is a pinkish/orange color. When shopping for sapphires in the United States, bear in mind that regulations state that the gem must have a minimum saturation of color in order to be considered a ruby. Outside the U.S. the term ruby is used in a broader sense.