Blue Sapphire

The Sapphire is one of the most celebrated and sought-after gemstones in the world. Yet for most, the word "sapphire" immediately conjures the classic deep-blue stone. In reality, however, the sapphire's colour palette is far broader and more varied. Sapphires may be blue, yellow, green, violet, pink, orange, and even raspberry-red. Bi-colour and tri-colour sapphires also exist, in which different hues are simultaneously combined. One may even encounter unique stones that unite yellow and blue at once.

It is precisely unusual hues and rare colour combinations that are extraordinarily prized by collectors and investors. Certain sapphire colours have already become true icons of the world gemstone market. One of the most celebrated examples is the Padparadscha-coloured sapphire. It is arguably one of the fastest-appreciating sapphires in terms of value. The price of fine padparadscha sapphires today rises even more rapidly than that of classic blue sapphires.

A great diversity of hues are moreover considered beautiful and valuable. There are, for instance, deeply saturated raspberry sapphires, which sometimes give rise to debate among gemological laboratories. One laboratory may classify such a stone as a sapphire, while another designates it a ruby. This is unsurprising, as sapphires and rubies belong to the same mineral family — corundums — and share the same chemical composition. The distinction between them is determined primarily by colour.

Sapphires rank among the finest gemstones for everyday wear. They are characterised by exceptional hardness, resist daily use admirably, and retain their appearance for many years. This is precisely why sapphires are greatly favoured for engagement rings and jewels intended for everyday wear.

The presence of minor natural inclusions in sapphires is entirely normal. Naturally, the cleaner the stone, the greater its value. There are even perfectly clean specimens designated as eye-clean, though their price is considerably higher.

One of the most common and widely recognised methods of sapphire enhancement is heat treatment (heating). Through heating, the stone's natural colour may become more intense, deeper, and more vivid. This process is considered entirely standard for sapphires and in no way diminishes their qualities. The colour after heating remains stable and will never revert to its original state. If you are therefore selecting a sapphire for a jewel and everyday wear, there is no cause for concern regarding heat treatment.

It is important to know, however, that wholly unheated sapphires invariably command a higher value. This applies not only to sapphires, but to all precious stones in general — if a stone possesses a beautiful colour with no intervention whatsoever, it is considered rarer and more precious. This is precisely why collectors and investors seek above all unheated sapphires. The padparadscha colour, for example, is so rare and coveted that even heated specimens command extraordinarily high demand on the world market.

Other forms of sapphire treatment exist that are now considered undesirable. Glass or polymer filling, for instance. In these cases, heavily damaged corundums with fractures and cavities are used, filled with glass to improve their appearance. Such stones hold no investment value and are used primarily in mass jewellery production.

Another treatment method is diffusion — the surface colouring of the sapphire. Such stones may appear attractive to the eye, yet the colour resides only in the uppermost layer. Should such a sapphire be recut or modified in the future, the surface layer may be damaged and the stone lose its appearance.

One could speak of sapphires endlessly — for this gemstone is extraordinarily diverse and fascinating. Should you have any questions regarding the provenance, colour, properties, or value of sapphires, our gemmologist is always delighted to advise and assist you in selecting a truly fine and beautiful stone.