Guide to Buying Blue Sapphires

Sapphires are the second hardest stone, next to diamonds.

Blue sapphires are among the most highly prized gems because of their beauty and rarity. While there is no standardized grading for these gems, you should consider carat, color, clarity and cut when purchasing your blue sapphire.

Carat

A carat, or one-fifth of a gram, is the unit of measurement used for gem weight. Gems are sold by weight rather than size because gems vary in density. Because large blue sapphires are rare, they cost more per carat the larger they become.

Color

Blue sapphires come in colors ranging from pale to royal blue, with deeper tone and saturation highly valued. Purity of color is indicated by the consistency of blue in all lighting conditions.

Clarity

Clarity is determined by the presence of inclusions, which are like birthmarks internal to the gem. Most blue sapphires have some form of inclusion, so sapphires with no inclusions or inclusions only visible with magnification are highly valued.

Cut

A sapphire's cut reveals its brilliance and beauty. The best cuts are symmetrical and reflect light without dark or washed out spots.

References

• Gemological Institute of America: Fact Sheets
• The Natural Sapphire Company: Sapphires
• Gemological Institute of America: How to Buy a Gemstone
• The Natural Sapphire Company: Education

Resources

• International Colored Gemstone Association: Sapphire