How to Choose High-Quality Sapphires
When Prince Charles proposed to Lady Diana Spencer, he gave her a sapphire ring, which symbolizes faithfulness. While the spell didn't work in that case, the sapphire remains one of the world's most popular gemstones, ranging in color from deep, dark blue to light violet.
- Difficulty:
- Moderate
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- Jewelry Pouches
- Jewelry Boxes
- Sapphire Bracelets
- Sapphire Earrings
- Sapphire Necklaces
- Sapphire Rings
- Jewelry Insurance
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1
Begin your search at a reputable and trusted jewelry store. Be sure the staff knows gemstones in general and sapphires in particular.
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2
Ask if the stone has been treated in any way. Some common treatments to enhance gems include irradiation, heat treatment, dyeing and coating. Not all of these treatments will devalue the stone, but always ask so you know what you're getting.
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3
Study the color of the stone. The most valuable sapphires are deep, pure blue, and do not change color when moved into different light. Stones that are too dark or too light are of less value than royal blue stones.
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4
Make sure there are no visible inclusions in the stone or scratches on the surface.
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5
Examine the cut of the sapphire. Oval shapes - like Princess Diana's ring - are popular, but sapphires come in a variety of cuts. Make sure the light reflects evenly off the surface of the stone when it is held face up. Look at the surface of the stone from several angles to be sure.
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6
Place several sapphires side by side and compare them. Look at the color and cut, then choose the stone you like best.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Sapphires and rubies are closely related and are formed from the same material, corundum. Sapphires come in a variety of colors but, in essence, a red sapphire is a ruby. So-called "fancy" sapphires range in color from yellow to green to pink to violet.
Sapphires can be heated at high temperatures to give them a better color and clarity. It is estimated that 90 percent of the sapphires on the market have undergone this process, which does not affect the value of the stone.
A cabochon-cut sapphire with a six-legged star in the middle is called a star sapphire. A star sapphire should have a prominent star with legs of equal length.
If you're shopping online, investigate the site's return policy, and make sure you buy from a reputable online jeweler.
Sapphires sold inexpensively are probably not the real thing.
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Comments
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very beautyful
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in like that ring.
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AuPlantagenet
Mar 20, 2008
DEBBIEDAVID RUN TO ANOTHER JEWELER. Anyone charging that much for a blue included sapphire (I1 or SI1-2 which should be readily visible on the certificate from the GIA,AGL or what ever gem lab they are using, as there should be an independant review on a sapphire of that price) is dishonest at least. the market is glutted with sapphires at present, even the best natural, CEYLON ORIGIN,sans inclusions gem OR EVEN A PERFECT AND LAB GROWN sapphire will not approach that cost.15,000 is about the top price retail, at present for ceylon origin material- he is not only doubling the price, not doing you any favors as a return customer not haggling over cost, and sees you- clearly as an easy mark! You should not only report him to the BBB in ayour area and report him to any local sources for consumer advocacy that are in your area, but confront him on the matter-offer him no more than $600for -
debbiedavid
Jun 17, 2007
our jeweler who we have purchased from many times has quoted us a $30,000 sapphire. the stone is gorgeous to look at, stunning color, a cushion cut, 6-7 carats. we looked at it under his microscope and noticed an inclusion that he said was "not a problem" and that is normal, that shows him it has not been heat treated or altered in anyway, etc..... should we be skeptical? if we are paying this much, should the stone have NO inclusions or are inclusions part of having any sapphire and the important thing is the color as he has said....
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Sandra2007123
Feb 25, 2007
Hello: I appreciate your help in choosing high quality sapphires. I am embarassed to ask, but in North America many expensive items can be bargained, such as cars, large pieces of high end furniture. Is this true with fine jewelry? Thanks, Sandra
