How to Buy a Sapphire: A Comprehensive Guide

Your Guide to buying the best Sapphires

Overview

Sapphires are a beautiful and popular gemstone that have been admired and coveted by many for hundreds of years. They come in many different shapes, sizes, and colors, making them a great choice for a variety of jewelry and accessories. This buying guide will provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision on the best type of sapphire for your needs. We will cover the different factors that go into selecting the perfect sapphire, as well as the different types of sapphires available on the market. We will also provide an overview of the different cuts, treatments, and prices to give you an idea of what to expect when purchasing a sapphire. With this guide, you will be well-equipped to make the best possible decision for your purchase.

Key features

  1. Color: Sapphires come in a wide variety of colors, including blue, pink, yellow, green, and orange. Look for a color you find attractive.
  2. Carat Weight: The carat weight of a sapphire refers to its size. The higher the carat weight, the bigger the sapphire.
  3. Clarity: Sapphires can range from very clear to heavily included. Look for a clarity that meets your preference.
  4. Cut: Sapphires come in a variety of shapes and cuts, like round, oval, cushion, and emerald. Pick a shape and cut that appeals to you.
  5. Price: The price of a sapphire can vary depending on its color, cut, clarity, and carat weight. Consider your budget and look for a sapphire that meets your price range.
  6. Origin: Sapphires can come from a variety of locations, including Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Madagascar. Consider the origin of the sapphire to ensure it meets your expectations.

See the most popular Sapphires on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Durability - Sapphires are amongst the hardest minerals on Earth, scoring a 9 out of 10 on the Mohs Scale, making them highly durable and suitable for everyday wear.
  • Color Variety - Sapphires come in a variety of colors, including blue, yellow, orange, pink, purple, green, and even black.
  • Affordability - Sapphires are generally more affordable than diamonds, making them a great choice for those looking for a luxurious stone on a budget.
  • Rarity - Sapphires are quite rare, and their rarity makes them a desirable stone for collectors and those looking to make a unique statement.
  • Symbolism - Sapphires are traditionally believed to bring luck, truth, and protection to their owners, making them a meaningful gift.

Cons

  • Cost - Sapphires can be quite expensive, depending on size, clarity, and color.
  • Treatments - Many Sapphires have been treated in some way to enhance their appearance, making it important to identify treatments when purchasing a Sapphire.
  • Durability - Sapphires are quite durable, but can still be scratched, chipped, or broken if not handled with care.
  • Lack of Availability - Sapphires are not as widely available as other gemstones, making it difficult to find the perfect Sapphire for your needs.

Best alternatives

  1. Emeralds - a variety of the mineral beryl (Be3Al2[SiO3]6) that is colored green by trace amounts of chromium and sometimes vanadium.
  2. Rubies - a variety of the mineral corundum (Al2O3) that is colored red by trace amounts of chromium.
  3. Diamonds - a variety of the mineral carbon (C) that occurs as clear octahedral crystals.
  4. Aquamarine - a variety of the mineral beryl (Be3Al2[SiO3]6) that is colored blue-green by trace amounts of iron.
  5. Tanzanite - a variety of the mineral zoisite (Ca2Al3[SiO3]3[Si2O7]OH) that is colored blue-violet by trace amounts of vanadium.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

    Loupe - A magnifying tool used to examine a sapphire's clarity and color. Gemstone Report - A report from a gemological laboratory providing an assessment of the sapphire's weight, color, clarity, and cut grade. Jewelry Setting - A decorative metal setting, such as a ring or pendant, for the sapphire. Polishing Cloths - Soft cloths specifically designed to clean and polish sapphires. Gemstone Cleaner - A cleaning solution used to remove dirt and dust from the sapphire.

Common questions

  1. What is the difference between natural and synthetic sapphires? Natural sapphires are mined from the Earth, while synthetic sapphires are grown in a lab using the same minerals and chemicals found in their natural counterparts.
  2. What color sapphires are available? Sapphires come in a variety of colors, from blues and greens to yellows, oranges, and pinks. Some sapphires, known as “fancy sapphires”, are even colorless.
  3. How can I tell if a sapphire is real? An expert gemologist can use a variety of tests to determine the authenticity of a sapphire. Common tests include a refractive index test, a hardness test, and a thermal conductivity test.
  4. How much do sapphires cost? The cost of a sapphire can vary greatly depending on the size, color, and quality. Generally, larger sapphires with more intense color will cost more than smaller, less intense stones.
  5. What is the best way to care for a sapphire? Sapphires should be stored in a cool, dry place away from other jewelry. It is important to avoid exposing sapphires to extreme temperatures or harsh chemicals. Additionally, sapphires should be cleaned regularly with a soft cloth.

Trivia

A fun fact about sapphires is that their original discovery is estimated to have taken place around 800 BC! They were first documented by the Ancient Greeks, who believed that the blue hue of sapphires was caused by the tears of the gods. This makes them a timeless gem, steeped in mythology and legend. Sources: https://www.bluenile.com/education/gemstones/sapphire

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.