How can you tell a natural sapphire?
Look for flaws and inclusions. Use a jeweler’s magnifying glass, at least 10x magnification, to inspect the sapphire closely. Natural sapphires form with tiny bits of other matter in them, so look for small specks and blemishes. These flaws are a good indication that a sapphire is real.
What does sapphires look like?
It is typically blue, but natural “fancy” sapphires also occur in yellow, purple, orange, and green colors; “parti sapphires” show two or more colors. Red corundum stones also occur, but are called rubies not sapphires. Pink-colored corundum may be classified either as ruby or sapphire depending on locale.
What color sapphire is most valuable?
Blue Sapphires
Blue Sapphires Color has the greatest influence on a sapphire’s value, and preferred sapphires have strong to vivid color saturation. The most valued blue sapphires are velvety blue to violetish blue, in medium to medium-dark tones. Sapphires with these qualities command the highest prices per carat.
How much are rough sapphires worth?
A sapphire stone can always be re-cut, so clarity is probably more important. A top quality 1 to 2 carat stone might retail for prices between $800 – $1200 per carat. While quality 2 to 3 carat stones would sell for approximately double the price per carat, so that would be around $1600 – $2000 per carat.
What Colour is the best sapphire?
blue
The best color for a natural blue sapphire is an intense, velvety, deep royal blue. This color of sapphire would be considered AAA quality, the rarest and most valuable. The second best color is a medium rich blue, or AA quality. Any blue sapphires that have a slight gray undertone fit into the A category.
What is an untreated sapphire?
In very short detail, an untreated sapphire is one that has been taken from the ground and then faceted. Nothing at all was done to the stone to alter the natural beauty, which only elements and process in the earth created naturally. These sapphires are exceptionally more rare and valuable.
How can you tell a rough gemstone?
Examine the surface for imperfections or markings. Surface imperfections or markings such as ridges, grooves, plateaus, pits, etching, or other defects are features that can help you identify a rough gemstone. Study the surface of the stone carefully and note any imperfections on the surface.
How do you tell if a stone is a sapphire?
Look for Flaws Use a magnifying glass or a jeweler’s loupe to check for impurities and flaws within your sapphire. Check for small flaws or specks within the stone. These are an indication that your stone is real. Lab-created sapphires are generally flawless in their composition.
Where can I sell my rough sapphires?
If you’re in the market to sell gemstones, especially sapphires, you have a variety of options. The three most popular options for selling sapphires are auctions, pawn shops, and private buyers. Auctions – auctions, especially online auction sites such as eBay, are common considerations.
Are sapphires worth more than diamonds?
On average, though, a one-carat sapphire will cost less than a one-carat diamond. Blue sapphires are the most expensive color because they’re the most sought after. Likewise, the more brilliant and pure the color is, the more expensive it will be.
Where do the best rough sapphire stones come from?
Lighter stones lose value quickly, deeper blues less so. Deep, royal blue gems are quite valuable, until they get too dark. As a general rule, the best blue rough sapphire stones come from South and Southeast Asia, although those from Africa sometimes have pretty high quality.
How are rubies and sapphires alike and different?
Sapphires and rubies are both varieties of corundum. Just a trace of chromium in corundum will create ruby red color. Sometimes, natural gems form in a non-continuous manner. For example, a fracture in the Earth may add a new element to the chemical mix of a developing gemstone crystal.
What’s the best way to identify a rough gemstone?
Identifying an unpolished, rough gemstone can seem difficult, but it really isn’t! You can use a streak test to determine the color of the gemstone’s powder, which is more accurate than looking at the color on the surface of a rough gemstone.
Which is the most valuable color in Sapphire?
The term “cornflower blue” is greatly over used. If you’re a gardener, you know what the color refers to. Otherwise, I would best describe it as the deepest blue in a clear sky. This is the most valued color in sapphire. Lighter stones lose value quickly, deeper blues less so. Deep, royal blue gems are quite valuable, until they get too dark.