Sapphire Buying Guide: 6 Things to know before choosing a gemstone

The quintessential 4Cs used to define the diamond collection is not necessarily applicable to other gemstones. Sapphire is one of the best examples that showcase the fallacy of 4C principle. Despite sharing similar properties and physical brilliance, the sapphires have mostly stayed away from falling from the 4C charts. Buyers looking for sapphire having no clue about the factors that one must check, so they can use the following 6 pointers with great effect.

1.  Learn the 4Cs:

The 4Cs used to define the quality of diamond are;

- Color
- Cut
- Clarity
- Carat

The 4 Cs can be used for sapphires too, but only sparingly. How?

2.  Decide the Sapphire carats:

Different gemstones have different densities. Sapphires are heavier than diamonds, or for that matter, heaviest in the list of popular gemstones. A 2-carat gemstone will probably outweigh a 6 carat diamond.

A 6 mm sapphire is rated as 1-carat. Large blue sapphires are obtained with a carat weight of more than 50 carats. Smaller sapphires weighing less than 5.00 carat are used in engagement rings and bracelets.


3.  Sapphire clarity:

Sapphires have naturally more inclusions and blemishes than other gemstones. The common inclusions that affect the sapphire clarity are:

- Crystal spots
- Rutiles
- Needles and growth tubes
- Cracks and cleavages
- Color zoning
- Chips and cavities
- Halos

The clarity is also affected by scratches, nicks, and abrasions. The clarity of the sapphire is established by calibrating its level of transparency. The different sapphire categories lie between transparent and opaque levels. The grade of clarity could be flawless, internally flawed and Very-very-slightly included.

modern-Sapphire-gemstone


4.  Sapphire color:

Sapphire’s color is established by studying three factors. They are:

- Hue
- Saturation
- Tone

The hues of the sapphire include colors like blue, green, purple blue and green purple. The saturation of the color makes it gray or dark. The color of sapphire ranges between light and dark blue.

The way a sapphire is cut can amplify the color, enhancing the clarity and brilliance of the surface, Symmetry of the sapphire also plays an important role in ensuring highest clarity. Smooth edges of the sapphire also play a distinct role in producing a flawless clarity.

5.  Sapphire cut:

Like the Round Brilliants and Princess Cut of the diamond, sapphires have no particular “ideal” shape to reckon with. The lack of standardization in sapphires when it comes to choosing a sapphire cut hampers the retail value of the gemstone. Moreover, the gemstone laboratories too don’t promote any particular sapphire cut in particular.

6.  How are sapphires cut then?

The cut of the sapphire depends on the color and clarity exuded by the gemstone. The dark color sapphires are usually cut along shallow angles. This softens the hue and provides uniform saturation. The lighter sapphires are cut deep to magnify the hue.

The table is the most important facet of the sapphire, which is cut flat to provide asymmetric contour to the gemstone. Once the 4Cs are established, the buyer can make a deal.

Save