To definitely answer the question of how much a sapphire costs, it will be useful to get acquainted with its biography and learn about its varieties, which, by the way, will further influence its valuation.
Sapphire has been a famous gemstone since ancient times and it has never left even the most sophisticated buyer indifferent. They are thrown at the feet of beauties; this gem has driven more than one girl crazy.
About sapphires
There is a common belief that the crystal has an exceptionally deep blue color. However, this stereotype is categorically untrue, because this mineral is famous for its huge number of colors, which significantly affect the cost.
It is important to clarify that sapphire is a type of corundum and belongs to the highest category stones. Red corundums are rubies, and gemologists classify blue, green, yellow, orange, pink, black and white minerals as sapphires.
Besides everything else, sapphire stone has the highest strength. According to the Mohs scale, the mineral is second only to diamond. And he received such colorful and mesmerizing shimmers thanks to iron and titanium.
The cost of sapphires depending on the combination of 5 parameters
The cost of sapphires on the international market can be systematized using the certificates that accompany all stones from class I precious minerals. The price of crystal formation is determined by the structural quality of the sapphire:
- Low – from 50 to 500 $.
- Satisfactory – from 500 to 1500 $.
- Good - from 1800 to 4000 $.
- Excellent – from $3500 to $6000.
- Minerals of excellent quality, the size of which exceeds 5 carats - from $6,500 to $9,500.
- Famous Burmese sapphires, not susceptible to heat treatment, weighing more than 6 carats - from $12,250 to $18,000.
Gold earrings with diamonds and pink sapphires, SL;
gold ring with diamonds and pink sapphires, SL (prices via links) The price range in each category is determined by the individual characteristics of the stone, processing method, presence of structural damage and color saturation. To purchase a gemstone mined in the quarries of Sri Lanka, Taiwan or India, collectors reserve a queue for the next mineral found - so valuable are the crystalline formations of sapphire in the 21st century.
Expensive stones from Burma do not require complex cutting - processing reduces the natural quality of the multi-faceted sapphire. The variety of colors of sapphire is a feature of the corundum variety, which has long been in demand in royal circles, among the noble nobility and those close to the royal family. Crowns and altars, ceremonial halls and presidential chambers are decorated with the mineral shimmering in the light. The magic of sapphire cannot be explained - it is available only to owners of an amazing crystal from class I gemstones.
Varieties and prices
The cornflower blue mineral differs from other varieties in its highest cost.
- Blue crystals with a dark tint are considered the most valuable. The price varies from $200 to $1000 per 1 carat, depending on the purity and cutting technology, the price also fluctuates.
- “Padparadscha” is common in gemology; it stands out for its rather complex color, which combines orange, light pink and purple tones. Such a stone is valued significantly less than the cornflower blue variety. It costs approximately $120–170 per carat.
- Yellow crystals are very rare. Has a wide range of different shades. Gems of rich yellow or golden shades are valued equally, at approximately $100–130 per 1 carat.
- The green mineral is very unique, while this variety does not have an absolutely pure color in nature; there is always a small number of stripes painted in yellowish and cornflower blue tones, this is what gives the mineral a remarkable appearance. This combination creates an optical effect. Due to numerous refractions of light rays and alternating shades, the illusion of a flawless green color arises. Despite such an interesting appearance, the cost of these gems is about $80 per 1 carat;
- Star sapphires are an amazing phenomenon. When processing a mineral, craftsmen give it a round shape with a perfectly smooth surface, since in the stone, thanks to the admixture of rutile, when light is refracted onto its surface, patterns appear in the form of four-pointed stars. May be black, orange or wheat in color. They are considered rare, since they are mined only in one Thai outback, however, such corundums are quite cheap: only about $15 per carat.
How to check product quality
It is difficult for the average person to immediately tell where the sapphire is real and where it is artificial. Beautiful and high-quality fakes are widely used today in the production of jewelry. Some copies are made so skillfully that they almost completely replicate the physical properties of the original. Before making the desired purchase, you must ensure the authenticity of the product.
- Sapphire needs to be examined carefully under a magnifying glass. The authenticity of the presented product can be indicated by small inclusions inside, colloidal inclusions, indicating an admixture of titanium and iron. If every facet is perfection itself, you should think that perhaps this is a wonderful fake.
- You need to pay attention to the transparency of corundum; the higher it is, the more the cost of 1 carat increases. Meanwhile, you should not strive for ideal transparency of a specimen; in nature this is extremely rare, but in a laboratory a specialist can achieve a similar effect. Remember that natural sapphire should have minimal inclusions and defects.
- Assess color uniformity. The presence of different shades that merge together is a sign of a real gem, and the price of such a product should not be exorbitant. Specimens with a perfect uniform color are distinguished by a high price; they are often snapped up by collectors and such a treasure can hardly be found on the counter of a small jewelry boutique.
- You definitely need to hold the gem in your hand; the real one will remain cool even after a couple of minutes, but the artificial fake will begin to heat up.
Remember, if you buy a stone, the price is not per gram, but per carat.
The most famous sapphires
Since ancient times, precious stones have been considered the embodiment of wealth and luxury. However, even among gems there are record holders in terms of value - unique, large and precious. They are hunted by collectors and atrocities are committed because of them.
The largest sapphire in the World and at the same time the most expensive is a single copy of corundum with the name “Millennium”. An absolute leader who has no analogues in the World. At the moment, it is estimated at $185,000,000; this exorbitant price is determined by the weight of the gemstone, which is 61,500 carats.
Sapphire Giant of the East
The blue sapphire named "Giant of the East", one of the largest stones ever found on the island of Sri Lanka, weighs 465.5 carats. One carat of it is estimated at $3,000, and in 2004 the price for the crystal itself was set at $1,500,000.
Description of the gem
Sapphire is a durable stone, a type of corundum . Its density is approximately 4 grams per square cm . It comes in different shades, with the exception of red. Considered precious. It is used to create various jewelry: rings, earrings, bracelets, pendants. Sapphires are mined in Vietnam, the USA, Tanzania, and India. There are deposits in Russia as well.
You may need to purchase natural stone in the following cases:
- I would like to make an original gift.
- You need to create custom jewelry.
- I would like to invest my money successfully (the cost of gems only increases over time).
Some people buy sapphires to improve their health. This gem is believed to have healing powers.
Cornflower Sapphire (blue), price - 22250-74165 rub. per carat
Criteria for evaluation
The cost is determined depending on the results of the examination conducted at the state level. The cost of a stone is influenced by several factors:
- Type of cut. Facet processing technology is often used, as it makes it possible to preserve all the important features of the mineral associated with its radiance and shimmer.
- Mineral size. Weight often has a big impact on its value.
- Origin of the nugget. An artificial stone, even a large one, will cost significantly less than their natural nugget counterparts.
- Crystal purity. Even a small amount of foreign impurities will lead to a reduction in price.
Factors on which the price depends
It is difficult to say exactly how much it will cost to purchase natural sapphire. After all, the cost of such a precious stone is influenced by a number of factors. Among them:
- Color and its saturation (blue gems are most valuable).
- Size, weight in carats (the larger the mineral, the more expensive it will cost).
- Degree of transparency.
- Purity (the presence of inclusions reduces the price of the gem).
- Shape (dome-shaped options are the cheapest).
- Availability of cut and its quality (uncut sapphires are more valuable and sell for more).
- Susceptibility to thermal, diffusion treatment.
- Origin (Burmese gems are considered the most expensive).
- Seller's pricing policy.
- The need for delivery and its price (relevant when ordering in an online store).
Purple sapphire, price - 11125-22250 rub. per carat
Jewelry prices
The price of jewelry in which sapphire is inserted may vary, depending on the individual characteristics of the stone itself and the precious metal used.
Approximate prices in rubles:
- Economical jewelry options cost from 800 rubles;
- A silver alloy ring with sapphire costs an average of 2,700 rubles;
- Gold rings with sapphire from 11 thousand rubles;
- Earrings with sapphire inserts cost from 4 thousand rubles and more.
How to choose?
All fans of jewelry with precious stones would do well to know how not to make a mistake when choosing items with sapphires. After all, even an imitation of a mineral can have a high price, so you shouldn’t rely on cost when determining the authenticity of a sapphire. First of all, you should look at the stone through the glass of a magnifying glass. If foreign inclusions are visualized in its structure (usually they are represented by iron), then this feature indicates the authenticity of the sapphire. Impeccable transparency will indicate the opposite, because sapphires without any impurities are not found in nature.
You can try heating the sapphire in your hand: if the stone remains cool for a minute, this will indicate its authenticity. As for the glass fake, it will instantly heat up from the warmth of human hands. When choosing a product with sapphire, it does not hurt to pay attention to the cut class, indicated by the letter of the Latin alphabet (it can be found on the jewelry label). The highest cut quality is assigned the letter A, and then in descending order. If a person has doubts regarding the authenticity of a sapphire, then the stone should be submitted to a gemologist for examination. An expert will not only confirm or deny the authenticity of the stone, but will also evaluate its quality and weight.
Jewelry with sapphires should be stored in closed boxes. To clean stone at home, you can use an aqueous solution of sea salt and soapy water. Chemicals should not be allowed to come into contact with the stones, as this can ruin the appearance of the sapphire.
What will a consultation with a gemologist appraiser provide?
What does a gemologist appraiser do?
- In 90% of cases, crystals are heated; only a specialist can evaluate whether a sapphire is heated or not.
- In synthetic sapphires, small gas bubbles can be seen under a microscope.
- Blurred zonal color is characteristic of heated (ennobled) sapphires
- Purity of the stone
- Color and origin. A jewelry crystal can have one of three categories based on color saturation, and one of five categories based on color.
- And as a result, you will find out the real price and forecast about the price of the gemstone in the future
What will the consultation give?
- You will receive options for profitable long-term investment in precious stones and jewelry
- You can see, evaluate and, if desired, purchase stones or jewelry with exclusive stones
- You will be able to evaluate the stones to confirm their authenticity
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To buy or not to buy
- Sapphire belongs to the first jewelry category, which also includes diamond, ruby and emerald.
- Just like a diamond sparkles and sparkles in different colors when viewed in white light in different directions (the crystal is pleochroic)
- Sapphire looks better in sunlight than ruby.
- High-quality specimens are rare, so they will never lose value.
- If you buy, there must be a certificate. The natural stone has a gemological certificate. Outside Russia, expensive stones are also always certified by GIA or GRS, Gubellin Lab, SSEF, AIGS, GIT.
- It is difficult to choose a real stone - there are many fakes and “synthetics” on the market.
Go to menu
To buy or not to buy
- Sapphire belongs to the first jewelry category, which also includes diamond, ruby and emerald.
- Just like a diamond sparkles and sparkles in different colors when viewed in white light in different directions (the crystal is pleochroic)
- Sapphire looks better in sunlight than ruby.
- High-quality specimens are rare, so they will never lose value.
- If you buy, there must be a certificate. The natural stone has a gemological certificate. Outside Russia, expensive stones are also always certified by GIA or GRS, Gubellin Lab, SSEF, AIGS, GIT.
- It is difficult to choose a real stone - there are many fakes and “synthetics” on the market.
Go to menu
What will a consultation with a gemologist appraiser provide?
What does a gemologist appraiser do?
- In 90% of cases, crystals are heated; only a specialist can evaluate whether a sapphire is heated or not.
- In synthetic sapphires, small gas bubbles can be seen under a microscope.
- Blurred zonal color is characteristic of heated (ennobled) sapphires
- Purity of the stone
- Color and origin. A jewelry crystal can have one of three categories based on color saturation, and one of five categories based on color.
- And as a result, you will find out the real price and forecast about the price of the gemstone in the future
What will the consultation give?
- You will receive options for profitable long-term investment in precious stones and jewelry
- You can see, evaluate and, if desired, purchase stones or jewelry with exclusive stones
- You will be able to evaluate the stones to confirm their authenticity
Go to menu
