How to Buy a Sapphire: A Comprehensive Guide
Introduction
Bossing a sapphire can be an enriching experience, but it can also be overwhelming. With a variety of colors and qualities, knowing how to purchase the perfect sapphire can make the process smoother. This guide will walk you through the essential steps and considerations when buying a sapphire, ensuring that you make the best investment for your budget and preferences.
Shopping for Quality
Color
1. Know What Tone of Blue You Want: Sapphires come in a range of blues, from the lightest, Sweden princess blue, to the darkest, navy or black. Royal blue, a vibrant blue that sits in the middle of the spectrum, is the most prized and, consequently, the most expensive. Camelot and commodore blues, which are one shade lighter and darker respectively, offer a similar hue at a slightly more affordable cost.
2. Consider the Hue: Pure blue sapphires rank highest in value, followed closely by sapphires with slight purple tints. Strong purple hues and any green tinge are generally considered undesirable.
Clarity and Transparency
3. Look at the Transparency of the Stone: Transparency is a critical factor in a sapphire's appearance and value. Transparent stones, which allow the most light to pass through, can be expensive. Translucent sapphires strike a balance between clarity and affordability, while semi-opaque and opaque stones generally allow very little light to pass through, making them the least expensive.
4. Consider a Fancy Color Sapphire: In addition to blue, sapphires also come in various other colors. Padparadscha sapphires, which are a rare orange-pink hue, and pink sapphires are popular. Colorless, yellow, and green sapphires, while still beautiful, are less prized.
Origin
5. Be Aware of How Origin Affects the Price: The origin of a sapphire can significantly impact its value. Sapphirestones from Kashmir, Mogok, Burma, and Ceylon are usually more precious due to higher quality. However, paying a premium for origin is somewhat like paying for a brand name; you can find quality sapphires from other locations.
Cut and Inclusions
6. Pay Attention to Cut: The cut of a sapphire refers to the facets on its surface, which determine its brilliance and color. A deep cut sapphire has better color, while a shallow cut can make it look lighter and bulkier. The cut is typically rated on a scale from excellent to poor, with ratings provided by official gemstone organizations like the Gemological Institute of America (GIA).
7. Expect More Inclusions: The level of clarity in a sapphire is indicated by the number of inclusions or cracks. VVS, VS, and SI stone grades have few, minimal, and slightly noticeable inclusions, respectively. I1, I2, and I3 grades have more and more obvious inclusions and surface flaws.
Shopping Smart
Setting a Budget
8. Set a Budget: Before you fall in love with a sapphire beyond your reach, know your budget. The price of a sapphire can range from $50 per carat to over $10,000, with the most expensive sapphire on record costing $13,500 per carat. Quality, color, cut, and transparency all play a role in determining a stone's value.
Choosing the Right Setting
9. Choose a Metal Setting That Complements the Stone: Cool-toned metals like silver and white gold generally complement blue sapphires, while yellow gold settings can work for padparadscha sapphires and pink sapphires can look great in both silver and gold.
Avoiding Fakes and Ensuring Authenticity
10. Be Aware of Potential Fakes: Beware of less reputable sellers attempting to pass off cheaper stones as sapphires. Common impostors include tanzanite, blue spinel, and blue tourmaline.
11. Work with Reputable Dealers: Start with national chains, as their practices are more scrutinized. For local jewelry stores, ask to see official certification from the GIA or independent gemstone societies to ensure the authenticity of the sapphire.
12. Save by Buying Loose Wholesale Sapphires: Purchasing loose sapphires and having them set separately can save you money compared to buying pre-set stones. Loose stones also offer more customization options.
13. Shop Both Online and In Stores: Online shopping often offers cheaper prices, while shopping in person allows you to examine the stone's quality and certificate. Combining both approaches can improve your chances of finding the best quality sapphire for your budget.
14. Shop Around: Different jewelers may have different stocks, allowing you to find similar designs at varying prices. Shopping at multiple stores, both online and in person, increases your odds of finding the perfect sapphire for your preferences and budget.