Sapphire value, characteristics and meaning

Where does sapphire come from
‍The colors of sapphire
‍The shades of blue of sapphire
‍The main other colors of sapphire
‍The value of sapphire
‍The meaning of sapphire
‍Choosing a sapphire ring
‍Discover an exclusive selection of sapphires

Where does sapphire come from

Instead, should we say “where sapphire comes from”, in fact, sapphires are mined in many countries in the world.

The Sri Lanka has been the main sapphire producing country for several hundred years, and this has even given rise to the name”Ceylon sapphire” which expresses a color of blue sapphire typical of Sri Lanka. There are some high quality rare stones, including Sapphire Padparadscha.

madagascar is the second country in which sapphires are found the most. It is in fact in Madagascar that we find some of the most beautiful teal sapphires.

Despite everything, the most sought-after sapphires on the market are those of kashmir, whose mines are now exhausted, and those of Burma. The most beautiful specimens are collector's items.

Sapphires are also found in Nigeria, in australia and even in france but the quality is not always there. Read also on our site: How to recognize a sapphire ?

The colors of sapphire

Contrary to what one might think, sapphire is not always blue. It comes in all colors except red, since red sapphires are called “Rubies.”

The color of sapphire comes from the presence of various elements in the crystalline structure of corundum, which is the mineral that makes up sapphire. Here are a few things that influence the color of sapphires:

1. Iron and titanium: These elements give sapphire its characteristic blue color. The quantity and arrangement of these elements in the crystal structure determine the intensity of the blue color.
   
2. Chrome: The presence of chrome gives sapphire a pink color. When the chromium concentration is high, sapphire can even turn red, making it technically a ruby.
   
3. Vanadium: This element gives a violet hue to sapphire.
   
4. Fer: In the absence of titanium but with iron, sapphire can take on a yellow or green color.

Please note that we offer a service ofPrecious stone valuation in Paris.

The shades of blue of sapphire

The color of sapphire”Cornflower“is a particularly popular shade of blue, often described as a medium to intense blue with lavender undertones. This color is compared to that of the petals of the cornflower flower, hence the name “cornflower” in English. This type of sapphire is famous for its saturated, bright color that does not turn green or purple. The purity and clarity of this shade of blue make it one of the most sought after and valuable types of sapphires on the market.

Here an exceptional 14.10ct Cornflower Sapphire for a Bonnot Paris client project.

The color”Royal Blue“in sapphires is considered to be one of the most prestigious and desirable shades of blue. It is characterized by a deep and intense blue, often with a slight touch of purple. This color is rich and saturated, but not so dark that it becomes opaque or black to the eye. The term “Royal Blue” is often associated with the highest quality stones, and is commonly used to describe sapphires that are considered to be of exceptional caliber.

8.2ct Royal Blue sapphire for a Bonnot Paris customer project.

The color”Ceylon blue“in sapphires refers to a light to medium shade of blue, often with pastel tones. These sapphires take their name from their place of origin, Sri Lanka, formerly called Ceylon. Ceylon sapphires are renowned for their soft, bright blue color, which can vary from very clear to medium. They are often less saturated in color than “Royal Blue” sapphires, but are still highly prized for their brilliance and clarity.

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5.45ct Ceylan Blue sapphire for a Bonnot Paris customer project.

The main other colors of sapphire

The color yellow in sapphires can vary considerably, offering a range of choices for all tastes and occasions. Ranging from pale, almost pastel yellow to intense golden yellow, each shade has its own personality and appeal. Yellow sapphires can also feature shades of green or orange, adding additional complexity to their appearance. Lemon yellow sapphires offer a lighter, fresher hue, while golden yellow or canary yellow sapphires present a deeper, richer color.

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5.45ct Yellow Sapphire for a Bonnot Paris customer project.

Teal sapphire is an exquisite variety that has a unique combination of blue and green, evoking the color of the tail feathers of a mallard duck. This particular shade offers an intriguing alternative to traditional blue or green sapphires. Teal sapphires can vary in intensity from lighter hues to deeply saturated colors, and they can vary in blue and green depending on the angle from which they are viewed.

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2.24ct Teal sapphire for a Bonnot Paris customer project.

The color of pink sapphire varies from a pale pink to a bright pink and may even tend to a deep magenta-pink. This range of shades is due to the presence of traces of chromium in the crystal structure of the mineral corundum, which is the basis of all sapphires. High-quality pink sapphires are those that feature a rich, saturated pink color with no visible inclusions.

Discover our pink sapphires here

3.02ct Pink Sapphire for a Bonnot Paris customer project.

The value of sapphire

The value of sapphire depends on many factors that are sometimes difficult to understand when looking for a stone. Here are a few highlights of the main factors that contribute to Sapphire price :

1. Clarity:
   Sapphire, like other stones, may contain inclusions. Inclusions are internal or external imperfections that may appear as cracks, bubbles, or foreign minerals inside the stone. In general, the fewer inclusions there are, the greater the value of the stone.
   
   However, it is especially important to identify where these inclusions are located: an inclusion visible from the table greatly devalues its price, the same is true for an inclusion close to foliate (this can weaken the stone if it is mounted in jewelry). Conversely, if the inclusion is neither visible from the table nor located towards the stone pavilion, then the impact on the price will be minimal.
   
2. The color:
   Color is decisive in evaluating the price of a stone. Several components need to be evaluated:
   
   1. Shade: This is the basic color of sapphire, which can vary from blue, green, green, yellow, pink, etc. Hue is often the first thing you notice and plays a crucial role in determining the value of the stone.
   2. Saturation: Saturation refers to the vividness or intensity of the color. A sapphire with a highly saturated color will be considered more valuable than one with a weak or washed color.
   3. Tonality: Tone describes how bright or dark the color is. Sapphires are generally more valuable if they have a medium to medium dark tone because they show color in the richest way.
   4. Uniformity: The color should be evenly distributed throughout the stone. Uneven areas of color can decrease the value of a sapphire.
   5. Éclat: Although not strictly a component of color, the brilliance of the stone can affect the perception of its color. Good brilliance can make the color more dynamic and attractive.
   6. Color zoning: Some sapphires may have areas where the color is more intense or paler. Color zoning is generally considered to be a defect and can reduce the value of the stone.
   7. Optical phenomena: Some sapphires have phenomena like the star effect or color change, which can add to their value and appeal.
      
3. The size
   
   By cut, we mean the quality of the faceting of the stone. Indeed, this element can be decisive when it comes to evaluating the price of a stone. A beautiful stone is above all a well-cut stone, with uniform proportions, good symmetry and good polish. The most common form is oval sapphire.
   
   It is not uncommon on the stone market, especially when approaching mining areas, to see stones with a large cylinder head, which artificially increases their weight and therefore generally their price. It is therefore necessary to be very attentive to this criterion. At Bonnot Paris, we cut or cut ourselves the stones we offer.
   
4. The mass
   Weight is obviously a determining factor in evaluating the value of a sapphire. The price per carat of a sapphire increases exponentially as its mass increases. This is because 1ct stones are much more common than 10ct stones. Depending on the rarity of certain colors, this increase will be more or less strong.
   
5. The treatments:
   On the market, we find an immense majority of heated sapphires, that is to say that we come to imitate in an accelerated way the action of the earth on the stone in order to make it more desirable. This heating treatment has no impact on the quality of the stone but has a definite impact on its price. Since unheated sapphires are rarer, they are obviously more expensive. It can even range from single to double depending on the variety of sapphire.
   
   
   The factors that make it possible to determine the price of a sapphire are therefore multiple. At Bonnot Paris we are a merchant and jeweler, we support our customers to find the ideal stone for their sapphire ring.
   

The meaning of sapphire

Sapphire is much more than just a precious stone. It embodies wisdom, dignity, and loyalty, qualities that resonate deeply with the essence of Bonnot Paris. In various cultures, the Meaning of sapphire is essentially that of a symbol of divine protection and spiritual guidance. Its color, recalling the starry sky, evokes a sense of infinity and opens the door to contemplation and meditation. It is also the birthstone of the month of September.

At Bonnot Paris, we select sapphires of exceptional quality, allowing this majestic stone to find its place in tailor-made creations that transcend time and trends.

Choosing a sapphire ring

Choosing a sapphire for a ring or a jewelry project means embracing a much wider range of colors than traditional blue. From romantic pink to sunny yellow, to rarer hues like green or purple, sapphire offers a diversity that can adapt to any personality or occasion. This versatility makes it an ideal choice for an engagement ring, anniversary jewelry, or any other custom creation. At Bonnot Paris, we help you find the sapphire that not only suits your taste, but also conveys the meaning or emotion you want to express. It's more than an aesthetic choice; it's a decision that can transform jewelry into a lasting legacy. Maison Bonnot accompanies you from start to finish in your project of sapphire ring. Do not hesitate to make an appointment in one of our showrooms in Paris or Angers.

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Discover an exclusive selection of sapphires

Pink sapphire:

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Sapphire teal:

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Blue sapphire

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