How do you recognize a sapphire?

Sapphire is a treasure for jewelry lovers and because imitations exist, let's see how to recognize a sapphire. From uncertain to the most reliable methods. We will also discuss quality assessment.

How do you recognize a real sapphire?

Real sapphire can be confused with synthetic sapphire. One blue sapphire may look like other stones.

A gemologist can sometimes Recognize an authentic sapphire Of a Spinel blue or of a tanzanite, but to the naked eye, it can be confusing. More expertise is often required. Tanzanite and blue spinel are similar to sapphire, but their compositions are very different.

Sapphire exists in various colors, which are also subject to confusion with other stones. In particular, it can be difficult to recognize a pink sapphire of a pink spinel, with similar clarity and brilliance.

Sometimes, A real sapphire is different from a synthetic sapphire when it has slight imperfections, while fake sapphires have none. Laboratory sapphires are created to be flawless. But be careful, natural sapphires have no imperfections visible to the naked eye.

The most reliable way to recognize a sapphire is to ask for a Precious stone valuation to a professional and to obtain a certificate of authenticity, if it is a genuine gem.

How do you recognize a synthetic sapphire?

Synthetic sapphires are numerous, but watch professionals use them. Les methods for recognizing a synthetic sapphire are generally unreliable. This is the case with the fog test. However, you can blow on a rock. The fog may disappear slowly, which tends to indicate a fake sapphire.

Another method (random): you could turn off the light and use a small lamp. The light that some synthetic sapphires emit is suspicious.

Finally, real sapphires of good quality do not have air bubbles and fake ones may have them, but not always or not visible to the naked eye...

Note that nothing beats a microscope and spectroscopy. Maison Bonnot offers its services of gemologist in Angers.

How do you recognize the quality of a sapphire?

A good quality sapphire can be a Heated sapphire, but not necessarily treated sapphire. Heating is a widespread traditional process, considered normal, which is not the case with treatments that denature stones. In addition, A good sapphire has no inclusions visible to the naked eye, in any case, the majority of sapphires of the highest quality, used in jewelry. The purity or clarity of a sapphire depends a lot on the inclusions and the most sought-after sapphires, such as Ceylon sapphire, are particularly pure. If inclusions are present, the stone remains transparent.

The color of a quality sapphire is intense and homogeneous. Colors may vary depending on where sapphires come from, but some regions of the world produce sapphires of varying shades. For example, royal blue Burmese sapphire is highly prized, but Burma produces different sapphires.

How do you recognize a blue sapphire?

• Not all dark blue sapphires are the most expensive or the most coveted. However, Sapphires that are too pale are not wanted in jewellery/jewelry.
• The price of a blue sapphire varies according to quality and carats. Like a diamond, quality is evaluated with the 4Cs, carat, cut, clarity, color, to determine a price. In most cases, a small blue sapphire of excellent quality costs more than a larger blue sapphire of lower quality.
• The best way not to get scammed: buy a blue sapphire or another color with a laboratory certificate from a trusted seller, who will be able to provide you with all the crucial information!