Sapphires
Sapphires cover all colours of corundum apart from red making blue sapphire the most recognizable variant. We can also discover a plethora of other tints such as yellow, green and pink sapphire.
Sapphires have been revered for centuries for their exquisite allure and remarkable resilience. These precious gemstones made their debut in jewelry around 2000 years ago and gained popularity during the medieval era in Europe. They were believed to inspire purity of mind and deeds, while also promoting harmonious resolutions, safeguarding the wearer, and fostering well-being
Sapphire Story
Sapphires exhibit a range of captivating blue hues, with exceptional stones often referred to as "Cornflower blue" and "Royal blue." Cornflower sapphires possess a light to medium tone, drawing their name from the resemblance to the colour of the Cornflower itself. Sri Lanka is renowned for its sapphires, known for their vibrant and luminous shades
When determining the value of sapphires, three crucial factors come into play: colour, clarity, and the quality of the cut. The most valuable sapphires possess a deep, vibrant colour, minimal inclusions, and a radiant and lively appearance. In the following series, the stones are arranged in ascending order of value per carat, with the highest-value gem positioned on the left.
To enhance their colour, many sapphires undergo a heat treatment process. Some sapphires contain rutile needles, known as "silk," which gives them a distinct appearance. Another type of sapphire called "geuda" possesses a semi-transparent and frosty look that makes it unsuitable for cutting into gemstones. However, when heated to high temperatures, the silk within geuda sapphires can dissolve, resulting in a beautiful blue colour. Additional treatments for sapphires include filling cracks or fissures with oils, as well as more advanced techniques such as the inward diffusion of specific chemical elements to produce a range of colours.
Lastly, we cannot overlook the mention of "Padparadscha." This incredibly rare variety of sapphire, and indeed all gemstones, derives its name from an ancient Sanskrit word describing the colour of a Lotus flower. Although there is ongoing debate about the exact shade, Padparadscha stones exhibit a captivating blend of pink and orange, making them highly coveted among gemstone enthusiasts.