Blue Sapphire Quality

Like other colored gemstones, quality of blue sapphire is measured by collectively assessing its origin, color, clarity and other factors like uniqueness. Knowing what to look for can help you buy blue sapphire online as per your financial and astrological conditions.

• Origin

  – Blue sapphires mines have been discovered in Kashmir (India), Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Thailand and America. However, being royal blue and velvety in texture, Kashmir sapphires are rated highest on the quality scale. Ceylon blue sapphire gemstones are also considered to be of fine quality. Other origin varieties like Bangkok blue sapphires are darker in color and hence less worthy.

• Color

  – Going by sapphire color chart, ‘true blue’ is considered ideal (e.g. Cornflower blue sapphire) which is neither too violet or too purple. In addition, the stone should be just enough bright and vividly saturated so that it doesn’t look dull or too luminent. Majority of Kashmir blue sapphires display these characteristics and hence are extremely precious. However, quality begins to drop if one or all three traits of color matrix are compromised. In Hindi, deep blue neelam gems are often referred as 'Indraneelam' stone.

• Clarity

  – Given their gemological composition, inclusions are usually acceptable in sapphires. Visible inclusions in blue sapphire usually exist as fine silk (needles), fingerprints and color bands. Natural blue sapphires without visible inclusions are rarely found and hence are exorbitantly expensive. However, it is always advisable to buy certified blue sapphire whether online or from reputed dealers to ensure a fair purchase.

• Uniqueness

  - Blue Star Sapphire – Sapphires are known to exhibit ‘asterism’ in a six-ray star like fashion. A blue sapphire producing such an effect is called Star Sapphire. They have been discovered in Sri Lanka, Australia, Myanmar, Thailand and certain parts of Africa and South- East Asia. Being opaque, Blue star sapphire price depends on luster and perfection of the star print which is best viewed under direct sunlight by tilting the stone at different angles. A well-aligned six-ray radial can drastically increase blue star sapphire’s value.