The finest sapphire color is rich, velvety cornflower blue. This is called “kashmir” out of deference to the traditional source of the finest quality. Today, however, the Kashmir area of India is not generally mined because of its physical inaccessibility. Most current production comes from Sri Lanka, Burma, Thailand, Montana, Australia and Africa.
Sapphire occurs in colors ranging from very light to dark blue to violetish-blue, bluish-green, yellow, slightly reddish-orange, brown, nearly opaque black, colorless, pink, violet and pinkish-orange. Corundum (sapphire’s mineral name) occurs in red, but this is what we know as ruby. A particularly lovely pinkish-orange is referred to as “padparadscha” which is taken from the Sinhalese for “lotus-colored.” Although sapphire is found in many colors, these are not all commercially available at any given time. Some are so rare they are collectors items. Fine, needle-like inclusions are what give sapphires their velvety quality. When these inclusions are numerous enough to make the stone translucent or opaque and are oriented properly, they allow light to be reflected in such a way that a star floats across the top of the stone with movement. When a cutter recognizes this potential in a piece of rough sapphire, he will cut it in a dome shape. Stars are not visible in faceted stones.
A synthetic gemstone is a substance created in a laboratory which is nearly identical to the natural gem in physical appearance, chemical composition and optical properties. Synthetic sapphires were first developed in the late 1940’s. Today synthetic sapphires are available in many colors, including the padparadscha and an I alexandrite-like stone which changes color under different lighting.
Since subtle differences in quality can make large differences in beauty (and price), it is important to select your jewelry from a professional who can guide you honestly and ethically in your purchase.
Many gems are processed to enhance their natural beauty. Ask your Certified jeweler to discuss which techniques might apply to the gem of your choice.