Blue Sapphire Quality

Like other coloured gemstones, the quality of Blue Sapphire is measured by collectively assessing its origin, colour, clarity and other factors like uniqueness. 

• 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 colour and hence less worthy.
• Colour

Going by Sapphire colour 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 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 colour matrix are compromised. In Hindi, deep blue neelam gems are often referred as ‘Indraneelam’ stones.

• Clarity

Given their gemological composition, inclusions are usually acceptable in Sapphires. Visible inclusions in Blue Sapphire usually exist as fine silk (needles), fingerprints and colour 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.

Blue Sapphire Prices

Being astrologically important, the Blue Sapphire price in India or outside trends in a wide range of ₹ 2,500 and ₹ 2,00,000 plus per carat. Worth of Blue Sapphire stems from its rarity and popularity as a jewellery gemstone.

• Origin

Ceylon Blue Sapphire price per carat ranges between ₹ 2000 and ₹ 32,000 plus because of overall decent quality. Thailand Blue Sapphires are much cheaper. Kashmir Sapphire price per carat range stays between ₹ 50,000 and ₹ 5,00,000 plus because of ‘true blue’ colour and velvety texture associated with this origin.

• Colour

‘True Blue’ or Royal Blue is the most desirable colour in Blue Sapphires. In addition, tone, saturation and colour consistency carry considerable influence on Blue Sapphire’s overall value. A bright, pure blue and vividly saturated piece draws much higher price in the market than Sapphires that are too dark or too blue or gray.

• Clarity

Finding an Eye clean original Blue Sapphire is exceptionally rare since almost every original Neelam stone contains inclusions in the form of rutile needles (Silk). Also, location, volume and nature of inclusions can influence Neelam’s cost.

• Carat Weight

It is quite rare to come across an original, flawless Blue Sapphire above a few carats because colour and clarity are highly unlikely to co-exist on the same scale. Unsurprisingly, for such a piece, Neelam price in India or anywhere can range in millions.

• Cut & Shape

A finely cut Blue Sapphire fetches good money in the market as it can enhance the brightness of the stone and conceal the visible inclusions. If quality remains the same, rounder or oval shaped Blue Sapphires are cheaper than square or other custom shapes because of the stone wastage incurred in the process.

• Treatment

Sapphires are heat treated to enhance colour and remove colour zoning. Natural, unheated Blue Sapphires are usually more valuable (depending on other factors) than heated or chemically altered stones. Lab created Blue Sapphires are often sold as genuine pieces but are neither worthy nor astrologically significant.