Natural Sapphire Gemstones, Treatment Beryllium

Buy Natural Sapphire – Kashmir, Burmese, Ceylon and Fancy Colors

Sapphire is a precious gemstone and one of the most sought-after gemstones in the world. Corundum is a crystalline form of aluminum oxide and sapphire is one of its only two gem varieties, the other being ruby. There are only four precious stones: diamond, sapphire, ruby, and emerald — all other stones are therefore called semi-precious stones.

The gems were first discovered in the late 1800s in the Kashmir region of India. Sapphire is generally known for its brilliant royal blue hues — the most favored and commercially dominant color. The blue color is due to the combination of titanium and iron within the corundum crystal lattice. The color is very stable even when exposed to light and heat. Sapphire also occurs in other colors including grey, black, green, yellow, and pink depending on the type of trace elements present. Being among the hardest minerals, sapphire is highly durable at 9 on the Mohs scale.

Sapphires sometimes have inclusions, which is a characteristic of natural gemstones. Asterism — an optical phenomenon caused by aligned rutile needle inclusions — is best found in sapphires and rubies, producing the magnificent star effect seen in star sapphire.

At GemPiece, we offer a carefully curated selection of natural sapphire gemstones individually photographed and recorded using macro video for complete transparency. Explore related varieties including color change sapphire and star sapphire.

Sources of Sapphire

Some notable sources of sapphire include Burma (Myanmar), Sri Lanka, Madagascar, and Australia. Sapphire is also mined in Pakistan, India, China, Colombia, and the United States.

Geographical location plays a major role in the appearance of the gem, differing in its impurity compositions giving it many types of inclusions and hues, and determining its value in the market based on the saturation and purity of color. Untreated gems from Kashmir, Burma, or Sri Lanka are valued above gems mined from other places. Marco Polo wrote that the island of Sri Lanka had the best sapphires, topazes, amethysts, and other gems in the world.

Kashmir gems are the most valued due to their superior velvety blue color, incomparable appearance, and extraordinary rarity — the Kashmir deposit was largely exhausted by 1930, making unheated Kashmir sapphire with laboratory documentation among the most expensive colored gemstones per carat available at auction. Burmese sapphire from Mogok and Ceylon sapphire from Sri Lanka represent the two most important active commercial benchmarks.

Sapphire Colors Available

• Vivid blue sapphire — the classic royal blue variety
• Cornflower blue sapphire — the Ceylon standard
• Pink sapphire — colored by chromium
• Yellow sapphire — colored by iron
• Padparadscha sapphire — the rarest fancy sapphire, unique pink-orange color
• Purple and violet sapphire
• Teal and green sapphire
• White (colorless) sapphire
• Color change sapphire — shifts from blue in daylight to violet under incandescent light
• Star sapphire — displays a natural six-rayed star from rutile inclusions

Sapphire Quality Guide

Color — Vivid blue with good saturation and medium to medium-dark tone commands the highest value. For fancy colors, padparadscha commands extraordinary premiums followed by vivid pink and fine yellow.
Clarity — Sapphire is a Type II gemstone. Inclusions are expected but eye-clean to lightly included material is commercially standard. The sapphire gem with the clearest color and clarity is valued higher.
Cut — The cut brings out the essential color and sparkle. The rough sapphire crystal influences the finished shape and size. Well-proportioned cuts maximize color face-up. Sapphires are also given a cut grade.
Carat Weight — Carats are measured by size. Large-sized pure-colored gems are hard to come by and price is determined by size along with purity. Padparadscha and unheated blue sapphire above 3 carats in vivid color represent significant collector acquisitions.
Treatment Status — Unheated sapphires with laboratory documentation command significant premiums — often multiple times the price of equivalent heated material.

The stone you pick will be valued individually according to its quality. Feel free to ask questions and schedule an appointment for a better inspection.

How Sapphire Is Used

Sapphire has a long history of use in jewelry and other decorative objects. In ancient times, sapphire was believed to have protective powers and was often worn as a talisman or amulet.

Today, sapphires can be worn as engagement rings, wedding rings, or anniversary rings, and are a popular choice for these occasions because of their durability and symbolism of loyalty and faithfulness. Sapphire is the gem of the 45th wedding anniversary, and a Sapphire Jubilee marks 65 years.

The famous engagement ring that Prince Charles gave to Princess Diana in 1981 featured a 12-carat oval blue sapphire surrounded by diamonds. Today worn by Princess Kate, it remains one of the most iconic pieces of jewelry in the world. Sapphire is considered a symbol of wealth and wisdom — associated with famous figures including the legendary King Solomon and Helen of Troy.

Industrial Use of Sapphire

In addition to its use in jewelry, sapphire also has a number of industrial applications. Its hardness and durability make it ideal for use in high-performance bearings, optical components, and other precision instruments. Sapphire glass is used in luxury watches and smartphone camera lenses for its scratch resistance.

Whom Sapphire Suits

Sapphire is the birthstone for September. Astrology often associates sapphire with the planet Saturn. The signs ruled by Saturn — Aquarius and Capricorn — are especially benefitted from sapphire gems. People born under the signs Taurus, Gemini, Virgo, and Libra are suggested to wear sapphire gems during Saturn's major period.

In Vedic astrology, sapphire is often recommended for those born under the signs of Sagittarius or Pisces, which are ruled by Jupiter. It is believed that sapphire can help enhance wisdom, intuition, and spiritual awareness for these signs. Sapphires are known to bring wealth — business people should consider our precious gemstones.

Who Shall Wear Sapphire

The love for sapphires by royalty goes a long way back in history. The famous peacock throne commissioned by Emperor Shah Jahan is decorated with vibrant sapphire gems. In the 12th century, King Henry II of England gave his wife, Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine, a sapphire ring as a symbol of his love and devotion.

Sapphire can be worn in a variety of jewelry settings including rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets. Blue sapphires look particularly beautiful when paired with white, black, or silver clothing, while pink or yellow sapphires pair well with warmer tones like gold or brown. Buy the best natural sapphire gemstones online at GemPiece and treat yourself and your loved ones.

Which Finger Is Preferred for Sapphire Rings?

Sapphire is usually worn on the middle finger or the ring finger of the right hand, depending on personal preference and cultural traditions. In some cultures, it is believed that wearing a sapphire on the index finger of the right hand can bring good luck and financial prosperity. The choice of finger is ultimately a matter of personal preference and style.

Sapphire Treatment Landscape

Most commercial sapphire — estimated at over 90% of the market — has undergone heat treatment to improve color and clarity. Heat treatment is permanent, universally accepted, and disclosed on all laboratory certificates. Beryllium diffusion treatment alters color by driving beryllium into the crystal under high temperature and must be explicitly disclosed.

Unheated sapphires with laboratory certification confirming no heat treatment are significantly more valuable, particularly for Kashmir, Burmese, and Sri Lankan material above 3 carats. The unheated premium can range from 50% to several multiples of the price of equivalent heated material.

Gem Care for Sapphire

Sapphire is a durable and long-lasting gemstone, but it still requires proper care to keep it looking its best. When wearing sapphire jewelry, avoid exposing it to harsh chemicals such as bleach or chlorine. Always remove sapphire jewelry before engaging in activities that could damage it, such as sports or heavy manual labor.

To clean sapphire jewelry, soak it in warm water with a small amount of mild soap for a few minutes. Gently scrub with a soft brush, rinse in clean water, and dry with a soft cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaners or brushes. Wrap it in a soft cloth or store in a jewelry box away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.

Why Choose GemPiece for Sapphire?

We understand the importance of quality when it comes to gemstones. That is why we only source the highest quality gemstones from trusted suppliers, ensuring our customers receive the best possible product. We get our gems from the mines of Sri Lanka — one of the best-known sources for sapphires, where intense-colored sapphires are produced.

• Natural gemstones only — we sell natural gems only
• Expert team of gemologists and experienced jewelers available for consultation
• Competitive pricing without compromising quality
• 25,000+ happy customers and over 2 tonnes of precious gems sold
• Over two decades of experience in the gemstone industry
• Certification from GIA, GRS, Gübelin, Lotus, AIGS, and Bangkok labs

Explore Related Gemstones

Explore related corundum varieties including ruby and star ruby, as well as sapphire varieties including color change sapphire and star sapphire. You may also be interested in natural spinel gemstones — historically mistaken for sapphire and ruby, typically untreated, and one of the most compelling collector alternatives in the fine gemstone market.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a sapphire gemstone?

Sapphire is the non-red gem variety of corundum (aluminum oxide, Al₂O₃) — one of only four precious stones. Hardness 9 makes it highly durable for all jewelry. The September birthstone, available in blue, pink, yellow, padparadscha, color change, and star varieties.

What is the rarest sapphire?

Padparadscha sapphire — the unique pink-orange variety from Sri Lanka — is the rarest and most valuable fancy sapphire. Unheated Kashmir sapphire is the rarest and most valuable blue sapphire by origin. Natural color change sapphire with strong shift is also genuinely rare.

Is sapphire always blue?

No. While blue is the most recognized color, sapphire naturally occurs in virtually every color — yellow, pink, orange, purple, green, teal, colorless, and color-changing. All non-red gem corundum is sapphire regardless of color.

Is sapphire treated?

Most commercial sapphire is heat treated to improve color and clarity. Heat treatment is permanent and universally accepted. Unheated sapphires command significant premiums. GemPiece provides full treatment disclosure on every stone.

What is the September birthstone?

Sapphire is the birthstone for September and the traditional anniversary gemstone for 45th wedding anniversaries. A Sapphire Jubilee marks 65 years.

Which finger is preferred for sapphire rings?

Sapphire is typically worn on the middle finger or ring finger of the right hand in most traditions. Some cultures believe wearing sapphire on the index finger brings good luck. The choice is ultimately personal preference and cultural tradition.