Sapphire is a gemstone that has fascinated people for centuries with its vivid color and captivating shine. Known for its timeless beauty and durability, sapphires have been used in a variety of jewelry pieces, from engagement rings to luxurious necklaces. However, distinguishing between a real sapphire and a synthetic or imitation one can be a challenging task. In this article, we will explore the characteristics of real sapphires, including their color, cut, clarity, and how to tell if a sapphire is genuine or not.
Introduction to Sapphires
Sapphire is one of the most popular and coveted gemstones in the world. It is primarily known for its brilliant blue hue, though sapphires come in many colors. The word “sapphire” itself is derived from the Greek word “sappheiros,” meaning blue stone. Historically, sapphires have been symbols of wisdom, nobility, and divine favor. They have been used by royalty and the wealthy for centuries, with famous examples like Princess Diana’s engagement ring, which features a stunning blue sapphire.
While sapphires are often associated with the color blue, they can also come in a variety of other hues, such as pink, yellow, green, and even colorless. Despite the range of colors, blue sapphires remain the most well-known and sought-after variety. In the following sections, we will examine the features that make a real sapphire stand out, and how you can recognize one when shopping for sapphire jewelry.
What Is a Real Sapphire?
A real sapphire is a natural or treated gemstone belonging to the corundum family, which also includes rubies. The key feature that defines a sapphire is the presence of aluminum oxide, which is combined with trace elements like iron, titanium, and chromium. These trace elements influence the color of the sapphire.
Sapphires are typically cut into a variety of shapes, including round, oval, cushion, and emerald cuts. When set in jewelry, the size, shape, and color of the sapphire are all important factors in determining its value. The most famous and expensive sapphires, such as those found in historic royal collections, are often large, vivid, and nearly flawless.
Key Characteristics of a Real Sapphire
1. Color
The color of a real sapphire is its most defining characteristic. While blue is the most famous and sought-after color, sapphires come in a wide range of hues, from deep blue to pale blue, and even in shades of pink, yellow, green, and purple.
Blue Sapphire: The most prized color is a rich, deep blue with hints of violet. The intensity and hue of the blue are important in determining the value of the sapphire. A true blue sapphire will have a vibrant blue that is not too dark or too light.
Other Colors: Sapphires can come in almost any color except red, as red sapphires are classified as rubies. Yellow sapphires have a bright, golden hue, while pink sapphires range from soft, pale pink to vibrant, deeper shades. The rarity of these colored sapphires affects their price.
Real sapphires should exhibit a consistent and pure color throughout the stone. When examining sapphires, look for any noticeable variations in the hue, as this can indicate the use of treatments or that the stone is not a genuine sapphire.
2. Clarity
Sapphires are known for their durability and resistance to scratching, but not all sapphires are flawless. Most real sapphires contain inclusions, which are natural imperfections within the gemstone. These inclusions can come in the form of small crystals, gas bubbles, or fissures.
The clarity of a sapphire is graded based on the visibility of these inclusions. A high-quality sapphire will have few inclusions that are not easily visible to the naked eye. However, small inclusions are expected in most natural sapphires. A completely flawless sapphire is incredibly rare and can command a much higher price.
Eye-Clean: An “eye-clean” sapphire refers to a gemstone that has no visible inclusions when viewed with the naked eye.
Inclusions: Most sapphires will have some visible inclusions, but these can often be seen only under magnification.
Inclusions in sapphires are often considered desirable as they prove the stone’s authenticity. These imperfections, known as “fingerprints,” help jewelers identify the origin of the stone.
3. Cut
The cut of a sapphire refers to how the gemstone has been shaped and faceted. A well-cut sapphire will reflect light in a way that enhances its natural color and brilliance. The cut is critical to a sapphire’s overall visual appeal and can affect its perceived value.
Common cuts for sapphires include:
Round Cut: Often seen in engagement rings, round-cut sapphires are popular due to their symmetrical shape and ability to display a lot of brilliance.
Oval Cut: Oval sapphires have a soft, elongated shape and often appear larger than their round counterparts.
Cushion Cut: A cushion cut sapphire features rounded corners and is often associated with vintage-style jewelry.
Emerald Cut: Known for its clean lines and step cuts, emerald-cut sapphires have a sophisticated appearance.
Princess Cut: A modern square shape, the princess cut maximizes the sapphire’s brilliance.
When choosing a sapphire, the cut can make a huge difference in how the stone looks. A poorly cut sapphire may look dull or lack brilliance, even if it has a great color or clarity.
4. Size and Shape
The size of a sapphire is another factor in determining its value. Larger sapphires are rarer and, therefore, more expensive. When it comes to size, the stone’s carat weight plays an essential role in its price. However, size should not be the only determining factor; the overall quality of the stone is just as important.
In addition to size, the shape of the sapphire is a critical element in its visual appeal. The shape of the sapphire should complement the design of the piece of jewelry in which it will be set. For example, a round sapphire may look stunning in a classic ring, while an oval or cushion-cut sapphire might be better suited for a more contemporary design.
5. Treatment of the Sapphire
Many sapphires are treated to enhance their color and clarity. Common treatments for sapphires include heat treatment, which is used to improve the stone’s color, and filling treatments to reduce the visibility of inclusions.
Heat Treatment: Most sapphires are heat-treated to intensify their color. This treatment is considered a standard practice in the gemstone industry, and heat-treated sapphires are still considered real sapphires.
Diffusion Treatment: Some sapphires undergo diffusion treatments, which involve the introduction of trace elements to the surface of the gemstone to alter its color. While this can enhance the appearance of the sapphire, it may not be as durable as naturally colored sapphires.
Glass Filling: In some cases, sapphires with significant inclusions are treated by filling the inclusions with glass to improve the clarity. These stones may be less valuable than untreated sapphires.
It’s essential to verify whether a sapphire has been treated before purchasing, as treated sapphires can sometimes be less valuable than their untreated counterparts.
How to Tell If a Sapphire is Real
While it’s possible to purchase synthetic or imitation sapphires that resemble the real thing, there are several ways to distinguish a real sapphire from a fake one. Here are some key indicators:
1. Examine the Color
Real sapphires typically have a rich, deep color, especially blue sapphires. Synthetic sapphires may appear too bright or may have an unnatural hue.
2. Check the Clarity
Most real sapphires contain natural inclusions, while synthetic sapphires may appear flawless. Use a magnifying loupe to inspect the sapphire for any signs of inclusions or imperfections. If the stone looks too perfect, it may be synthetic.
3. Test the Hardness
Sapphires are part of the corundum family, which is second only to diamonds in terms of hardness. You can use a scratch test to check the hardness of the sapphire, but keep in mind that this could damage the gemstone, so it’s better left to a professional jeweler.
4. Consult a Professional Jeweler
If you are unsure whether a sapphire is real or not, it’s always a good idea to consult a professional jeweler. They can conduct tests such as UV light testing or use specialized tools like a refractometer to determine whether the sapphire is genuine.
Conclusion
Real sapphires are beautiful, rare, and durable gemstones that have captivated people for centuries. By understanding the key characteristics of a sapphire, including its color, clarity, cut, and size, you can be better equipped to distinguish between real and fake sapphires. When shopping for sapphire jewelry, remember to examine the stone carefully for inclusions, color consistency, and overall quality. And, if in doubt, consult a professional jeweler to ensure that you’re getting a genuine sapphire that will last for generations to come.
Related topics:
- How to Choose the Best Yellow Sapphire for Your Jewelry?
- Sapphire vs Diamond: A Comprehensive Price Comparison
- How Old Are Natural Sapphires?
