In this blog post, we delve into the answer to a single question: Are blue sapphires, or neelam stones, expensive? This question requires a deep exploration of what exactly a blue sapphire is, what makes it unique, and what contributes to its pricing. Keep reading to understand the intricacies of the answer to this question.
What is a Blue Sapphire?
Imagine a gem that encapsulates the very essence of the cosmos — the blue sapphire. Also known as the neelam stone, this gem belongs to the corundum mineral family. Corundum, composed of aluminium and oxygen, comes alive in a symphony of colours, but it's the bewitching blue that sets the neelam stone apart. This captivating hue owes its existence to the presence of trace elements like iron and titanium. With a remarkable hardness of 9 (on 10) on the Mohs scale, second only to diamonds - the blue sapphire is not just a gem; it's an enduring testament to nature's artistry.
Origins of the Neelam Stone
The blue sapphire stone emerges from the depths of the Earth as a treasure waiting to be discovered. Its origins are as diverse as the shades of blue that it boasts. Sri Lanka (Ceylon), Myanmar (Burma), Kashmir, Madagascar, and Australia are just a few of the locales where these gems are found. Among them, Kashmiri sapphires, born amidst the Himalayas, are revered for their velvety blue tones, an outcome of the intricate dance of minerals during their formation.
The blue sapphire's worth is measured by the 4Cs of gem quality – namely, the colour, clarity, cut, and carat weight. The spectrum of colours, ranging from a serene cornflower blue to deep midnight, holds an otherworldly allure. Clarity, which reveals the presence of inclusions within a stone, affects the gem's brilliance. A meticulous cut allows light to caress every facet, while carat weight determines the stone's size.
Is a Blue Sapphire Expensive?
Is the neelam stone expensive? In a word, yes. The price range for blue sapphire gemstones depends on the 4Cs and their mines of origin, and can start from a few hundred dollars for more common varieties, and climbs to several thousand, and at times, even millions of dollars for the most exceptional specimens that possess unparalleled qualities. In general, however, one can expect to shell out anywhere between $300 and $1500 per carat for commercial-quality blue sapphires, and above $2000 for finer qualities.
Factors Shaping the Neelam Stone's Price
To comprehend the factors dictating the price of a blue sapphire stone, one must venture into a realm where rarity and beauty intertwine. Colours, the most influential aspect, is the primary determinant. Deep, vivid blues with minimal secondary hues command the highest prices. Geological origin is another crucial factor. Kashmiri sapphires, for example, born in the mystical landscapes of the Himalayas, are treasured for their scarcity and often carry a large value premium on account of their rarity. Sri Lankan or Ceylonese blue sapphires are also known to be of exceptional quality, and are among the most popular variety of this gem.
Clarity, while important, differs from the standards applied to diamonds. Inclusions, sometimes referred to as "silk," can enhance the neelam stone's character, affecting its value. Cut, a universal gemstone principle, greatly influences the interplay of light within the stone – generally, a precisely-faceted blue sapphire exhibits the best interplay of light. Carat weight, although significant, often takes a back seat to the other 3 factors – although the larger the gem (> 6 carats), the higher is its per-carat price.
Selecting a neelam stone demands a discerning eye and a grasp of its nuances. In general, however, the following list is a useful guide for a consumer to determine the approximate value of a blue sapphire:
- Colour: Select a shade that speaks to your inner essence—a profound and vibrant blue that encapsulates the very essence of the neelam gem. Although different certification labs have distinct colour grades - a uniformly saturated blue that is vivid and vibrant, is the most coveted. The ‘Cornflower Blue’ or the ‘Royal Blue’ shades are among the most premium colours for a blue sapphire.
Blue Sapphires occur in a range of blue hues
- Clarity: Seek a balance between flawless and character. Inclusions can make each stone a unique masterpiece. In general, the cleaner (absence of inclusions) a gem, the higher is its value. Look for a neelam that is transparent, and not very inclusive.
Different degrees of clarity in blue sapphires
- Cut: Prioritize precision. A well-cut blue sapphire stone dances with light, revealing its inner radiance. The faceting should be such that it does not allow for the formation of a “window” – which occurs when the neelam is cut so shallow, that light passes straight through the stone, instead of returning to the eye as brilliance or scintillation.
Window Effect on Spinels from worst-cut (left) to the best (right) (Source: GIA)
- Carat Weight: Decide on size while honouring quality. Sometimes, the most remarkable treasures come in modest sizes. What one needs to consider here is 2 things – first, the range of weight (in carats or ratti) that has been prescribed by your astrologer, and second, the fact that higher carat weights are rarer, and therefore carry a value premium.
- Origin: For those seeking the pinnacle of rarity, Kashmiri neelam stones hold legendary status. These are exceptionally rare and as such, carry a large value premium. Sri Lankan or Ceylonese neelam stones are considered to be the next best in quality – which exceptional qualities coming out of their mines. Burma, Australia, and Madagascar are also known to produce high-quality blue sapphires from time to time.
A Conclusive Reflection
In the grand tapestry of gemstones, the neelam ratna, also known as the blue sapphire, emerges as a symbol of enduring elegance, often associated with royalty. Beyond its sheer beauty, it carries within it the whispers of geological history and the profound fascination of humanity. Wrapped in an aura of mystique with its breath-taking hues, the neelam stone has long been a favourite of royalty, adorning the crowns and jewelry of kings and queens. It stands as one of the most sought-after gems, a testament to its timeless allure.
Like us, if you're captivated by the allure of blue sapphires, we invite you to explore our exquisite collection of blue sapphires at Precious Earth. With a heritage steeped in gemmology, we offer a curated selection of these majestic gems. Let your journey into the world of blue sapphires begin with us—a celebration of nature's artistry and humanity's enduring fascination with brilliance. Visit our collections now to discover your own piece of regal elegance.
