Sapphires stand out as exceptionally radiant and dazzling gemstones. Regardless of the chosen color for rings, earrings, or bracelets, the allure of this gemstone is simply irresistible. However, before making a swift decision between the beloved blue sapphire and its counterpart, the yellow sapphire, it's essential to comprehend their unique differentiators. Let's delve into the distinctions to understand them further better.
Characteristics of Yellow Sapphires
Rare variations of yellow sapphires encompass shades ranging from greenish to orangish-yellow. These vivid hues span from medium to canary yellow. Notably, these vibrant gems are comparatively affordable when contrasted with blue or pink sapphires. The enduring appeal of yellow sapphires can be attributed to their status as both a secure investment and prized colored gemstones.
Yellow sapphires derive significant value when mined in their natural untreated state at high temperatures. An intriguing aspect is that these sapphires may exhibit "feather" inclusions. This phenomenon occurs due to the intense heating process, causing these internal features to fragment, allowing a skilled gemologist to detect them. The absence of these feathers in untreated yellow sapphires can raise questions about authenticity.
Distinctive Traits of Blue Sapphires
Blue sapphires are categorized as secondary colors. They manifest in various shades, including greenish blue and purplish blue. Commonly referred to as "unique" or "fancy colored" sapphires, they enjoy widespread recognition.
A particular shade termed "royal blue" garners attention, characterized by its deep blue tone with undertones of violet or purple. This variant, often identified as "cornflower blue sapphire," has historically held immense popularity.
Cut's Impact on Yellow Sapphires
Yellow sapphires typically exhibit fewer inclusions and higher clarity standards compared to their blue, pink, or padparadscha counterparts. The elevated clarity requirement stems from the fact that the medium color of yellow sapphire doesn't effectively mask imperfections. Given that yellow sapphires are relatively more affordable, jewelers tend to prioritize brilliance over retaining weight. Consequently, expertly cut yellow sapphires are more readily available in specialized cuts, contributing to their increasing popularity for crafting personalized jewelry pieces.
Cut's Influence on Blue Sapphires
The cut of a blue sapphire surprisingly influences its color perception. Sapphires possess dichroism, implying that their color shifts depending on the viewing angle. While they may appear blue to violet-blue from one angle, a slightly greenish blue hue might emerge from another.
For optimal aesthetics, blue sapphires are aligned to display enchanting blue to violet-blue tones. The trend in 2020 saw these sapphires gaining traction in vintage-inspired shapes like oval, pear, and emerald, enhancing their color brilliance. These cuts not only emphasize the sapphire's color but also offer captivating visual appeal.
Availability of Yellow and Blue Gemstones
Light yellow gemstones below one carat are prevalent and affordably priced. Achieving intense color saturation in a one-carat size proves challenging; however, a medium "Canary" shade strikes a balance between color and quality. These gems are predominantly found in Sri Lanka and Australia.
Blue sapphires weighing one carat or more are meticulously cut to maximize their potential from raw crystals. However, securing matching pairs in larger sizes can be challenging. While commercial-grade blue sapphires are relatively abundant, top-quality untreated blue sapphires remain rare and costly.
Gemstone Cutting for Yellow and Blue Sapphires
Yellow sapphires are mined across various sapphire-rich regions globally, resulting in a diverse array of color and shape options such as cushion cuts and ovals. Availability hinges on whether the stone has undergone treatment. Due to the undeniable allure of yellow sapphires, their demand remains steady across all shapes, positioning them as an excellent choice among sapphire varieties.
Prominently, Sri Lanka—also known as Ceylon—holds the distinction of being a primary producer of pristine blue sapphires. Stone deposits in Madagascar closely resemble those in Sri Lanka. While truly flawless blue sapphires are exceptionally rare, especially in larger sizes, they are sourced from diverse locations worldwide, including Kashmir, Australia, Myanmar, Tanzania, Nigeria, Thailand, and the US state of Montana.
While globally renowned blue sapphires command attention, yellow sapphires offer an equally captivating alternative, alongside yellow diamonds. To explore your preferences, discover exceptional natural yellow and blue sapphires at Khanna Gems. Our exclusive collection of gemstone jewelry, including rings, pendants, earrings, and bracelets, features limitless designs that radiate authenticity and allure. These pieces are ideal for various occasions, including engagements and gifting. Don't hesitate—add your favorites to your cart now!