In this post, we reveal everything you need to know about sapphire, including its meaning, properties, types, and colors. Let's get started!

Introduction

Once upon a time, in a land now known as “Gem Island", there was discovered a precious gem known as sapphire. A glimmering stone, that would later prove to be a lot more than just a pretty face. Join us on a journey as we divulge the wondrous world of sapphires, uncovering its history, mystical properties, and the legends that have woven around it!

In this article we discuss the following:

• Sapphire Meaning
• What is Sapphire?
• Sapphire Pronunciation
• Sapphire Etymology
• Sapphire Spiritual Meaning
• Biblical Meaning of Sapphire
• What Color is Sapphire?
• What are Sapphires Made of?
• Who Can Wear Blue Sapphire?
• What are Sapphires Used for
• What does a Sapphire Symbolize?
• Is Sapphire Expensive?
• Where is Sapphire Found
• African Sapphire
• Sapphire Properties
• Sapphire Healing Properties
• Green Sapphire vs Emerald
• Ruby vs Sapphire
• Sapphire Types
• Raw Sapphire
• Natural Sapphire
• Sapphire Varieties
• Star Sapphire
• Kashmir Sapphire
• Sapphire Color
• Blue Sapphire
• Blue Sapphire Meaning
• Blue Sapphire Properties
• Blue Sapphire Price
• White Sapphire
• What is White Sapphire?
• White Sapphire Healing Properties
• Green Sapphire
• Green Sapphire Meaning
• Black Sapphire
• Red Sapphire
• Gray Sapphire
• Gray Sapphire Meaning
• Pink Sapphire
• Pink Sapphire Meaning
• Clear Sapphire
• Peach Sapphire
• Peach Sapphire Meaning
• Sapphire Jewelry
• Sapphire Ring
• Sapphire Engagement Rings
• Sapphire Cocktail Ring
• Vintage Sapphire Flower Ring
• Sapphire for Sale
• Sapphire Price
• Sapphire Ring Cost
• Blue Sapphire vs Diamond Price
• Wholesale Sapphire
• Blue Sapphire Stones for Sale
• Black Sapphire for Sale
• Sapphire on Amazon
• Fake Sapphire
• How Can You Tell If a Sapphire is Real?
• Conclusion

Sapphire Meaning

One of our favorite sapphire facts is that this stone has been a renowned entity for centuries, and as a result, the meaning of sapphires has evolved a lot over time. Once a symbol for royalty, this precious stone is today revered as a symbol of wisdom, truth, and divine connection.

Sapphire stones are no longer only something the elite can afford and make use of. There is a huge market for more affordable cuts these days, though let us state outright that we’re not talking affordability like quartz or amethyst.

Sapphires remain on the higher end of the crystal spectrum, so while these stones may no longer be exclusive to crown jewels, your pocket may still feel a bit of a burn. 

What is Sapphire?

Sapphire crystal is made from the mineral corundum, which is composed of aluminum oxide. These stones have been cherished for their exquisite beauty since ancient times, with the earliest known sources of sapphires can be traced back to the ancient kingdom of Ceylon, which is the present-day Sri Lanka.

Known as the "Gem Island", Sri Lanka has been a significant producer of sapphires for centuries. However, sapphires have also been discovered in other parts of the world. Kashmir, in the Himalayan region, is renowned for its velvety blue sapphires, while Burma, now Myanmar, has yielded some of the world's most esteemed variations.

Sapphires are known for their durability, ranking 9 on the Mohs scale of hardness, second only to diamonds! They have a high refractive index, which contributes to their luster and ability to reflect light. Sapphires also exhibit “pleochroism”, meaning they can exhibit different colors when viewed from different angles. What’s more, they are highly resistant to heat and chemical damage. 

Sapphire Pronunciation

Sapphire is pronounced “SAF-ier" or "SAH-fi-er," with the emphasis placed on the first syllable. It’s important to note that pronunciations can vary slightly based on regional accents and dialects, so don’t be surprised if you hear a totally different variation when in foreign parts of the world.

That said, many agree that the word itself evokes a sense of enchantment, no matter how it is pronounced, highlighting the sapphire definition and general magic associated with this gorgeous gemstone.

Sapphire Etymology

Now for a bit of sapphire history: The word "sapphire" finds its roots in the ancient Greek term "sappheiros", which actually originally referred to the gemstone lapis lazuli.

Over time, the term evolved to encompass what we now know as sapphire rock. The etymology of "sappheiros" itself is uncertain, but it is suspected to have been derived from the Hebrew word "sapir", meaning "the most beautiful things" or "the most precious".

Sapphire Spiritual Meaning

We’ll dive much deeper into this section a little later in the article, but for now it is helpful to simply note that these stones carry both undeniable and profound spiritual relevance.

Believed to connect us to the divine realms and higher consciousness, this crystal is associated with wisdom, truth, and spiritual insight. And this is just on a metaphysical level! Many are often surprised to learn that sapphire possessed physical healing properties, too. 

Biblical Meaning of Sapphire

There are a number of crystals that are mentioned in the Bible texts, the sapphire being one that comes up quite frequently. In the Bible, these stones are often associated with beauty, truth, and faithfulness.

They are mentioned in various contexts, one being describing the foundations of God's throne (Exodus 24:10) and another the high priest's breastplate (Exodus 28:18). The sapphire is also noted as one of the twelve precious stones of the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:19), symbolizing the “glory and splendor of God's kingdom”.

What Color is Sapphire?

While most corundums are known for their vibrant blue color, sapphires can actually be found in a wide range of colors, including pink, yellow, green, and even colorless varieties known as white sapphires.

The colors are the result of various trace elements present within the crystal structure, such as iron and titanium. The deep blue sapphires remain the most prized and sought after.

What are Sapphires Made of?

We touched on this briefly above, but the sapphire gem is made of a mineral called corundum, which is an aluminum oxide compound. As we know, corundum is one of the hardest minerals on the Mohs scale, ranking 9 out of 10.

Sapphires are essentially composed of aluminum and oxygen atoms arranged in a crystal lattice structure. Also noted above, the blue color of sapphire is formed by trace elements of iron and titanium. However, when other impurities are present, a variety of colors can occur!

Who Can Wear Blue Sapphire?

Let’s get one thing straight, anyone can wear a sapphire gemstone! If you love it, go for it! That said, all crystals have a link to both the birthday calendar and zodiac symbols, making them fantastic gifts for people who hold these birthdays or signs. 

Sapphire is the birthstone for the month of September. People born in September are said to benefit from the positive energies and qualities of sapphire birthstones.

Sapphire is also the traditional zodiac stone for those born under the sign of Taurus. Taurus is an earth sign known for its practicality and stability, and sapphire resonates perfectly with these qualities!

What are Sapphires Used for?

These days, one of the main uses of sapphires is in jewelry. Their “elite” nature and durability make them popular gemstones for engagement rings, earrings, bracelets, and necklaces. Sapphires are also used in watchmaking, with their scratch-resistant properties making them ideal for high-end watch faces. 

Aesthetics aside, you may be surprised to learn that sapphires are also utilized in industrial applications. Their hardness makes them suitable for use in high-quality mechanical parts, electronic components, and abrasives. Sapphires are even used in scientific instruments, such as laser-cutting technology, due to their ability to transmit light at high frequencies.

Consumerism aside, sapphires hold their ground in the esoteric and spiritual industries as well. Healers and energy workers have their own uses for these stones and the properties that they possess. 

What does a Sapphire Symbolize?

Given their long standing presence throughout history, it’s likely that sapphire symbolism will always represent a level of royalty and nobility. Since these stones have become more and more attainable by the working class, the symbolism has shifted slightly and now also represents a level of love and commitment, which is why they’ve become so popular in engagement rings.

Is Sapphire Expensive?

The answer to this is yes and no. As with diamonds, the cost of sapphires can vary greatly depending on several factors such as color, clarity, size, and origin. Blue sapphires, particularly those with deep and vibrant hues, are highly sought after and thus tend to be more expensive. But there are yellow, pink, green, white and even black variations that can cost a fraction of that of a blue! 

The origin of the sapphire, such as Kashmir, Burma (Myanmar), or Ceylon (Sri Lanka), can also significantly affect its price. Generally, sapphires can range from relatively affordable to extremely expensive - it’s truly a spectrum! 

Where is Sapphire Found?

The aforementioned locations were the original origins of sapphire stones throughout history. Today, sapphire mines are found in various locations around the world, including places like Madagascar, Australia, and even Thailand, which has become a major hub for sapphire cutting and trading.

Additionally, sapphires are also found in smaller quantities in other countries like Tanzania, Kenya, and the United States.

African Sapphire

As noted above, African sapphires, specifically from countries like Madagascar, Tanzania, and Kenya, have gained recognition in recent years for their impressive quality and striking colors.

Madagascar in particular, has become renowned for its unique range of hues, including vibrant blues, pinks and yellows. For some reason, the sapphires from this region often exhibit intense saturation and excellent clarity. 

Tanzania is known for its blue sapphires, with some even rivaling in quality of those from Sri Lanka. Kenya also produces stunning blue and green sapphires, and has further put Africa on the map as exporters of these stunning stones. 

Sapphire Properties

We’re going to divide this section into sapphire magical properties, and sapphire healing properties, as there is so much to share on these stones that were once only valued for their aesthetic appeal!

From a spiritual perspective, sapphires are thought to enhance spiritual insight, intuition, and wisdom. The deep blue color of many sapphires is associated with the throat and third eye chakras, promoting clear communication, intuition, and opening pathways to higher consciousness. Blue stones are also believed to bring calmness and inner peace, while protecting against negative energies.

Sapphire Healing Properties

These crystals are not just metaphysical healers. Sapphires have the ability to shift energy so that very tangible, physical healing effects are felt on a practical level. The calming energy of sapphires (blue in particular) is said to be able to alleviate stress, anxiety, and insomnia, promoting a peaceful sleep.

Wearing them on the body is also thought to aid in relieving headaches and migraines. The blue variety of sapphires is associated with the throat and thyroid glands, suggesting they may assist in soothing throat issues. Additionally, sapphires are believed to support the immune system and boost the body's natural healing processes.

Green Sapphire vs Emerald

To any untrained eye, a green sapphire mineral next to a green emerald is going to be confused as the same thing. As we know, sapphire is available in a range of green hues, from light to dark, and often exhibits excellent clarity.

Green sapphire has a particularly high luster, making it an appealing choice for jewelry. Compared to emerald, green sapphire is actually more affordable!

Emerald, on the other hand, is a type of beryl. It is known for its rich green color and is highly valued for its intense saturation. However, emeralds tend to have more inclusions and are therefore considered less durable than sapphires, albeit more expensive.

Ruby vs Sapphire

Red sapphires and rubies are essentially the same gemstone. Both stones are composed of the mineral corundum, with the only difference being the color classification.

The division between sapphires and rubies is often based on cultural and traditional distinctions rather than any inherent differences in composition or characteristics. In terms of their physical and chemical properties, both red sapphires and rubies share the same hardness, durability, and brilliance.

Sapphire Types

Sapphires differ in terms of color, and this is how they are classed into “types”. As we know, the most well-known and sought-after type is blue sapphire. Pink sapphire is another popular type, featuring shades ranging from delicate pastel pink to vibrant magenta.

Yellow sapphire, often called "golden sapphire", offers a sunny and warm yellow color. Lesser known, padparadscha sapphire is a rare type, exhibiting a pinkish-orange or salmon color, and it is highly unlikely to find this type in large sapphire size. 

Raw Sapphire

When a sapphire has just come out of the earth, it is considered to be in its most raw state. Raw sapphire typically appears as a rough, unpolished crystal, and it’s not always pretty.

Its natural form can vary greatly, but it commonly has a rough and uneven texture with a dull or matte finish. The rough surface often has visible lines, grooves, or facets due to the crystal's natural formation process.

Natural Sapphire

When we see the term “natural sapphire”, it’s crucial to note that this is being used to indicate stones that have been formed in the earth through natural processes, without any human interventions or enhancements.

This is because man-made crystals are flooding the markets these days, in an attempt to make gems more affordable and accessible, but this means they are, indeed, not natural. 

Natural sapphires are created over thousands of years under specific geological conditions that involve heat, pressure, and the presence of specific minerals. Understandably, natural sapphires are sought after for their authenticity and organic beauty. 

Sapphire Varieties

Star Sapphire

Star sapphire is a variety of sapphire that exhibits a mesmerizing optical phenomenon called ‘asterism'. This phenomenon creates a star-like pattern that appears to float across the surface of the gemstone when viewed in active light.

The star effect is caused by the presence of needle-like inclusions, typically composed of the mineral rutile, which intersect to form the star shape. The most common color for star sapphire is blue, but it can also be found in shades of pink, yellow, green, and gray. 

Kashmir Sapphire

Kashmir sapphire is a highly esteemed variety of crystal that hails from the region of Kashmir in the Himalayas. Often described as a “rich cornflower blue” or “intense royal blue”, kashmir stones are revered for their saturation, depth, and beauty.

Due to limited mining in the early 1900s and subsequent political issues, kashmir sapphire is now exceedingly rare and sought after!

Sapphire Color

As we touched on earlier, most sapphire stones are known for their vibrant blue color, but can also be found in a range of colors, including pink, yellow, green, and even colorless varieties known as white sapphires.

The colors are the result of various trace elements present within the crystal structure, such as iron and titanium. We’ll break down the specifics of each color below, and touch on the properties that each possess. 

Blue Sapphire

Considered the OG in the sapphire game, blue remains the most admired and sought after variation of these crystals. Blue stones are thought to emit elegance and sophistication, making it a timeless choice in jewelry. If you find a dark blue sapphire for sale, take the opportunity and make it yours!

Blue Sapphire Meaning

Blue sapphires are associated with loyalty, faithfulness, and sincerity in relationships, which explains their popularity within the jewelry world. That said, they also carry various meanings depending on cultural beliefs and individual interpretations around the world.

Blue Sapphire Properties

Blue sapphires are associated with qualities such as wisdom, intuition, and spiritual enlightenment. It is believed to enhance clarity of thought, promote mental focus, and aid in decision-making. In ancient folklore and healing practices, blue sapphire was believed to bestow protection, bring inner peace, and attract abundance. The color blue itself is often associated with calmness and tranquility.

Blue Sapphire Price

The average price for a blue sapphire can vary greatly depending on size, quality, and origin. Entry-level blue sapphires can start at around $100 per carat, but these may have lighter colors, lower clarity, or reduced sizes.

For better quality blue sapphires with deeper, vibrant blue colors, good clarity, and well-cut stones, the average price can range anywhere from $500 to $2,500 per carat. 

The highest quality blue sapphires, such as those with a Kashmir origin, can fetch prices of several thousand dollars per carat or more!

White Sapphire

White sapphires are easy to confuse with diamonds, and are the colorless variety of sapphire stones. Most sapphire mines have white variations on offer, but Sri Lanka, in particular, is renowned for producing high-quality white sapphires known for their clarity. Australia is also known for its white sapphire deposits, particularly in the state of Queensland.

What is White Sapphire?

White sapphire can resemble the appearance of a diamond to some extent due to its colorless nature. It has a high refractive index, similar to a diamond, which contributes to its brilliance and sparkling quality.

However, there are subtle differences between white sapphire and diamond in terms of their optical properties. White sapphire tends to have a slightly lower dispersion or "fire" compared to diamonds, which affects the play of light and color. Additionally, white sapphire's hardness and durability are slightly lower than that of a diamond.

White Sapphire Healing Properties

White sapphire is associated with the crown chakra, which is located at the top of the head. The crown chakra is the center of spiritual connection, consciousness, and enlightenment.

White sapphire is said to activate and align the crown chakra energy center, facilitating spiritual growth, enhancing intuition, and promoting a connection with the angelic realm. 

More physically, white sapphire holds a highly calming and soothing energy, helping to relieve stress, anxiety, and promoting overall well-being. If you are inclined toward psychic abilities, white sapphire can help to awaken them.

Green Sapphire

Not to be confused with emeralds, green sapphires are a unique variation of the sapphire family! They can occur in any mine where white or blue sapphires have formed, and come in varying levels of clarity, ranging from almost solid to highly transparent.

Green Sapphire Meaning

Like all green stones, green sapphire is associated with the heart chakra, also known as the energy center in the middle of the chest. This chakra is connected to love, compassion, and emotional well-being.

Green sapphire is believed to activate and balance the heart, promoting feelings of love, forgiveness, and harmony. It is said that working with green sapphire can help in cultivating compassion, self-acceptance, and healing emotional wounds, so if you’re in search of a more loving experience in your life, this may be the stone for you. 

Black Sapphire

Black sapphire is a lesser-known variety of this crystal. Unlike other sapphire colors, black sapphire is not truly black, but actually a very dark shade of blue or gray. It gets this unique color from high concentrations of both iron and titanium.

They are typically silky or opaque, meaning they do not allow much light to pass through and due to this, they may lack the sparkle often associated with other sapphire hues.

As with all black stones, black sapphires are believed to have protective properties, shielding the wearer from negative energies that may be coming their way. They are associated with grounding, strength, and inner stability.

Red Sapphire

We touched on these earlier on. Red sapphire, also known as ruby, is a captivating gemstone and one that collectors go to great lengths to obtain. Red sapphire owes its striking red color from the presence of chromium. The finest variations exhibit an intense red hue, often referred to as "pigeon blood" red.

With the color in mind, red sapphire has long been associated with passion, vitality, and love. It is believed to ignite the fire within, promoting courage & motivation to make big moves in the world. Red stones are used to stimulate the root chakra, promoting feelings of stability and grounding.

Gray Sapphire

Another lesser known sapphire variation is that of the gray hue. The color of gray sapphire can range from pale and almost colorless to a deep, dark charcoal-type gray. It may also exhibit hints of blue or green undertones.

Gray Sapphire Meaning

From a spiritual perspective, gray sapphire is believed to carry the energy of wisdom and knowledge. It encourages seekers of spiritual truth to delve deeper into their spiritual journey, gaining insights and understanding along the way. Gray sapphire is said to help individuals find the truth within themselves and, in the process, connect to higher levels of consciousness.

Because this is a darker stone, gray sapphire is also able to provide protection against negative energies and psychic attacks.

Pink Sapphire

Pink sapphires weren’t always considered to be super desirable or fashionable, but in recent years the stone has soared in popularity. The stones typically range from delicate pastel pinks to vibrant magenta shades. The intensity and saturation of the pink color can vary, with some stones exhibiting a purplish or reddish undertone.

Pink Sapphire Meaning

Spiritually, the pink sapphire is strongly connected to the heart chakra, which is located at the center of the chest. It is believed to activate and balance the energy of the heart, which in turn fosters love, compassion and forgiveness both inwardly and outwardly.

These stones are also helpful for emotional healing. They are able to help shift lingering emotional wounds and traumas, promoting a sense of peace. Pink sapphire can help release negative emotions, such as anger, resentment, and jealousy, replacing them with more gentle, loving counterparts. 

Clear Sapphire

Often mistaken for diamonds, clear sapphires are totally colorless variations of these corundum stones. Clear sapphires are transparent, and they can sometimes display a subtle shimmer or luster due to their high refractive index. For obvious reasons, clear sapphires are often used as diamond substitutes in jewelry.

Peach Sapphire

Found in a warm peach or pinkish-orange color, peach sapphires are dominating the western market at the moment. The unique color in these stones can vary from subtle pastel shades to deeper, more vibrant hues. The peach color is typically caused by the presence of the trace element chromium in the gemstone.

Peach Sapphire Meaning

Peach and pink are not far apart on the color wheel, so these stones share very similar metaphysical properties. Peach sapphire is known for its soothing energy, making it useful in emotional healing therapies. Trauma therapies can also make use of this peachy stone. 

Also associated with romance and relationships, it is believed that wearing peach sapphire can help attract loving energies into one’s life experience. 

Sapphire Jewelry

Different crystal jewelry is created and worn for different purposes. While aesthetics are a main factor, these jewelry pieces are usually functional too, and possess unique spiritual and healing properties that they can bring to the wearer. 

Typically, crystal jewelry is worn to connect with the various energy centers on the body. For example, if one is seeking help or healing in the heart chakra vicinity, then it becomes wise to wear a crystal in necklace form.

Similarly, if you’re looking for balance in your upper chakras (third eye or crown), then it makes sense to wear these stones as close to the head as possible, like in the ears as earrings!

Finally, for physical healing benefits, most people find that wearing crystals in bracelet form are most effective. This has something to do with the wrists being the easiest point of access into the bloodstream, so the stone frequencies can also enter the body with ease from here, and the benefits are delivered throughout the body thereafter. 

Sapphire Ring

As we know, sapphires are the second hardest crystal known to mankind, second only to the diamond. This means that they are fantastic stones to use in ring-making!

You see, softer crystals are usually best avoided when it comes to rings, as rings are jewelry items that typically go through the most abuse. They are knocked on things day and night, dropped, and tossed about in jewelry bags.

Softer stones can’t handle this kind of impact, and will chip or shatter very soon after purchase. Sapphires, however, are a stone that a jeweler can pretty much give a lifetime guarantee on, as it is virtually impossible for a human to break one. 

Sapphire Engagement Rings

Given their likeness to diamonds in terms of appearance and quality, and their history within the royal circles, sapphires crept their way into the engagement ring market a few decades ago and they’re only getting more popular! 

The vast range of color options is also something to be noted. In recent years, it’s become fashionable to wear engagement rings that are not solely colorless.

Colorful stones are creeping into the modern market by the day, with majestic designs on offer for those who want to forage new tradition. The variety of colors on offer within the sapphire family makes this a highly competitive addition to the market. 

Sapphire Cocktail Ring

Not to be mistaken for an engagement ring, a cocktail ring is typically an ornate ring that one would wear on special occasions. Cocktail rings gained popularity during the 1920s and 1930s when glamorous parties and social gatherings became more of a weekly event.

They are there to make a statement, and what better way to do that with a big, bold cut of sapphire right there on your index finger?

Vintage Sapphire Flower Ring

Sometime during the last century, the flower ring had its 15 minutes of fame and was considered to be the ultimate display of fashion. These were rings designed with a central, circular stone, and then teardrop stones surrounding it in order to create the visual of a flower. 

Because fads die out and trends are constantly changing, these rings are no longer easy to find on the market, and are actually now considered vintage pieces. You can search platforms such as eBay to see if anyone has put theirs up for sale recently!

Sapphire for Sale

Sapphires are one stone that you won’t struggle to find for sale. The only area of concern with sapphires is authenticity, but read on and we’ll address this in detail in the next section! 

Because of their nature and high value, sapphires are not typically available in the same stores where one would buy their more common stones like quartz or tourmaline. Sapphires are sold in jewelry stores, or via boutique jewelry businesses that make a point of working with these precious gems. 

You’ll also be able to buy sapphire on e-commerce platforms such as eBay, Amazon or Etsy. That said, sapphires are the kind of stone that people typically want to see before they purchase.

Like diamonds, one wants to be able to twist and turn the stone to see how it refracts light, how the cut was perfected, and what incisions are embedded deep within the body. 

Sapphire Price

As a general estimate, sapphires can range from a few hundred dollars per carat for lower-quality stones to several thousand dollars per carat for high-quality, premium gemstones.

It's important to note that larger sapphires also tend to have a higher price per carat due to their rarity. As we also mentioned earlier on, sapphires from specific regions are considered more valuable and can demand higher prices.

Sapphire Ring Cost

As a rule, engagement rings cost more than cocktail rings, but with sapphires we are generally looking at a high price all round.

On average, a sapphire ring can range from a few hundred dollars for smaller, lower-quality sapphires to several thousand or even tens of thousands of dollars for larger, higher-quality sapphires set in bespoke designs.

As a very rough estimate, you can expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $5,000 for a sapphire ring.

Blue Sapphire vs Diamond Price

As it stands, blue sapphires are more affordable when compared to diamond counterparts. A high-quality blue sapphire can range in price from $1,000 to $10,000 per carat. The price can go even higher for more rare or exceptionally large pieces of the stone.

On the other hand, diamonds can range in price from $1,000 to $30,000 per carat, and prices can go significantly higher depending on the quality or rarity. Please note that these price ranges are just averages, and the actual price can vary greatly depending on the individual characteristics of the specific gemstone.

Wholesale Sapphire

Yes, it is possible to buy sapphires wholesale, but the market itself can be very difficult to break into. Most gemstone dealers, wholesalers, and manufacturers offer sapphires at wholesale prices however, buying gemstones wholesale typically requires meeting complex certain criteria, such as having a valid business license or being a recognized name within the jewelry industry.

Once you do secure a wholesale supplier who is willing to work with you, it is incredibly important to do thorough research to ensure you are buying genuine, high-quality sapphires at fair prices.

Blue Sapphire Stones for Sale

While they may be the most costly of the sapphire family, blue sapphires are easily the most abundant form of these crystals and thus very easy to get a hold of if you’re in the market to buy.

From your local jewelry store, to only e-commerce platforms, you’ll no doubt track down the right cut for your needs, and likely at a price to match your budget, too!

Black Sapphire for Sale

On the contrary, black sapphires are not all that common and are much harder to find in the trading market. This is not to say that it’s impossible, but it probably won’t be as easy as a quick eBay search.

The best way to buy authentic black sapphires is to actually speak to your local jeweler and let them know what you are looking for. They will have suppliers and connections who can facilitate the sourcing of the black stone on your behalf, probably adding a finder’s fee to the price in exchange. 

Sapphire on Amazon

Believe it or not, Amazon has a thriving sapphire jewelry section where one can buy or sell sapphire embedded pieces at whatever price one desires. This is good news for people in more remote parts of the world where they may not have access to a neighborhood jewelry store or even shipping from many online stores. 

Amazon sapphires would go through more rigorous quality checks as compared to more relaxed sites such as eBay, but this does not mean that sellers won’t still sweeten the deal or exaggerate the truth when describing their stones. Be sure that anything you purchase comes with a full return and refund policy!

Fake Sapphire

As promised, we’ll now spill the beans on the issue that is the fake sapphire endemic! Human beings are opportunists, and the crystal industry is a big melting pot of opportunity when it comes to making a profit… especially if you can sell off a fake piece of glass as the real thing. 

This is where things get tricky for consumers. Natural sapphires are costly items, so there are crystal manufacturers who have developed modes of creating very realistic replicas or mock-stones that are then sold off as authentic.

These stones remain in high demand around the world, making them a perfect product for fraudsters to sell off fake renditions to unsuspecting buyers.

How Can You Tell If a Sapphire is Real?

Synthetic or lab-created sapphires offer a more affordable alternative with similar appearances. Sadly, these stones are actually very similar chemical and optical characteristics as natural sapphires, making it almost impossible for the average person to detect the fraud.

Most people are not well-informed about gemstones and may not be aware of the characteristics or authentication methods to use to identify a genuine stone.

In order to tell if your sapphire is real or synthetic, use one or more of the following tips: 

1. Real sapphires often have natural imperfections, while synthetic or fake sapphires may appear too perfect. Authentic sapphires are also very hard to scratch, while fake ones will tarnish with enough applied pressure.

2. Gemstones have a specific refractive index or the way they bend light. You can use a refractometer, a gemological tool, to measure the refractive index of a sapphire. Genuine sapphires typically have a refractive index of 1.76 to 1.78.

3. Use a gem tester or thermal probe to test the thermal conductivity of the sapphire. Real sapphires have high thermal conductivity, meaning they quickly conduct heat, while synthetic or fake sapphires will show lower thermal conductivity.

4. Some sapphires exhibit fluorescent properties under ultraviolet light. Authentic sapphires may show a weak to strong fluorescence, with colors like blue or orange. If the stone exhibits no fluorescence or a different color under UV light, it can indicate a fake stone.

5. If you are unsure about the authenticity of a sapphire, seek the help of a professional gemologist or a reputable jeweler. They have all the expertise and necessary equipment to accurately determine if a sapphire is real or not.

Did You Enjoy This Article?

Thank you for reading! If you enjoyed this article, you might also like the following articles: Scolecite: Complete Guide and Ruby Zoisite: Complete Guide.

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