Eyes On Sapphire Jewellery – What To Know Before Buying

Featured in many engagement rings, sapphire is a stunning gemstone. Its colour can range from light blue to a rich royal blue. Sapphire is quite durable – it ranks 9 on Mohs’ scale of hardness, which means it’s more scratch-resistant than many other gemstones.

When it comes to buying sapphire jewellery, there are a few things you need to know before making your purchase. Let’s talk about the most important factors to consider when shopping for sapphire jewellery.

1. Know the difference between natural and synthetic sapphire.

Natural sapphire can be found in a variety of colour, from light blue to a rich royal blue. The rarer the colour of sapphire, the more expensive it is. Synthetic sapphires are produced by heating natural quartz and spinel under high pressure with carbon electrodes. While some jewellers buy synthetic sapphires to cut and polish, others buy them because they’re cheaper. Ask your jeweller if they buy synthetic sapphire or if they sell only natural sapphire jewellery.

2. Be aware of where the stones in your sapphire jewellery come from.

The stone’s country of origin can influence its price; in general, the rarer the stone’s origin, the pricier it is. In addition to preserving unique traditions and cultures, sapphire mines can also preserve a significant part of our planet’s history. All natural sapphires are formed in very specific geological conditions, which means that they’re often found at sites of major historical or geological significance. To buy your jewellery responsibly, purchase sapphire jewellery that was mined in Canada, Australia, Thailand or Sri Lanka.

3. Know the 4C’s of sapphires.

The Four Cs are an industry standard for grading cut, colour, clarity and carat weight in gemstones. Understanding each characteristic can help you acquire a piece of sapphire jewellery that’s more valuable. When you buy sapphire jewellery at Ringleaders or from any other reputable jewellers, rest assured they will give you the best items and would be happy to educate you on what makes each jewellery valuable.

CUT is one of the most important factors to consider when buying sapphires because it affects their brilliance and sparkle. A well-cut stone will reflect light from the top down through its table, allowing for even dispersion of light; whereas, an inferior cut will allow light to escape through the bottom. If you buy sapphire jewellery, buy a stone with cut graded as ‘excellent’ or ‘very good’.

COLOR is another one of the important Four Cs of sapphires. Sapphires are often classified by their primary colour, which can range from light blue to greenish-blue to colourless. Sapphires may also be classified as fancy sapphires, which feature other colours such as orange, yellow and purple. When you go for sapphire jewellery, buy a stone with primary colour graded as ‘very good’ or ‘excellent’.

CLARITY is yet another factor to consider when buying sapphires. Clarity refers to the presence of internal or external characteristics that reduce a stone’s value, such as inclusions and surface flaws. In general, buy sapphire jewellery with clarity graded as ‘excellent’ or ‘very good’.

CARAT weight is the final factor considered when buying sapphire jewellery. Like many other gemstones, buy sapphire jewellery with the highest carat weight possible for the money.

3. Consider whether you want to buy loose stones or a ring with a stone already set in it.

If you buy sapphire jewellery, buy loose stones so you can choose the setting yourself. This way, you’ll be able to find a setting that’s exactly right for your stone.

4. Get an appraisal from a gemologist before buying anything expensive.

Just to make sure you’re getting what you paid for, always approach the right expert. If you buy sapphire jewellery, buy it from a jeweller with a good reputation and get an insurance appraisal before making the final purchase. This way, you’ll have a valuable reference if your jewellery is ever lost or stolen.

5. Take care of your sapphires.

Clean them regularly, store them properly, avoid wearing them during exercise or bathing. Keep your sapphires free of moisture and humidity, just as you would with any other type of jewellery. It’s also not a bad idea to buy a good pair of sapphire jewellery insurance. To buy your jewellery responsibly, buy from reputable dealers that offer a warranty on their pieces.

6. Lastly, buy sapphire jewellery responsibly by buying ethical and eco-friendly pieces.

Look for pieces labelled as being from Canada, Australia, Thailand or Sri Lanka to buy sapphire jewellery that helps preserve unique cultures and traditions. When you buy sapphires from mines in war-torn regions like Afghanistan or Burma, your money often goes to fund violence and terrorism, making ethical sapphire jewellery a necessity.