Sapphire engagement rings are becoming increasingly popular. This is due, in part, to the great choice of colours available. Pure corundum is colourless but creates other colours with different trace elements. Blue sapphire is the most common shade made by a combination of iron and titanium traces. Other colours are known as fancy sapphires. The varieties of sapphire are: blue, pink, yellow, padparadscha, unique and rare sapphires.
Blue
A blue sapphire is one of the world's favourite gemstones and has been chosen for royal engagement rings since it is more rare and unique than diamonds. In addition, there are various hues of blue sapphire, from baby blue to a deep royal blue. The more mineral traces of iron and titanium in the corundum, the more saturated the colour. Although there are various shades of blue sapphire, it must have less than15% of any secondary colour, since this would make it a fancy coloured sapphire.
Yellow
A yellow sapphire is a fancy coloured sapphire and, after blue, is the most popular variety of the gemstone, since it looks very similar to a yellow diamond. The primary source of yellow sapphires is Sri Lanka, but they can also be found in other Eastern countries. Wherever they come from, yellow sapphires range in colour from greenish-yellow to orangish-yellow. The favourite though, is 'vibrant canary yellow' which is a deep orange or brownish-yellow (it apparently looks a bit like the colour of whisky). If it is any darker, though, the stone will be sold as a brown sapphire which is usually slightly cheaper.
Yellow sapphires generally have fewer inclusions, higher clarity standards, and are cheaper to cut than the blue, pink, or padparadscha sapphire engagement rings. Because of this, well-cut yellow sapphires are easier to find. If you are thinking of choosing a yellow sapphire, it is worth noting that the most valuable ones are titanium-free, because any trace of titanium adds an undesirable green tinge.
Pink
A pink sapphire is a rare gemstone but a popular choice for sapphire engagement rings. It is produced when there are traces of chromium in corundum. It is uncommon since very high chromium concentration actually creates a ruby instead of a pink sapphire. Pink sapphires with a purplish hue have a trace of titanium in them. The colour of pink sapphires ranges from baby pink to a bright intense pink. The problem with pink sapphires is that most of them have been heat treated, although some untreated alternatives are available on the market.
Padparadscha
Padparadscha sapphires are unknown to a lot of people but are treasures to sapphire connoisseurs. The term 'padparadscha' comes from the Singhalese word for an aquatic lotus blossom, which has an unusual salmon color. Most padparadscha sapphires are salmon-pink, but some range from pink to orange and yellow. The clarity of padparadscha sapphires scores less than other varieties, because there are usually more inclusions present. But the stones are so rare that people can overlook these.
Rare and unique
Rare and unique sapphires are lime green, magenta, orange, brown, cognac, violet and all colors in between. These colours are not so common for sapphire engagement rings but are bought by collectors who purchase them because they are individual and unique.
Rabu, 27 September 2017
Jumat, 15 September 2017
6 Essential Steps to Smart Shopping for Sapphire Engagement Rings
Engagement rings are not cheap, especially when they include precious gemstones like sapphires. Because sapphire engagement rings are such an investment, you will want to be methodical in your buying decisions to ensure that you do not make a rash and impulsive purchase.
Set a budget
Before looking at any sapphire engagement rings, you should set a budget to avoid buying jewellery you cannot really afford. Sapphires can range from £30 per carat to over £6000 per carat. The most expensive sapphire on record ever sold cost about £80,000 per carat. Set a budget before beginning the shopping process and communicate this effectively to the jeweller. The price of a sapphire is determined primarily, in order, by the cut, transparency and clarity (the number of inclusions), and colour of the stone. Size is a rather insignificant feature in the valuation process, as a large, low-quality sapphire can be a lot cheaper than a small, high quality stone.
Choose a metal setting that complements the stone
Sapphires can come in a variety of different tones, so you will want the band of your sapphire engagement ring to be made from a metal that complements its shade. Metals such as silver and white gold are popular complements to any hue of a sapphire's natural blue colour. The orangey-pink of Padparadscha sapphires usually pairs well with yellow gold settings, while pure pink sapphires tend to stand out in both silver and gold settings. All in all, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and the way you design your ring is a matter of personal preference.
Be aware of potential fakes
Less trustworthy retailers may try to sell ignorant buyers a cheaper stone that looks like a sapphire instead of a real sapphire. Blue spinel, blue tourmaline, and tanzanite are among the gems that some jewellers may try to pass off as true sapphires.
Only work with reputable dealers
A good place to start your shopping for sapphire engagement rings is with large chain brand jewellers because their business practices are more closely scrutinized than those of independent stores. If you do want to examine the selection of local artisan jewellers, be sure to ask for official certification for any sapphire you consider purchasing. A legitimate jeweller will be able to provide paperwork that validates the gemstone's origins and attributes.
Save by buying loose, wholesale sapphires
Retailers tend to inflate the price of their jewels since they need to charge more than the price they paid in order to make a profit. Wholesalers, however, can sell you loose stones, or stones that have not yet been set in a ring, at near wholesale prices. Once you obtain these stones, you can have them have them set in a ring separately by a bespoke jeweller. This process also allows a greater role in customising the piece of jewellery.
Shop around at various jewellers
Every jeweller will have a different stock of sapphires in his or her collection. As a result, it is wise to compare the different designs as well as prices of different jewellers. You may be able to find two similar designs you like at varying costs. As with any other product, shopping at multiple stores and weighing your options in a calculative manner will ensure that you make the best purchase for your budget.
Set a budget
Before looking at any sapphire engagement rings, you should set a budget to avoid buying jewellery you cannot really afford. Sapphires can range from £30 per carat to over £6000 per carat. The most expensive sapphire on record ever sold cost about £80,000 per carat. Set a budget before beginning the shopping process and communicate this effectively to the jeweller. The price of a sapphire is determined primarily, in order, by the cut, transparency and clarity (the number of inclusions), and colour of the stone. Size is a rather insignificant feature in the valuation process, as a large, low-quality sapphire can be a lot cheaper than a small, high quality stone.
Choose a metal setting that complements the stone
Sapphires can come in a variety of different tones, so you will want the band of your sapphire engagement ring to be made from a metal that complements its shade. Metals such as silver and white gold are popular complements to any hue of a sapphire's natural blue colour. The orangey-pink of Padparadscha sapphires usually pairs well with yellow gold settings, while pure pink sapphires tend to stand out in both silver and gold settings. All in all, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and the way you design your ring is a matter of personal preference.
Be aware of potential fakes
Less trustworthy retailers may try to sell ignorant buyers a cheaper stone that looks like a sapphire instead of a real sapphire. Blue spinel, blue tourmaline, and tanzanite are among the gems that some jewellers may try to pass off as true sapphires.
Only work with reputable dealers
A good place to start your shopping for sapphire engagement rings is with large chain brand jewellers because their business practices are more closely scrutinized than those of independent stores. If you do want to examine the selection of local artisan jewellers, be sure to ask for official certification for any sapphire you consider purchasing. A legitimate jeweller will be able to provide paperwork that validates the gemstone's origins and attributes.
Save by buying loose, wholesale sapphires
Retailers tend to inflate the price of their jewels since they need to charge more than the price they paid in order to make a profit. Wholesalers, however, can sell you loose stones, or stones that have not yet been set in a ring, at near wholesale prices. Once you obtain these stones, you can have them have them set in a ring separately by a bespoke jeweller. This process also allows a greater role in customising the piece of jewellery.
Shop around at various jewellers
Every jeweller will have a different stock of sapphires in his or her collection. As a result, it is wise to compare the different designs as well as prices of different jewellers. You may be able to find two similar designs you like at varying costs. As with any other product, shopping at multiple stores and weighing your options in a calculative manner will ensure that you make the best purchase for your budget.
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