What are the Various Origins of Sapphires?

Sapphire is one of the three prominent color gemstones, the other two are ruby and emerald. The gemstone occurs in a wide range of colors, including blue, pink, green, yellow and orange, to name a few. The only color in which sapphire doesn’t occur is red. That's because gem-quality red corundum is ruby, and all other gem-quality corundum fall under sapphire.

Sapphire is primarily known for its celestial hues that have excited the curiosities of everyone, including royalty. Many royal jewelry pieces are decorated with sapphires, such as tiaras, rings, brooches and earrings. In this article, we will learn about the various origins of sapphires. Though sapphires occur in large quantities all over the world, gem-quality stones occur only in a few locations. Here’s a low-down of the various origins of sapphires.

Kashmir

Kashmir, the northernmost geographical region in India, is one of the most well-known sources of sapphires. Known for their soft, velvety and saturated blue hues, sapphires from Kashmir are the most highly prized gemstones. These gemstones set the standard for evaluating blue sapphires. Kashmir sapphires have a slightly purplish blue color with strong to vivid saturation and medium to medium-dark tones. Kashmir sapphires can sell for exorbitant prices.

Stones from Kashmir can sometimes sell for over $2,00,000 a carat because of their rarity; in fact, according to the International Gem Society, Kashmir sapphires have their own price structure. Because of the prestige that Kashmir sapphires enjoy, many compliment fine-quality sapphires as Kashmir sapphires. However, one can’t be sure about the origin of a sapphire gemstone exclusively based on its fine color.

The mines that once yielded Kashmir sapphires ran dry in the 1930s. That’s the reason why these gemstones sell for astronomical prices. Those who own Kashmir sapphires are the luckiest ones because they get to adorn themselves with the beauty of these stones. Others go to museums to witness the magnificence of Kashmir sapphires.

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is an ancient source of sapphires. Historically known as Ceylon, Sri Lanka still produces beautiful sapphires. Long, slender rutile needles are a hallmark inclusion characteristic of Ceylon sapphires. Sapphires from this region show slightly grayish to violet-blue hues and these gemstones can be very large. These gemstones have a light to medium tone. Most blue sapphires on the market come from Sri Lanka.

One of the most celebrated Sri Lankan sapphires is set in an engagement ring that’s worn by a member of the British Royal Family. Yes, you’re right, I’m talking about the Ceylon sapphire set in the engagement ring of Kate Middleton. This engagement ring now adorns the ring finger of Kate Middleton, but it was originally given to Princess Diana by Prince Charles.

Myanmar

Kashmir, Sri Lanka and Myanmar are three of the most notable classical sources of sapphires. Formerly known as Burma, Myanmar has produced many beautiful sapphire gemstones; in fact, the vivid and bright blue hues of Myanmar sapphires can rival the hues of sapphires from the other two classical regions.

The fine quality of the high-grade material of Burmese sapphires has earned them high status in the world of color gemstones. People love to encrust their jewelry pieces with sapphires from Myanmar. Apart from sapphires, Myanmar is also famous for rubies, the sister stones of sapphires. Some of the world’s finest rubies come from Myanmar.

Also read : How Can I Test Sapphire At Home

Montana

Montana, also known as the Treasure State, produces sapphires of all colors. Sapphire mines in Montana that produce gem-quality sapphires have been discovered in Yogo Gulch, Rock Creek, Dry Cottonwood Creek and in the gravels of the Missouri River. The deposits in the gravels of the Missouri River produce the largest Montana sapphires.

Some sapphire gemstones from the Missouri River deposit can show color change. These gemstones can appear blue in daylight and violet to purple in incandescent light. The color change in Montana sapphires can be attributed to the presence of the trace element vanadium in their crystalline structure. Sapphires produced in Yogo Gulch are called Yogo sapphires. These gemstones are coveted because of their beautiful deep cornflower blue color.

Yogo sapphires tend to be small. Only a few sapphires produced in Yogo Gulch weigh above 0.5 carats. The excellent cornflower blue color of Yogo sapphires makes them a cut above the rest.

Final Words

These are some of the major sources of sapphires. Some of the other major sources of sapphires are Australia, Cambodia, China, Ethiopia, Kenya, Madagascar, Nigeria, Tanzania, Thailand and Vietnam. You can shop for various fancy color sapphires from these origins, including brown, yellow, orange and peach sapphires, to name a few.

If you’re from the United States, you might want to invest in Montana sapphires. One of the big reasons for investing in sapphires from Montana is because this state produces sapphires of all colors. So, if you’re considering getting yourself a pink sapphire jewelry piece, you can choose a Montana sapphire for your fascination. Shop online and buy sapphire gemstone jewelry at attractive prices from GemsNY, one of the largest sellers of sapphires in the United States.