If you’re a fan of gorgeous, sparkling gemstones, look no further than Sapphire! This mesmerizing gem is known for its vibrant colors and incredible durability, making it a popular choice for jewelry and other decorative items. But how much is Sapphire really worth? Read on because we’re about to dive into the details!
Sapphire has been valued for centuries, both for its beauty and perceived protective properties. In fact, ancient civilizations believed that this gemstone can ward off evil and bring good fortune.
Today, this gem continues to be highly sought after for its stunning colors and incredible durability. From classic blue to striking pinks and yellows, there is a Sapphire out there to suit every taste. So, stick around because we’re about to take a closer look at the prices of this natural wonder.
What Sapphire Is
Picture this: you’re walking along a beach with crystal clear water and a sky so blue it hurts your eyes. That’s what a Sapphire is— a gemstone that embodies the beauty and tranquility of a perfect day.
Scientifically speaking, Sapphire is a mineral called corundum that’s composed of aluminum and oxygen atoms. It’s typically found in areas where there has been geological activity, such as volcanic regions or in alluvial deposits. Treasured for centuries, this gem is often associated with royalty and wisdom. Indeed, it’s a treasure to behold!
Blue Sapphire
Blue Sapphire is as gorgeous as it is coveted! This amazing beauty is like a tiny piece of the sky that’s been snatched and turned into a dazzling jewel.
Blue Sapphire is formed in the earth’s crust under high heat and pressure, and its chemical composition (specifically the presence of iron and titanium) is what gives it that famous deep blue hue. Whether you’re in the market for some new bling or just love admiring the beauty of nature’s creations, a Blue Sapphire is definitely worth adding to your collection. Just be warned— once you’ve seen one, you might find yourself falling head over heels in love!
How much is blue sapphire worth
The value of a Blue Sapphire can vary widely depending on several factors. A high-quality Blue Sapphire can be really expensive, as you can see in the table below.
| Color | Location | Price (Per Carat) |
| Blue Sapphire – Top Grade | Kashmir | $7,200 – $27,500 |
| Blue Sapphire – Top Grade | Outside Kashmir | $1,100 – $5,500 |
| Blue Sapphire – Very Good Grade | Kashmir | $5,500 – $22,500 |
| Blue Sapphire – Very Good Grade | Outside Kashmir | $950 – $4,350 |
| Blue Sapphire – Good Grade | Kashmir | $1,950 – $7,500 |
| Blue Sapphire – Good Grade | Outside Kashmir | $700 – $3,000 |
| Blue Sapphire – Fair Grade | Outside Kashmir | $350 – $1,650 |
Pink Sapphire
Pink Sapphire is a mesmerizing gemstone that’s as delicate and charming as a blooming flower. With its soft, romantic hue, it’s no wonder it’s a favorite among jewelry lovers and collectors.
Pink Sapphire is a type of corundum, the same mineral that produces the blue variety. Its pink hue comes from the presence of trace elements, primarily chromium, in its crystal structure. The intensity of the color can vary from pale pink to deep, vivid pink.
How much is pink sapphire worth
Pink Sapphire’s prices are also dependent on many factors, most especially the intensity of its hue. Below is a detailed view of its prices.
| Color | Price (Per Carat) |
| Pink Sapphire – Very Good Color | $850 – $4,000 |
| Pink Sapphire – Good Color | $600 – $2,550 |
| Pink Sapphire – Fair Color | $80 – $550 |
Yellow Sapphire
Radiant and sunny: these are the best words to describe a Yellow Sapphire. Its bright and cheerful color make it a popular choice for both casual and formal jewelry. And just like the Blue and Pink ones, Yellow Sapphire is also a type of corundum that got its hue from the presence of trace elements like iron and titanium.
If you love the color yellow, you’re in luck because this color of Sapphire ranges from a pale yellow to deep, golden hue.
How much is yellow sapphire worth
A Yellow Sapphire’s price can range from $40 to $900 per carat, depending on the intensity and saturation of the yellow color. The more intense and saturated its color is (“Top Color”), the more valuable it is.
Green Sapphire
Green Sapphire offers a vibrant alternative to more traditional green gemstones like emeralds. Its color ranges from a pale, pastel green to a deep, rich forest green. What’s great about this gemstone is that its unusual and striking color really turns heads and sparks conversations wherever you go.
How much is green sapphire worth
A Green Sapphire’s value, depending on the intensity and saturation of its color, can range from $15 to $200 per carat.
Purple Sapphire
This stunning Sapphire can be pretty like a soft lavender or intensely stunning like a deep, rich violet. However your Purple Sapphire looks, it’s surely the perfect conversation starter piece.
How much is purple sapphire worth
Because it’s similarly colored as amethyst, Purple Sapphire is often used as an alternative to this traditional gemstone. The value of a Purple Sapphire can range from $200 to $750 per carat.
White Sapphire
White Sapphire, also known as Colorless Sapphire, is a beautiful and versatile gemstone that offer a stunning alternative to traditional diamonds. Unlike the other colors that we’ve discussed above, White Sapphire’s colorless nature allows its brilliance and fire to shine through.
How much is white sapphire worth
Due to its unique properties, White Sapphire has become increasingly popular as a diamond alternative in engagement rings and other fine jewelry. While they offer a similar level of brilliance and fire as diamonds, they’re at a more affordable price point. Specifically, its cost is at $40 to $250 per carat.
Star Sapphire
A Star Sapphire’s distinctive appearance sets it apart from other gemstones. It’s typically opaque and exhibit a star-shaped pattern of light that appears to move across the surface of the stone when it’s moved or rotated. This effect is caused by the presence of tiny inclusions within the crystal structure of the stone, which reflect light in such a way as to create the star-shaped pattern.
Star Sapphires can come in a variety of colors, but the most common is blue.
How much is star sapphire worth
Since it comes in different colors, a Star Sapphire’s price also varies depending on it.
| Color | Price (Per Carat) |
| Blue | $200 – $1,450 |
| Fancy Colors | $80 – $600 |
| Black | $10 – $40 |
Color Change Sapphire
Color Change Sapphire is a rare and fascinating variety that offers a truly unique and mesmerizing appearance. It exhibits a color change phenomenon, where the stone appears to change color when viewed under different lighting conditions or when viewed from different angles. The color shift can range from a subtle change to a dramatic shift.
The change in color is caused by the presence of different trace elements within the crystal structure of the stone, which interact with light in different ways. This phenomenon is more commonly seen in Sapphires than in any other gemstone.
Color Change Sapphires are highly valued by collectors and connoisseurs for their rarity and unique beauty. Their value is based on several factors, including the intensity of the color change, overall color, and size and weight of the stone.
How much is color change sapphire worth
Because of its fascinating and unique ability to change color depending on light angle, a Color Change Sapphire costs a bit more than other fancy-colored ones. It’s priced at $200 to $6,000 per carat.
Why Sapphire Is So Expensive
Sure, Sapphire has been captivating people for centuries, but what really makes this beautiful gemstone so valued (and crazy expensive, too)?
First of all, Sapphire is incredibly durable. It’s the second hardest natural mineral after diamonds, which means it can withstand daily wear and tear without getting scratched or chipped. This makes Sapphire perfect for engagement rings and other jewelry that are meant to be worn every day for a lifetime.
Secondly, Sapphire comes in a wide range of colors, as we’ve discussed above. This variety means that there is a Sapphire out there to suit everyone’s taste, whether you prefer a classic blue or something a bit more unique, like the fancy-colored ones.
In addition to its durability and color range, Sapphire also has a rich history and cultural significance. In ancient times, this gemstone was believed to have protective properties and was often worn by royalty as a symbol of wisdom, virtue, and power.
But what really makes Sapphire stand out is its rarity. While it’s found in many parts of the world, high-quality Sapphire is relatively rare and can only be found in a few select locations. This means that it can command high prices at auctions and in the marketplace, too.
If you’re having trouble identifying sapphire and are unsure if what you have is the real deal, our guides are here to assist you. Take a look and become an expert in recognizing sapphire:
How To Determine The Value Of Sapphire
Like other gemstones, there are a handful of different qualities and factors that affect the value of Sapphires. Let’s go through each one of the most crucial ones here.
Color
The color of a Sapphire is one of the most important factors in determining its value. Blue Sapphires are the most traditional and valuable, but other colors like pink, yellow, and green can also be highly sought after.
Kashmir Sapphire, which displays the distinct tint of blue velvet color, is prized the highest compared to other equally-graded Sapphires from different origins.
Clarity
Sapphires with few or no visible inclusions are generally more valuable than those with visible imperfections. A Sapphire’s clarity is graded into three:
- Top Tier Clarity – Sapphire that has very, very small inclusions or that are “loupe clean” (doesn’t have any eye or microscopically-visible inclusions)
- Second Tier Clarity – Sapphire that has very small to small inclusions that are numerous and visible to the eye
- Third Tier Clarity – Sapphire that has inclusions that have a moderate effect on its durability or that is so prominent, it makes the gemstone unsuitable for use in jewelry
Type
Sapphires are classified into different types based on their chemical and structural characteristics.
- Type I – They’re often lighter in color and more transparent than other types. They also have visible inclusions, which can lower their value.
- Type II – Generally, they’re more valuable than Type II Sapphires due to their darker and more saturated colors. They’re also more transparent and have fewer inclusions.
- Type III – The rarest and most valuable type. They have a unique color and composition, and are often darker and more opaque than other types. In many cases, they can have a unique bi-color appearance.
Treatments and Enhancements
Many Sapphires are treated to improve their color or clarity. Heat treatment is the most common method, but other treatments like radiation, diffusion, and beryllium treatments are also used. Treated Sapphires are generally less valuable than untreated ones.
Origin and Rarity
Sapphires from certain locations, such as Kashmir, Burma, and Sri Lanka, are highly sought after and often more valuable due to their historical significance and unique characteristics.
Specifically, Kashmir Sapphires, known for their velvety blue color, are considered the most valuable specimens of Sapphire in the world. They’re extremely rare, as the mines were depleted in the early 20th century.
Other locations where Sapphires come from are Montana, Cambodia, Thailand, and Australia.
Carat
As with other gemstones, larger Sapphires are generally more valuable than smaller ones. However, the quality of the gemstone also plays a role, and a smaller but high-quality Sapphire may be worth more than a larger but lower quality one.
Cut
The way a Sapphire is cut can impact both its appearance and its value. Well-cut Sapphires will have good symmetry, excellent brilliance and sparkle, and will be pleasing to the eye— all good qualities that will increase its value.
Fluorescence
Fluorescence refers to the emission of light by a gemstone when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light. In Sapphires, fluorescence can range from weak to strong and can affect the stone’s color and overall appearance, thereby affecting its overall value, too.
Sapphires that exhibit strong fluorescence appear hazy or milky in natural daylight, which can detract from their overall beauty and value. On the other hand, Sapphires with no or weak fluorescence can appear more transparent and exhibit a more desirable color.
Sapphire Price By Color
How much is Sapphire worth? Is Sapphire expensive?
If you have these questions in mind, then this portion will directly answer them for you. When it comes to determining the price of a Sapphire, color is the most important factor to consider, so we’ve included the current prices for most colors of Sapphire below:
Sapphire values by color
| Color | Color Grade | Price (Per Carat) |
| Kashmir (Blue Velvet) | Top Grade | $7,200 – $27,500 |
| Kashmir (Blue Velvet) | Very Good Grade | $5,500 – $22,500 |
| Kashmir (Blue Velvet) | Good Grade | $1,950 – $7,500 |
| Blue | Top Grade | $1,100 – $5,500 |
| Blue | Very Good Grade | $950 – $4,350 |
| Blue | Good Grade | $700 – $3,000 |
| Blue | Fair Grade | $350 – $1,650 |
| Pink | Very Good Color | $850 – $4,000 |
| Pink | Good Color | $600 – $2,550 |
| Pink | Fair Color | $80 – $550 |
| Yellow | Fair to Top Color | $40 to $900 |
| Green | Fair to Top Color | $15 to $200 |
| Purple | Fair to Top Color | $200 to $750 |
| White | Any | $40 to $250 |
| Blue | Star Sapphire | $200 – $1,450 |
| Fancy Colors | Star Sapphire | $80 – $600 |
| Black | Star Sapphire | $10 – $40 |
| Color Change | Any | $200 to $6,000 |
As you may have noticed, Sapphire’s prices vary greatly depending on its color and the quality of color. To give you more idea of how much it will cost you to purchase Sapphire in different measurements, see the table below.
Sapphire pricing by unit of measurement
| Measurement | Price |
| A carat of Sapphire | $15 to $27,500 |
| A gram of Sapphire | $75 to $137,500 |
| An ounce of Sapphire | $2,126 to $3,898,056 |
| A kilogram of Sapphire | $75,000 to $137,500,000 |
| A pound of Sapphire | $34,019 to $62,368,900 |
| A ton of Sapphire | $68,038,875 to $124,737,937,500 |
The Most Expensive Sapphire
The most expensive Sapphire ever sold is known as the “Blue Belle of Asia,” a 392.52-carat Sapphire that sold for over $17 million at a Christie’s auction in Geneva in 2014. The gemstone is considered one of the largest and finest Sapphires ever discovered, with a rich, vibrant blue color and exceptional clarity.
The Blue Belle of Asia was originally mined in Sri Lanka and was owned by a private collector before being put up for auction. Its exceptional size, color, and clarity, as well as its rarity, contributed to its astronomical price. The gemstone’s value was also enhanced by its provenance, as it was once part of the collection of the Maharaja of Indore in India.
How To Get An Appraisal On Your Sapphire
If you have a Sapphire that you’d like to have appraised, there are a few steps you can take to ensure that you get an accurate and fair assessment of its value.
First, do your research and find a reputable jeweler or gemologist who has experience with sapphires. Look for someone who is certified by a recognized organization, such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), and has a good reputation in the industry.
Next, be prepared to provide information about your Sapphire, such as its carat weight, color, clarity, and origin. If you have any documentation or certificates that came with the stone, such as a GIA certificate or a receipt from the seller, be sure to bring those as well.
During the appraisal process, ask questions and be involved in the assessment. A good appraiser should be willing to explain their methodology and answer any questions you may have about the process or the value of your stone.
Finally, as you’ve already read here, a Sapphire’s value can vary widely depending on a variety of factors, so be prepared to receive a range of values based on different factors and remember that the appraised value is just an estimate. The actual value of your gem may differ based on market conditions and other factors.
