Throughout human history, blue sapphires have been believed to possess mystical powers and bring good fortune. The stone was associated with royalty, and wearing a sapphire was said to bring the wearer wisdom, virtue, and good luck. Today, this beautiful gemstone is still highly coveted for its stunning blue hue.
If you are looking for a ring that is not only beautiful but also has special meaning, then a blue sapphire or Neelam stone would be a great choice. Here are four tips on how to pick the perfect stone from a place like GemPundit.
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1. Consider the Color
Sapphires are available in a range of blue hues, from light blue to deep blue.For example, if you prefer a more subtle look, then a light Blue Sapphire Stone would be a good choice. If you want a ring that makes more of a statement, then go for a deeper blue.
If there are too many other colors in the stone, it will not have the stunning hue that you are looking for. Look for the cornflower blue, which is a deep blue with just a hint of violet. This color is very rare and therefore, more expensive.
2. Consider the Cut
The most popular cuts for blue sapphires are oval, round, and cushion. Again, the choice should depend on your personal preference. If you want a more unique ring, then go for an oval or cushion cut. If you are looking for a classic ring, then the round cut would be a better option.
The cut of the blue sapphire gemstone also affects its sparkle. If you want a ring that sparkles more, then choose a round-cut sapphire. The oval and cushion cuts are not as sparkly, but they do have a more unique look.
3. Consider the Clarity
When choosing a blue sapphire stone, you should also consider the clarity. Sapphires can range from being completely flawless to have some inclusions. Inclusions are imperfections in the stone that can be seen with the naked eye. The more inclusion-free the sapphire is, the more expensive it will be.
If you want a completely flawless ring, then you should choose a VVS1 clarity sapphire. This means that there are no visible inclusions for your bare eye. If you don’t mind a few inclusions, then you can choose a VS1 clarity sapphire. This means that there are very small inclusions that are not visible to the naked eye.
4. Consider the Carat Weight
Of the “4 Cs” of diamonds (carat, color, clarity, and cut), carat weight is the only one that’s judged by size alone. A one-carat blue sapphire might cost less than a quarter-carat diamond because sapphires are less dense. In other words, a one-carat Sapphire is much larger than a one-carat diamond.
The price of sapphires also increases with carat weight, but not as dramatically as diamonds. This means that you can get more “bang for your buck” when you buy a blue sapphire stone online. If you’re on a budget, look for a stone in the lower carat weights. You’ll be able to find a beautiful stone without breaking the bank.
Keep in mind that carat weight is just one factor to consider when choosing a Sapphire. Don’t sacrifice quality for size. A smaller, well-cut Sapphire might be more beautiful than a larger, poorly cut stone.
Other Factors to Consider
In addition to the “4 Cs,” there are a few other factors to consider when shopping for Sapphires. These include:
Treatment
A blue sapphire can be treated to improve its color and clarity. The most common treatments are heating and surface diffusion. Heating is a permanent treatment that’s used to improve the hue and shine of sapphires. Surface diffusion is a temporary treatment that can fade over time.
If you’re looking for a sapphire that’s not treated, be sure to ask your jeweler. Not all jewelers will disclose whether or not a stone has been treated, so it’s important to ask.
Fluorescence
Sapphires can also have fluorescence, which is when the stone glows under ultraviolet (UV) light. This is usually seen as a blue glow, but it can also be white, yellow, or green. The stones with fluorescence can be less expensive than those without, so it’s something to keep in mind if you’re on a budget.
Origin
Sapphires are found all over the world, but some locations are more well-known than others. The most famous ones come from Kashmir, Burma, and Sri Lanka. Sapphires from these locations tend to be more expensive than those from other parts of the world.
How to Pick a Perfect Blue Sapphire Ring
Now that you know the basics of shopping for blue sapphire or Neelam Stone, it’s time to pick the perfect stone for your ring. Here are a few tips to help you choose the best Sapphire possible:
1. Decide on a Budget
The first step is to decide how much you’re willing to spend. Blue sapphires can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand. It’s important to set a budget before you start shopping so that you don’t fall in love with a stone that’s out of your price range.
2. Choose the Right Seller
When shopping for Sapphires, it’s important to choose a reputable seller. Look for a seller who offers a money-back guarantee and has a good return policy. You should also make sure that the seller is an accredited member of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA).
3. Consider the Lab Certificate
When you’ve found a Sapphire that you like, ask to see the lab certificate. This document will tell you everything you need to know about the stone, including its carat weight, color, clarity, and cut. The lab certificate will also tell you if the Sapphire has been treated in any way.
4. Ask for a Detailed Receipt
When you make your purchase, be sure to ask for a detailed receipt. This receipt should include all the information from the lab certificate and the seller’s contact information. This will come in handy if you ever need to return or exchange the Sapphire.
Picking a perfect blue sapphire stone ring doesn’t have to be difficult. Just keep these tips in mind and you’ll be sure to find a beautiful stone that you love.
