Engagement Ring - In Progress
Setting
Stone
What is sapphire?
Sapphire is a rare, beautiful, and mega durable gemstone that comes in a variety of colors. It is a 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it the hardest colored gemstone out there for daily wear. And, it’s great for engagement rings! This gem comes in all the colors of the rainbow, except red, which is its cousin, ruby. Sapphire and Ruby are both part of the corundum family.
Gem Geek Moment: Diamond is pure carbon; sapphire is an aluminum oxide!
Elsa in sapphire vs diamond Elsa
What is so special about sapphire?
Sapphire is durable, rare, super colorful, and has a royal bloodline. So, when you choose a sapphire for your ring, you’re in impeccable company. It’s not only a unique engagement ring choice, but it also shows your partner how highly you think of them. Sapphire comes in a variety of tints, too, so you can find basically any Pantone color you’re going for!
Why are sapphires so popular?
Sapphires have a rich history in engagement rings and they stand the test of time. In fact, Napoleon gave a sapphire engagement ring to his bride, Josephine, back in 1796. And, the stone remains in gorgeous condition. So, sapphires are popular for their history, their rarity, and their longevity.
Lab Created Sapphire
What does lab created sapphire mean?
Lab created sapphire means a sapphire gem that was grown in a lab, as compared with mined from the ground. High quality lab sapphires have the exact same chemical, mineral, and optical properties as natural stones. They are both aluminum oxide! One is just made by science, and the other made by nature. So, a high quality natural blue sapphire with excellent cutting will look basically identical to a high quality lab created sapphire with excellent cutting.
How are lab-created gemstones made?
Scientists grow lab sapphire through flux or flame fusion method. Flux lab sapphires involves dissolving elements in a solution and letting them crystalize over time. Flux sapphires show some internal inclusions, like natural sapphires, and come in smaller sizes. Flame fusion lab sapphires are grown in larger sizes using powders and heat. These gems are flawless and come in a variety of colors.
Does lab created sapphire mean fake?
No. Lab sapphire has the same mineral makeup as natural sapphire and is “real” sapphire. Lab sapphire is visually identical to high quality natural sapphire. In fact, it requires a gemologist to distinguish between the two! “Imitation” or “simulant” sapphire – often known as “sapphire color” – could be called “fake”. Simulated sapphire is a stone that has the color of sapphire, but is usually glass, plastic, or YAG.
Blue sapphire in Charu
Lab Created Sapphire vs Natural Sapphire
What is the difference between a real sapphire and a lab created sapphire?
Scientists create Lab sapphire, whereas the earth makes natural sapphire. In addition, natural sapphire comes in more colors and clarities than lab sapphire. For example, lab blue sapphire will always be a pure blue, without tint. On the other hand, natural sapphire can also be greenish blue or violet blue. And lab created sapphires are often flawless, whereas natural sapphires often have microscopic flaws (“inclusions”).
How can you tell if a gem is lab created?
Only a gemologist can tell the difference between high quality lab created sapphire and natural sapphire. Microscopic visual cues a gemologist may use to distinguish lab created sapphire from natural sapphire include locating bubbles, curved striae, or flux inclusions. Flame fusion lab sapphire also glows red under black light.
How can you tell a natural sapphire?
Gemologists can separate natural sapphire from lab sapphire by finding natural inclusions such as color zoning, fingerprints, or crystal inclusions. However, as natural fingerprints and high quality lab inclusions can often be very difficult to tell apart, a professional is needed! Color can also be used. For example, if the sapphire has a unique tint, odds are it is natural. Lab created sapphire come in pure colors.
Sapphire Value
Are lab created sapphires worth anything?
High quality lab created sapphires have a healthy secondary market. Lab sapphire that looks natural retains its value! More and more couples are opting for lab grown sapphire over natural due to their phenomenal sustainability. And, when demand increases, retention of value over time also goes up.
Are natural sapphires valuable?
Yes. Natural sapphire is one of the most popular, valuable gemstones on the market. In fact, they are likely the second most popular engagement ring stone. The value of a natural sapphire depends on its color, clarity, carat weight, and treatment. The most valuable natural sapphire will have a medium vivid tone, be eye clean, over two carats, and have only heat treatment. Truly remarkable natural sapphires do not have any heat treatment whatsoever (less than 5% of stones on the market).
What color sapphire is the most expensive?
Pink-orange “Padparadscha” sapphire is the most rare and expensive variety of sapphire. This is followed by the rich, velvety hues of the more traditional violet blue sapphire. Both of these colors are fairly rare in nature, and their rich colors are highly sought after. And, that demand results in higher value! Because of their popularity, we offer lab grown sapphire in both of these colors, too.
Sapphire Quality
How can you tell a good quality sapphire?
The best quality sapphire is a medium, vivid tone (meaning not too light or too dark), without gray or brown overtone. High quality lab sapphire actually shows perfect sapphire color! So, your lab created stone will be eye clean, bright, and gorgeous. And, if you are looking for a natural sapphire, checking out lab sapphire can actually be a great guide to learn about sapphire color. While that may be surprising, most people looking at natural sapphire make the mistake of looking at overly-dark stones. So, seeing high quality lab sapphire in bright color can be a huge help! Finally, sapphire is a Type II gemstone, which means natural stones usually have some inclusions (though it is possible to find eye clean stones)! Lab created sapphire should appear flawless to the naked eye.
What is the best cut for a sapphire?
Sapphire is most frequently cut in oval, cushion, and emerald cut shapes. And emerald cut provides the deepest color. However, lab sapphire is able to be cut in any shape you desire! Whatever shape you choose, the most important thing to look for in cut quality is evenness of facets. Sapphire is notorious for being “native cut,” which results in an uneven, lopsided appearance. So, when viewing your sapphire, imagine a dotted line down the center. The sides should be mirror images!
Do blue sapphires sparkle?
Yes, blue sapphires that are medium or light tone, eye clean, and well cut, sparkle! However, if your stone is too dark, too included, or poorly cut, it will not shine as much. This is because dark stones do not allow for light reflection as much as medium or light tones do. And, cut quality is directly responsible for light reflection and sparkle! So, always make sure your stone is bright enough and well cut! Another thing to remember is that sapphire’s sparkle is different than diamond. So, when you choose a blue sapphire, it will sparkle blue, light blue, and white. On the other hand, diamond (even blue diamonds!) will show rainbow sparkle, too.
Can you help me choose between natural sapphire vs lab created sapphire?
Of course! Shoot us an email here, or drop us a note here, and we can work with you to find the perfect stone! Both natural and lab sapphires are gorgeous options. And, there’s a right pick for everyone! We can’t wait to help you build your perfect ring.
Lab Champagne Sapphire in Patronus
