The rarest and most valuable fancy color sapphires are the exquisite orangy-pink or pinkish-orange gems referred to as "Padparadscha" after the Sinhalese word for lotus blossom. The exact color has always been a matter of debate: different dealers and different laboratories around the world disagree on the exact color described by this term. Perhaps this is partially because the lotus blossom itself can have a range of color shades. Natural padparadscha sapphires (sometimes called pads) sell at a premium, nearing the price for a fine blue sapphire. Prices of several thousand dollars per carat are not unusual. Although the exact color description is debated, the beauty of these rare gemstones with their delicate blended pink and orange shades is universally esteemed. Found originally in Sri Lanka, pads have become collectors' items which are bought up as quickly as they are found.
The prices and value of padparadscha sapphire vary depending on the size and quality of the gemstone. Unheated specimens are especially valuable. Simple heat treatment is accepted, but sapphires which have achieved a padparadscha-like color by means of diffusion treatment with beryllium are not regarded as genuine padparadscha. Most padparadschas have a pastel color, and there is some debate whether the more vivid orange-pink colors should be termed padparadscha. There is general agreement that a padparadscha should display a color which is a mix of orange and pink, rather than exhibit color zoning with orange and pink regions
Why Buy Loose Gemstones Instead of Pre-Set Jewelry?
There are many reasons, but basically it comes down to value and choice...
When buying your gemstone loose instead of a pre-set stone, you can be sure you are getting the best value for your money. Loose gemstones are less expensive, a better value, and you can really see what you are paying for. The most important part of getting the right price and finding the best value is to first see what you're getting. A jewelry setting will hide the inclusions inside a gem, and can deepen or brighten its color. With a loose stone you can much more easily inspect the gem and see it for what it really is. In this way you can get a better idea of its true worth and be sure you are paying a fair price.
The second advantage of buying a loose gemstone is choice. You are free to pick the exact color, cut, shape and variety of the stone for the setting of your dreams, be it yellow gold, white gold, platinum or silver; prong set or bezel set. You can experience the joy of creating your very own, one-of-a-kind jewelry design. Choose from a variety of jewelry settings and styles to create a completely original presentation that will perfectly suit your individual gemstone and will be as unique as you are!
Origin | Madagascar, Sri Lanka (Ceylon), Burma, Kenya, Tanzania, Madagascar |
---|---|
Color | orange-pink or pink-orange |
Refractive Index | 1.759-1.778 |
Chemical Composition | AL2 O3 |
Hardness | 9 |
Density | 4 |
Crystal Structure | Trigonal |
Zodiac Sign | Libra |
Planet | Venus |
Month | September |
Anniversary | 5th and 45th |
Padparadscha sapphire's enchanting color is just one reason for this gemstone's popularity. As with all sapphire, it's also extremely durable, having a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale. Sapphire has a specific gravity of 4.00, a refractive index of 1.76 - 1.78, and birefringence of 0.008; The refractive index (RI), measured using a refractometer, is an indication of the amount light rays are bent by a mineral. Birefringence is the difference between the minimum and maximum RI. When birefringence is high, light rays reflect off different parts of the back of a stone causing an apparent doubling of the back facets when viewed through the front facet.
Color
Padparadscha Sapphire (or Pad) is valued for its attractive color. For most sapphires, the more saturated the color, the more valuable the gem. With padparadschas, a medium saturation is often highly regarded, since these gems are expected to be pastel in color and tone.
Treatments
The traditional heating of ruby and sapphire is a widely used and is an accepted enhancement process which can improve the transparency and color of the stones. Padparadschas are often heated as well. But the beryllium diffusion process used to color some orange and yellow sapphires cannot be used to produce a genuine padparadscha, since the subtle color must be natural.


The myths, legends, beliefs, superstitions, traditions and symbolism associated with sapphire have been numerous...
Legend has it that the first person to wear Sapphire was Prometheus, the rival of Zeus, who took the gemstone from Cacaus, where he also stole fire from heaven for man.
Tradition holds that Moses was given the Ten Commandments on tablets of sapphire, making it the most sacred gemstone. Because blue sapphires represent divine favor, they were the gemstone of choice for kings and high priests. The British Crown Jewels are full of large blue sapphires, the symbol of pure and wise rulers.
The guardians of innocence, Sapphires symbolize truth, sincerity and faithfulness, and are thought to bring peace, joy and wisdom to their owners. In ancient times it was believed that when the wearer of a Sapphire faced challenging obstacles, the gem's power enabled them to find the correct solution.
In India it was believed that a Sapphire immersed in water formed an elixir that could cure the bite of scorpions and snakes. Alternatively, if it were worn as a talisman pendant, it would protect the wearer against evil spirits.
The following legend is Burmese in origin and highlights Sapphires‘ connection with faithfulness: “Eons ago Tsun-Kyan-Kse, a golden haired goddess with Sapphire blue eyes, presided lovingly over the temple of Lao-Tsun. Everyday, the temple‘s chief monk Mun-Ha, meditated before the golden goddess accompanied by his devoted companion, a green-eyed cat named Sinh. One day the temple was besieged by a group of terrible outlaws. When they threw Mun-Ha to the floor, Sinh leapt fiercely at the bandits, jumping up on his master‘s chest to protect him. The wrong doers fled screaming in fear, never to return and in gratitude for his courage, the golden goddess awarded Sinh with her Sapphire blue eyes. To this day, Sinh‘s ancestors guard over the temple.” The temple still stands and is populated by Siamese cat‘s with striking blue eyes (typically this breed has green eyes).
For hundreds of years Blue Sapphires were the popular choice for engagement and wedding rings.
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