The Golden Value of Yellow Sapphires

Yellow Sapphire Popularity

The reasons for yellow sapphire’s popularity have evolved over time. Today, many people view this gemstone as an economical alternative to the expensive canary yellow diamond. Historically, yellow sapphires were prized for their auspicious qualities, such as bringing luck and success. This gemstone holds a sacred place in Hinduism as the aid of the God Ganesh.

Yellow Sapphire in the Past

Yellow sapphire, known as the Pukhraj stone in Hindi, has long been linked to the God Ganesh and his promise of prosperity. In Vedic Astrology, the stone is associated with Jupiter, symbolizing wealth, knowledge, and power. Belief in its ability to bring success led to its frequent use in jewelry for centuries, especially in regions like Sri Lanka, which has been active in mining for over 2000 years. Yellow sapphires have historically been worn by people from the Middle East and India.

Yellow Sapphire Today

Surprisingly, many in the modern era were unaware of yellow sapphires until their popularity surged alongside yellow diamonds. Today, they are popular choices for engagement rings and other fine jewelry. Many also wear them for their symbolic meanings, making them particularly appealing to entrepreneurs and business owners seeking success and prosperity.

What is Yellow Sapphire?

Yellow sapphire, a cousin to blue and red sapphires, is formed from the mineral corundum. Iron gives these gems their yellow hue, which can range from yellow-orange to yellow-green, and even yellow-brown. These stones can vary from rich and saturated to lighter and paler shades.

Though primarily sourced from Sri Lanka, yellow sapphires are also found in the United States, Myanmar, Thailand, Australia, and Madagascar. Boasting a hardness of nine on the Mohs scale, they are durable for various jewelry types, displaying excellent qualities for fine jewelry settings.

Yellow Sapphire Pricing

Several factors influence the value of yellow sapphires. Here are the key considerations when shopping for them:

Color

Color is the most significant factor in determining a sapphire’s price. Rich, canary yellow stones are the most valuable. Ideally, the hue should be pure yellow without any orange, brown, or green tints. The tone should not be overly dark or light, and the saturation should be deep rather than pale.

Clarity

Yellow sapphires are generally eye-clean, though rutile needles can occasionally pose clarity issues. Compared to sapphires of other colors, yellow sapphires typically have fewer inclusions. Eye-clean stones are more valuable than those with noticeable inclusions.

Carat

Yellow sapphires are available in various carat weights. Due to their denser nature compared to diamonds, a yellow sapphire and diamond of the same carat weight will differ in dimensions. Therefore, it’s essential to consider both carat weight and measurements when choosing a gem.

Cut

Yellow sapphires are cut in various shapes to best enhance their raw beauty. The cut should maximize light play, ensuring the gem sparkles. Unlike diamonds, yellow sapphires don’t have standardized cuts, so it’s crucial to evaluate how the cut influences light reflection.

How Much Does a Yellow Sapphire Cost?

In comparison to yellow diamonds, yellow sapphires are quite affordable. The price is influenced mainly by the stone’s color and clarity, while cut and carat weight play less significant roles. AA stones may have pale colors or hints of other hues, whereas AAA stones are vivid and eye-clean. AAAA stones, the highest grade, exhibit intense, even color with no visible inclusions. Artful Bracelets uses only AAA yellow sapphires for their excellent color and clarity.

Yellow Sapphire Treatments

Heat treatment is a common method used to enhance yellow sapphires, often improving color and clarity. This process doesn’t damage the stone, and identifying a treated sapphire can be challenging. Typically, treatment doesn’t affect the gem’s value.