Gemstones have fascinated humans for millennia with their beauty, mystique, and rarity. While many types of gemstones come in a rainbow of colors, some precious gemstones are most prized for their striking blue hues. But what exactly makes blue gemstones so alluring and valuable? In this article, we’ll explore the attributes of the most coveted blue gemstones and what makes them precious.
What are some examples of precious blue gemstones?
Some of the most popular blue gemstones include:
| Sapphire | Aquamarine |
| Blue topaz | Blue zircon |
Sapphire is one of the most prized of all gemstones, coming in every color except red (rubies are a type of red sapphire). Blue is the most classic and coveted sapphire hue. Sapphires range from very pale blue to deep, inky navies and bold cornflower blues. The most expensive and desirable blue sapphires have a vivid, intense blue with a velvety appearance.
Aquamarine is in the beryl family along with emeralds, but in a cool, icy blue shade ranging from very pale to sky blue. Large aquamarines in a deep, clear blue with no visible flaws are the most valued.
While most topaz is golden-hued, blue topaz is a sky blue variety that is among the most affordable blue gemstones. It is frequently heated and irradiated to produce a more vivid blue. Untreated blue topaz is relatively rare.
Blue zircon is an underrated gemstone that comes in sky blue, pale blue, and bright navy hues. It has exceptional brilliance and fire that rivals blue diamonds. Unheated blue zircon is scarce.
Why are blue gemstones considered so precious?
There are several factors that make blue gemstones exceptionally valuable:
– Rarity – Blue is one of the rarest hues among colored gemstones, making fine blue specimens prized. Sapphire, for example, comes in many colors but fine blue sapphires are relatively uncommon.
– Beauty – The rich, vivid blues of gemstones like sapphire and aquamarine have an inherent beauty and appeal. Their lush hues are mesmerizing.
– Durability – Sapphires are one of the toughest gemstones, close to diamonds in hardness. Their durability also adds to their value.
– Mystique – Blue gemstones like sapphires have been associated with royalty, luxury, and mystery for centuries, adding to their prestige.
– Versatility – Blue is a universally flattering color that suits many preferences, skin tones, and settings, making blue gemstones appealing to many jewelry buyers.
What specific properties make blue sapphires so precious?
As the most coveted blue gemstone, sapphires possess a unique combination of qualities that make fine specimens extremely valuable:
– Color – The most prized blue sapphires have a vivid, intense royal blue color. Overly dark or pale stones are less valuable.
– Saturation – Well-saturated sapphires with rich, vivid blues are more precious than washed out or grayish ones.
– Hue – Cornflower blue and medium navy hues are the most sought after. Greenish blues are less desirable.
– Clarity – Clean, transparent blue sapphires are ideal. Inclusions, haziness or opacity reduces value.
– Cut – Precise cutting that maximizes brilliance and fire adds to a blue sapphire’s worth. Poor cutting detracts.
– Carat – Larger blue sapphires are exponentially more valuable. A 5 carat stone may be 10 times the value of a 0.5 carat.
– Source – The famed Kashmir mines produced a tiny number of the most prized blue sapphires ever found. These origins increase value.
When all these factors are optimal, it produces an extremely rare, exquisite blue sapphire commanding the highest prices.
What are some important historical and cultural facts about blue sapphires?
Sapphires have a rich history and cultural significance:
– Sapphires were highly prized in ancient civilizations like Egypt, Greece and Rome as symbols of wisdom, virtue and good fortune. Kings and nobles adorned themselves lavishly with sapphires.
– Medieval clergy wore blue sapphires as a symbol of heavenly grace. Sapphires were believed to offer spiritual enlightenment and inner peace.
– For centuries, the world’s most famous sapphire was the 565-carat Star of India housed at the American Museum of Natural History.
– One of the most legendary sapphires is the Rockefeller Sapphire, a 62.02 carat specimen gifted to the Smithsonian in 1958. It is acclaimed as one of the most perfect blue sapphires ever found.
– Princess Diana chose an iconic Ceylon blue sapphire and diamond engagement ring. This added to the gemstone’s association with royalty.
– The 45.52 carat Blue Belle of Asia sapphire sold in 2014 for a record $17.3 million, highlighting the enormous value placed on these gems.
What geographical sources are most important for blue sapphires?
The most coveted blue sapphires come from certain legendary locales:
| Source | Attributes |
| Kashmir, India | Prized velvety “cornflower” blue; only found 1908-1940 |
| Burma | Intensely saturated royal blues |
| Ceylon | Vivid blues occasionally with a tinge of violet |
Other significant sources for quality blue sapphires include:
– Thailand – Sky to medium blue hues, affordable prices
– Australia – Darker blues similar to Burma material
– Montana – Small local American deposits of more grayish blue stones
– Cambodia – Some exceptional blues similar to Burmese gems
– Tanzania – Increasing mining of blue sapphires often heated for commercial markets
While sapphires are found globally, gems from these select localities regularly achieve record prices at auction for their exemplary color, saturation, clarity and scarcity.
How does blue topaz compare to more expensive blue gemstones like sapphire?
Blue topaz is generally much more affordable than blue sapphire, for several reasons:
| Attribute | Blue topaz | Blue sapphire |
| Hardness | 8 | 9 |
| Durability | Good | Excellent |
| Natural occurrence | Rare | Very rare |
| Color saturation | Medium to pale blue | Vivid, intense blues |
| Treatments | Frequently heated and irradiated | Unheated more valuable |
| Rarity of fine quality | Much more common | Very scarce in fine colors |
| Prestige and mystique | Moderate | Extremely high |
While blue topaz has good clarity and sparkle, sapphires exhibit a more intense, saturated and desirable blue not found in topaz. Sapphire’s prestige, rarity, and unmatched physical properties drive its higher value.
What historic blue gemstones and jewelry are most famous?
Some of history’s most legendary blue gemstones and jewels include:
– Hope Diamond – This 45.52 carat blue diamond was likely mined in India in the 1600s. It was repurchased for King Louis XIV of France and stolen during the French Revolution, reappearing in London. It’s now exhibited at the Smithsonian.
– Star of India Sapphire – At 565 carats, this golf ball-sized sapphire found in Sri Lanka around 100 BC is one of the largest gem-quality sapphires ever discovered.
– Stuart Sapphire – The centerpiece of Queen Victoria’s crown, this 104-carat blue sapphire symbolized royalty. It was mined in Ceylon in the late 1700s.
– Catherine the Great’s Sapphire – This storied 330-carat blue sapphire was one of Russia’s crown jewels. It was procured in the 1700s and stolen after the Russian Revolution.
– Queen Marie of Romania’s Sapphire Pendant – At 478 carats, this pendant featured an enormous cabochon star sapphire set in diamonds, pearls, and velvet. It was created in 1918 using a sapphire from Sri Lanka.
What are some famous modern jewels featuring blue gemstones?
Blue gemstones continue to dazzle in contemporary fine jewelry:
– The Blue Moon of Josephine Diamond: This 12.03 carat blue diamond sold for $48 million at Sotheby’s Geneva in 2015, breaking price-per-carat records.
– Elizabeth Taylor’s Bulgari Sapphire Suite: Bulgari created a suite of jewelry for Taylor featuring Burmese sapphires totaling over 60 carats.
– Wallis Simpson’s Panther Bracelet: The Duchess of Windsor owned an exquisite Cartier bracelet with flaming panther heads pavé-set with calibré-cut sapphires and diamonds.
– Prince William’s Engagement Ring for Kate Middleton: The royal ring features Princess Diana’s iconic oval Ceylon sapphire surrounded by diamonds.
– Beyoncé’s Tiffany & Co. Yellow Diamond Necklace: This 128.54 carat yellow diamond was featured in an iconic ad campaign worn with over 100 carats of aquamarines and diamonds.
How can you identify a high-quality blue sapphire?
There are several ways to assess the quality of a blue sapphire:
– Color – Look for a vivid, intense royal blue without gray or green hues. Overly light or dark tones reduce value.
– Clarity – Examine under magnification for any visible inclusions or flaws. The most precious sapphires are eye-clean.
– Cut – Well-cut facets exhibit excellent brilliance, fire and sparkle. Poor cutting results in dark areas, dullness or uneven color.
– Carat Weight – Heft and size correlate to value. Sapphires over 1 carat are considered more desirable.
– Origin – Sapphires from renowned sources like Kashmir or Burma command higher prices. Look for locale designations from reputable sellers.
– Certification – Documentation of a sapphire’s quality characteristics from an independent gem lab like GIA, AGL or Gubelin provides added assurances.
Consulting an expert gemologist can also help you verify the quality of a potential blue sapphire purchase. Paying attention to these details helps ensure you select a truly exceptional specimen.
What is the best way to care for blue gemstone jewelry?
Caring properly for blue gemstone jewelry helps retain its beauty:
– Store pieces in soft fabric bags or cases to prevent scratching. Velvet and microfiber work well.
– Only use soft cloths like flannel or microfiber to gently wipe away dirt and oils. Avoid harsh chemicals.
– Remove jewelry before cleaning, exercising, yardwork or other tasks that could expose it to chemicals, heavy blows or scratching.
– Take extra care with rings by removing during physical activities and sleeping. Store in ring boxes.
– Have gemstone jewelry professionally cleaned only by trusted jewelers. Ultrasonic and steam cleaning can damage some stones.
– Blue gemstones like sapphire are among the most durable, but always handle jewelry with care to prevent chips, cracks or loss of stones.
Proper care helps retain the longevity, luster and value of fine blue gemstone jewelry over a lifetime of enjoyment.
Conclusion
From prized sapphires to regal aquamarines, blue gemstones have captivated humanity across countless eras. Their beauty, durability and rarity solidify their status among the most precious of stones. For lovers of historic jewels or contemporary collections, blue gemstones add mesmerizing color, value and meaning that will never fade from sight or significance. With knowledge of their attributes and proper care, these luminous blues promise lasting enjoyment and legacy.
