Gemstone guide
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What is Purple Sapphire?
Purple Sapphire is the sapphire variety of corundum, coloured by trace elements (primarily chromium and iron). A guide to the gem, and to buying one well.
About Purple Sapphire
01- Species
- Corundum
- Variety
- Sapphire
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 9
- Refractive index
- 1.76 - 1.77
- Colour caused by
- Trace elements (primarily chromium and iron)
Discover the allure of Purple Sapphires, a gemstone that captivates with its enchanting hue and refined elegance. These exquisite gems, sourced from the renowned mines of Sri Lanka, Madagascar, and Tanzania, are celebrated for their rich, purple tones that range from deep violet to lighter lavender shades. Their value is significantly influenced by their vibrant colour and clarity, with many stones exhibiting VS to IF clarity grades.
At STARLANKA, we offer an array of unheated Purple Sapphires, each a testament to nature's artistry. These stones are available in sophisticated cuts such as Fine Step Cut, Asscher Cut, and Emerald Cut, enhancing their natural beauty. With prices starting from around $1,100 per carat, these gems offer a luxurious touch to any jewellery collection. While many of our stones come with certification from esteemed laboratories like GIT and AIGS, certification is available upon request for any stone.
Judging quality
02What drives the value
- Color intensity
- Clarity
- Size
- Origin
What to watch for when buying
- Overpaying for treated stones sold as unheated
- Misunderstanding the significance of color saturation
Inclusions you may see
- Needle-like rutile inclusions
- Silk
- Color zoning
Origin, treatment and trade names
03Where it comes from
TreatmentAs disclosed for the stones we sell; every listing states its own.
Trade names
From our stock
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Frequently Asked Questions
05Where do Purple Sapphires originate?
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Our Purple Sapphires are sourced from the illustrious regions of Sri Lanka, Madagascar, and Tanzania, known for their exceptional gemstone quality.
Are Purple Sapphires treated?
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At STARLANKA, we offer Purple Sapphires that are unheated, preserving their natural beauty and enhancing their desirability among connoisseurs.
What determines the value of a Purple Sapphire?
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The value of a Purple Sapphire is primarily driven by its colour intensity, clarity, and cut. Unheated stones with vivid hues and high clarity grades, such as VS to IF, are especially prized.
How should I choose a Purple Sapphire?
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When selecting a Purple Sapphire, consider the richness of its colour, the precision of its cut, and its clarity. These factors together define the gem's overall beauty and appeal.
Are all Purple Sapphires certified?
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Many of our Purple Sapphires come with certification from respected laboratories like GIT and AIGS. Certification is available on request for any stone.
Shop
Purple Sapphire
Every stone shows its own price, weight, origin and treatment. Browse our purple sapphire, or contact our team for personal help choosing one.