Sapphire
Price
Retail price for 1-2 carat heated blue sapphire:
Quality from high to low
Top grade: $1600-$3900/ct
Very good grade: $1400-$2700/ct
Good grade: $1200-$2100/ct
Fair grade: $275-$1125/ct
 
Typically, mid-quality untreated blue sapphire will sell for 20-30% more than a treated stone of the same quality.
Main origin
The Burma (Myanmar) and Kashmir are two well-known regions that are famous for producing high-quality sapphires. Sri Lanka, Madagascar, etc. are also the main sources of sapphires on the market.
Optical Effects of Phenomenal
Sapphire can possess the phenomena of asterism, which is caused by inclusions of tiny bands of parallel rutile needles. To achieve the best results when working with star material, it is essential to make sure that the base of the cabochon is cut parallel to the inclusions. This will produce an even effect across the dome of the cabochon.
Star sapphire
Imitation
Synthetic Spinel, blue glass, blue cubic zirconia
Synthetic blue spinel
Blue glass
Quality factors
Color
Blue sapphires are the most popular, but they can also come in other colors such as pink, yellow, and green. The most desirable color is vivid blue with good saturation and a uniform hue.
Clarity
Blue sapphires usually have some inclusions but generally have better clarity compared to rubies. High clarity blue sapphires are rare and highly valuable.
Cut
Sapphires are usually cut with a combination of a brilliant and step cut pattern. This helps to showcase the unique coloring of the stone. The cutters arrange the stone to display the best visible color.

Carat weight
Blue sapphires come in different sizes. Big blue sapphires are easier to find than big rubies. Most blue sapphires used for jewelry are less than 5 carats.
Care & Cleaning
Cleaning
  • Cleaning stones with warm, soapy water is a safe option.
  • When it comes to more sensitive stones such as those that are fracture-filled, cavity-filled, or dyed, it’s best to just use a damp cloth.
Glass-filled sapphire
  • Stones that are untreated, heat-treated, or lattice diffusion treated can be cleaned safely with ultrasonic or steam cleaners.
Care
  • Sapphires are known for their excellent toughness and lack of cleavage, making them durable and resistant to breaking.
  • Sapphires are often treated (most commonly with heat) to improve color/clarity and heat treatment results are permanent and widely accepted in the trade.
  • Be aware of treatments: If your sapphire has been treated, be mindful of the specific care instructions for that treatment. For example, fracture-filled or dyed sapphires should not be exposed to chemicals.
History and Lore
  • Sapphire has been linked to royalty, romance, and spiritual beliefs throughout history.
  • Ancient Greece and Rome, as well as the Middle Ages, held various beliefs about the protective and spiritual properties of blue sapphires. These beliefs linked the gemstone to heaven, chastity, peace, and revealing the secrets of oracles.