Which Blue Sapphire Color Is Considered Most Valuable?

Not all blue sapphire look similar. They occur in a wide range of blue shades, from light-medium to deep blue. Variations in hue, tone, and saturation give each blue sapphire stone a unique appearance. This variation impacts their value.  

Too pale or too dark a hue ruins the overall beauty of the stone. The most valuable color of blue sapphire is the one with vivid blue, medium tone, and high saturation. This is the most sought-after sapphire color that commands a high price. In this blue sapphire color guide, we will talk about the factors that determine this shade, the geographical origin they are found in, and their investment value.   

How Color Determines Blue Sapphire Value 

70% of the blue sapphire price is determined by its color. The following factors are important when looking for a quality sapphire.

• Hue: It's the natural color of the stone. In the case of a blue sapphire stone blue is the primary color. A vivid hue increases the price of the stone. 
• Tone: A medium tone of sapphire commands high prices. Too pale or dark a tone degrades the value of the stone. 
• Saturation: Highly saturated blue sapphires reflect pure color and hence are highly prized. 

Read More: The Different Shades and Colors of Blue Sapphires  

Ranking Blue Sapphire Colors by Value 

The most valuable sapphires are the ones that have a perfect combination of hue, tone, and saturation.

1: Kashmir blue sapphire tops the list of prized gemstones based on the color. These gems are loved for their velvety blue hue. The Kashmir blue sapphire price starts from INR 70,000 to INR 5 lakhs and more, depending upon the quality. 

2: Royal blue sapphires from Ceylon are known for their rich blue hue. These are widely used for astrological purposes. The Royal blue sapphire price starts from INR 50,000 – INR 3,00,000. 

3. Cornflower Blue Sapphires: The soothing light to medium color is fascinating. The cornflower blue sapphire price starts from INR 75,000 – INR 4,00,000. 

4. Vivid blue sapphires are widely preferred in the market. These gems from best origins like Ceylon and Burma feature saturated color and high clarity. The vivid blue sapphire price starts from INR 70,000 to INR 3 lakhs. 

5 : Dark blue sapphires are moderately priced. Too dark a hue degrades the value, making the stone look black. Dark Blue Sapphire price ranges from INR 15,000-50,000 

6: Light blue sapphires are affordable pieces. An extremely pale hue decreases the price of the stone. The price varies from INR 10,000 to INR 50,000.    

Read More: Types of Blue Sapphire (Neelam) Gemstone  

Royal Blue vs Cornflower Blue Sapphire

Royal blue and cornflower blue sapphires are good quality blue sapphires. There is a lot of difference in their appearance. Royal blue sapphire features a deep blue color, whereas cornflower blue sapphire stone shows a light to medium color. 

Cornflower sapphire color resembles the color of a cornflower, which is a rare flower shade in nature. 

The royal blue sapphire stone color resembles the color of the deep sea. When it comes to the price, royal blue sapphire is more expensive than cornflower blue because of its vivid color. Princess Diana’s ring features a Ceylon royal blue sapphire renowned for its rich velvety blue color and exceptional clarity. 

Why Kashmir Blue Sapphire Commands Record Prices 

Kashmir blue sapphire color is the most valuable color. The reason why they command high prices: 

• Rarity: Kashmiri neelam has the best color, which is not found in any other blue sapphire. The needle-like inclusions present inside the stone give it a velvety texture. This is the special characteristic of these gemstones. 
• Historic mines: Kashmir blue sapphire mines are located in the Zanskar range of Jammu and Kashmir, India. These are high-altitude mines, accessibility of which is difficult. Kashmir mines are now closed permanently, and there has been no extraction for many decades. Thus, the few pieces left are high in demand and command exceptionally high prices in the global gemstone market. 
• Velvety appearance: The velvety appearance of these sapphires reflects a soft glow. This velvety sheen gives a luxurious appearance to the Kashmir blue sapphire stone , which is not found in Ceylon or Burmese counterparts. 

Read More: How To Value Blue Sapphire? Price Guide  

Does Origin Affect Color Value? 

Yes, origin plays an important role in determining the sapphire’s color value. Kashmir mines are historic mines. Extracting gemstones from these mines is a difficult task. The Zanskar mines are called Kashmir sapphire mines. These are located in high-altitude regions surrounded by rugged mountains, harsh weather conditions, and challenging terrain, making mining operations extremely difficult.   

In their present status, these mines are closed, and the supply is limited, thus adding value to these sapphires. Moreover, they have a strong reputation, and the Kashmir origin alone is enough to generate significant demand.  

To summarize, origin affects the Kashmir sapphire color value:

• Limited Supply
• Historic Mines 
• Prestige 
• Strong Long-Term Appreciation 

Most Valuable Sapphire Color for Investment

The most valuable sapphire color for investment is Kashmir blue sapphire. The velvety blue color is not found in any other blue sapphire types. Pure and highly saturated color with inner glow commands a higher resale value. If it is unheated, then it adds more value to the piece. Look for only certified Kashmir blue sapphires, as it is a high investment. 

Most Valuable Sapphire Color for Astrology

The most valuable sapphire color for astrology is vivid blue with high saturation. This color is present in high-quality royal blue sapphires. For affordable options, you can choose dark blue sapphires.

Read More: Significance of Blue Sapphire Color in Astrology  

Conclusion

To conclude, Kashmir blue sapphire color is the most valuable blue sapphire color. The velvety hue of this stone is the most sought-after. This color is not available in any other blue sapphire type. If you are seeking certified real Kashmir blue sapphire , then Navratan is the best place where you will get authentic pieces.