Blue Sapphire gemstone (also known as Neelam) looks gorgeous with its dark, deep blue hue. The transparency and shine of the stone make it a popular choice among jewelry makers and gemstone enthusiasts. Plus, its symbolism and astrological significance add to its value.
Since it is rare and in high demand, the price of blue sapphire can change due to market trends and the supply and demand chain. We understand that buying a stone from an authentic source is a challenging task. Hence, in this blog, we have provided a complete guide to help you make an informed decision.
In this price guide for blue sapphire of top quality, we will first discuss briefly the aspects that determine the cost of this blue stone other than the demand and supply chain:
Cut - Stones are cut in specific shapes or facets to improve clarity and cut. It takes years of practice and experience to skillfully cut a stone; hence, a precise cut will cost more.
Clarity - The price of blue sapphire per carat differs the most due to the clarity of the gem. Flaws or inclusions are quite commonly seen in naturally formed sapphires. The ones that have the minimum or non-visible flaws are more desirable, so they are sold at higher values.
Color - Color of the stone can also vary the gem’s cost. This is because some gems are found in deep shades of blue, while some have light or pale shades. The tone and saturation differ. The pieces with a pure royal blue hue with no overtone or undertone and uniform distribution of color are the most expensive.
Carat Weight - Larger size gems are very rarely found. Plus, their clarity is only sometimes good. So, higher carat weights of fine clarity are sold at higher rates.
Origin - Some sources are known in history for producing some of the best sapphires. Hence, the gems found there are often in demand, such as Kashmir blue sapphire stones and those from Sri Lanka (Ceylon).
Treatment Processes - Sometimes, the gems are treated by different laboratory processes to improve their color and clarity. But natural and untreated stones are more desirable.
In this Blue sapphire price guide, let’s move to how we classify these gems, mainly by their origin and color. First, let's talk about the popular origins and the cost of the Neelam stones from these sources.
Kasmir Blue Sapphire - Kashmir Valley is known to produce some of the best-quality Nilam stones. Now, they are depleting, and hence, they are rarer. These gems have a bright, velvety blue color and good luster. The Kashmiri Blue sapphire price per carat ranges between INR 62,000 to 50,00,000 and can go up to 1,25,00,000.
Even the basic or average quality of the Kashmir Neelam, which has a lighter shade of dark blue, can cost upto 1 to 3 Lakhs per carat.
Madagascar Neelam - Found in the Madagascar region of Africa, these gems are mostly found in more than 50 carats in weight and can be of any shade. This region is also known for producing rubies and emeralds. The price range is 50,000 to 500,000 per carat and above.
Burmese Blue Sapphire - Burma or Myanmar is the longest-known deposit, and it is known to produce some fine-quality sapphire. They are primarily found in royal blue shades, and the cost starts at around INR 5,000 to 1,00,000 per carat and above in general.
The quality will affect the price, such as a low-quality Burmese Neelam stone with pale shade ranges between INR 2 to 7 K, while the one of the premium quality with supreme transparency and deep shades can cost upto 5 Lakhs per carat as well.
Ceylon Blue Sapphire - Sri Lanka is the oldest sapphire source known for producing some of the largest and star sapphires. The value of these gems varies between INR 5000 and 10,00,000 per carat & above.
Thailand Neelam - Thailand blue sapphires price starts between INR 5000 to 50,000 per carat. It is largely found in the deep, vivid hues of blue.
Buy blue sapphire gemstone at best prices online from a reputable source like Navratan to get authentic gems.
Note - This blue gemstone is known in history not only for its beauty but also for its metaphysical and healing powers. Learn about the many benefits of wearing blue sapphire here.
The most desirable colors of these blue gems are cornflower and royal blue. The Royal blue Neelam stones are deep dark, while the cornflower is a little lighter. Also, the Royal sapphire blue typically has no undertones or overtones, while a purple undertone can be seen in the cornflower Neelam stones.
The price of royal blue sapphire ranges between INR 1,45,000 to 9,66,000 per carat.
Meanwhile, the cornflower blue sapphire price starts at around NR 1,00,000 and goes up to INR 4,00,000 per carat.
While buying an authentic gemstone, ensure you are paying the correct price by checking the quality of the gemstone. A good quality stone will always be of higher cost because of the lack of inclusions and fine color distribution. If you need expert consultation, you can call us or visit our store, Navratan, which is an online gem bazaar. With us, you can choose from a vast collection of lab-certified gemstones available in different cuts, colors, and carat weights.