The Most Expensive Sapphires in the World

AD – Sponsored | Sapphires are not necessarily the most expensive gemstone in the world, but there are certain sapphires that will fetch an exceptionally high price. Today, we are going to have a look at the most expensive sapphires in the world, as well as a few tips on getting a high-value sapphire for yourself.

Let us begin.

The Four ‘C’s

Typically, the four ‘c’s are applied to diamonds in order to establish the quality of the stone, but it is important to note that they can be used to assess the quality of most gemstones. What are the four ‘c’s, I hear you ask? Well, it breaks down like this:

• Color
• Cut
• Clarity
• Carat

These are the basic tenants used to accurately judge the quality of a gemstone, and therefore its value. When you imagine sapphires, I am sure you think of a rich blue stone, which is fair, since they are mostly blue in their colors. The darkest navy blues and the clearest sky-blue colors are all within the realms of possibility for sapphires. But you might not have known that there are also a variety of other colors available to sapphire gemstones.

There are pink sapphires, green sapphires, orange sapphires, yellow sapphires, gray and also black sapphires. The sapphire color that is typically priced the highest is called the padparadscha sapphire; these sapphires are pink-orange in color, and their rarity and unique beauty make them very popular and valuable.

The cut of the sapphire does not have a massive impact on the value of sapphires. The cut – essentially the shape – of a sapphire only impacts its monetary value depending on popular current styles. As is the case with many aspects of fashion, design, and style, different cuts for gemstones become popular during different periods of time. At the moment, princess cut, marquise cut, and pear cut gemstones are the most popular, and so sapphire jewelry with these cuts will fetch a nicer price.

As far as clarity, this is more of a factor for diamonds, since their internal clarity has such an impact on their light refraction abilities and overall value. For sapphires, however, the clarity still makes a difference, since heavily included sapphires look ‘muddy’ and therefore fetch a lower price. Sapphires with good clarity produce a more consistent color that is more likely to go for a good price.

The carat weight is essentially a measurement of the size of the gemstone. You would be right to guess that the bigger the better is the general rule when it comes to the most expensive sapphires in the world. However, the rules change a little if the other ‘c’s are less than ideal. A smaller carat sapphire with excellent clarity and color in a popular cut is very likely to be more expensive than a large sapphire with inclusions and a less-than-popular color.

But now, let us take a look at some examples of expensive sapphires.

Expensive Sapphires

Bulgari Sapphire Sautoir

If you search enough for significant jewelry pieces, eventually you will find one name that crops up again and again: Elizabeth Taylor. It is no surprise, therefore, that she is mentioned here. Taylor’s sapphire and diamond sautoir pendant, designed by Bulgari, features 52.72 carats of sapphire and diamond. The central cabochon sapphire is stunningly unique in its shape and coloring, selling for nearly $6 million at auction in 2011. The central sapphire is of Burmese origin – home of many of the most expensive sapphires – and was certified as having been untreated, lending more value to its color and clarity.

The Richelieu Sapphires

Finding two sapphires that are similar enough in coloring and clarity that they can be considered a pair is a rare thing. Finding two sapphires that are similar in color, clarity, and have a significant carat weight is even rarer. These sapphires, each being more than 20 carats in size, are set into drop earrings, making them a stunning statement jewelry piece. They have Kashmiri origin, a popular place for sapphires that fetch high prices, a brilliant blue coloring, and a matching cut and size. All of these factors combined led to the Richelieu sapphires going for more than $8 million at auction.

The Blue Belle of Asia

The number one spot for the most expensive sapphire in recorded history is the Blue Belle of Asia. This stunning stone is one of the largest sapphires to have been discovered. The Ceylon sapphire weighed in at 392 carats. Its coloring is a rich blue of a very clear hue, its clarity also being exceptional. It is set into a diamond necklace, serving as an excellent statement piece. The Blue Belle of Asia is a stunning piece of jewelry, setting the record for the most expensive piece of sapphire jewelry when it sold at a Christie’s auction for $17.5 million in 2014.

And there you have it. Hopefully, you know something new about sapphires, whether it is how to make sure the vintage sapphire rings you are interested in are good potential investments, or a fun soundbite about the luxury of sapphires.