Jewelry

Padparadscha Sapphire – Buying Guide

Padparascha buying guide

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Padparadscha Sapphires are stunning gemstones that look absolutely gorgeous in jewelry. But most people have never heard of them, since they are extremely rare to find and valuable. They have a unique orange-pink color, that makes them stand out from all other gemstones. Let’s take a quick look at Padparadscha Sapphires and explore some tips on how to purchase them.

What is Padparadscha Sapphire?

Padparadscha loose stone

Padparascha sapphire by Ayaat Gems22. See it here.

The Padparadscha Sapphire is a precious gemstone that belongs to the Corundum family. This hard to pronounce name comes from the Sanskrit word “Padparadscha” which means the color of a lotus flower.

This sapphire is highly desired and coveted for its orange-pink hue, that is a mix between the color of a lotus-flower and the sunset. The Padparadscha Sapphire gets its unique shade from the presence of chromium and iron.

Historians say that Padparadscha Sapphires were first discovered in Sri Lanka, and many jewel experts believe that the term “Padparadscha” should only be attributed to the stones of this country. However, several precious and valuable stones have also been found in Vietnam, Madagascar and Tanzania.

How to Evaluate Padparadscha Sapphire Quality

Padparadscha ring

Padparadscha ring by Aardvark Jewellery. See it here.

  • Color: Padparadscha Sapphires are chiefly judged based on their color. This ranges from pinks to oranges, creating a mix that’s quite unlike any other type of gemstone.
  • Clarity: In terms of clarity, clear stones without any inclusions or blemishes are regarded as high-quality stones. Even small marks can affect the appearance of the stone, and due to its light hue, blemishes will be extra visible.
  • Cut: Most of the Padparadscha Sapphires are shaped into unique and asymmetrical cuts, to minimize wastage of the stone’s rough. Due to this, Padparadscha stones may have unusual and unique cuts. These gemstones are usually cut in ovals and cushions, but they can also be shaped as rounds and emeralds. The round stones are highly desirable, and also slightly more expensive than the other cuts.

Padparadscha Sapphire Jewelry

Padparadscha Sapphires are one of the most desirable gemstones for engagement rings. These gemstones have a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, and can withstand much wear and tear.

This orange-pink stone looks great with metal bands of white gold, platinum, yellow gold, and rose gold. Due to its unique and exotic color, it goes well with almost all metal types. Some Padparadschaengagement rings have a large central stone, surrounded by a diamond halo or a pave band.

Padparadscha engagement rings gained popularity when Jack Brooksbank gifted a Padparadscha ring to Princess Eugenie. This ring weighed about five carats, and was worth more than $100,000. When tabloids photographed this unique ring, people were fascinated by its color, and the interest in Padparadscha rings peaked.  

Padparadscha Sapphire Value and Rarity

Padparadscha Sapphires are one of the rarest gemstones, and they are purchased almost as soon as they are discovered. They are especially desired by gem collectors who know their true worth and value.

Due to their uniqueness, they have become one of the most expensive gems in the world. High quality Padparadscha gems, with a clear surface, can cost $30,000 per carat. The lower quality stones that are cloudy, or have inclusions, can be purchased at just a few dollars per carat. The value of the stone depends on the color, clarity and quality.

Usually, it’s very hard to find a clear and naturally formed gemstone above 2 carats. The only exception is the 100.18 carat oval in New York’s American Museum of Natural History.

How to Care for Padparadscha Sapphires

Padparadscha Sapphires are a strong and durable gemstone that have a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale. They don’t easily scratch, break, or crack, and they can last for several decades if properly cared for and maintained.

Cleaning

Padparadscha Sapphire jewelry can be cleaned with warm soapy water, and a soft cloth or brush. Brushes can poke through the nooks and crannies of the jewelry to clean out the minor dust particles. The gemstone doesn’t need to be cleaned with any chemicals or ultrasonic cleaners.

Storage

Padparadscha Sapphires must be stored separately from other colored gemstones. This hard stone can easily scratch and damage gems that are softer.  They should also be kept separately from diamonds, since they can be scratched by them.

With proper care and maintenance Padparadscha Sapphire jewelry and engagement rings can retain their color and remain beautiful for centuries.

Padparadscha Sapphire Meaning and Symbolism

Padparadscha Sapphires are a symbol of positive energy, joy and tranquillity. It’s said that this gemstone can help you make decisions, deal with changes, and understand your own life’s purpose. Padparadscha Sapphires keep the mind calm and help achieve a great clarity of thought. When wearing this stone, you can understand your conflicts better, and trust yourself to resolve them. This gemstone is ideal for those who want to take a step forward and explore the various paths of life.

The orange color of the Padparadscha Sapphire is believed to activate the Sacral Chakra. When this Chakra is activated there is a greater drive for desire and passion. This sapphire can encourage creative individuals in their pursuit of artistic sensibilities, and heighten their sensory experiences. As a stone connected to planet Mars, it instigates a stronger will to achieve one’s true purpose.

Disclaimer: Wedding KnowHow does not guarantee or validate any of the claims related to the metaphysical and alternative healing powers of this or any other gemstone. This information should in no way be used as a substitute for medical advice.

Where to find Padparadscha Sapphire Jewelry

When searching for Padparadscha Sapphires, your options will be limited due to the rarity of the stone and its high price. Most retailers don’t carry this gemstone, so it might be difficult to find what you’re after at mainstream stores.

We recommend starting your search at specialist gemstone stores, or on Etsy, which has a wide range of Padparadscha Sapphires are a variety of prices. Note that if a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is.

Always check the seller’s credentials and customer reviews. Ask for a certificate of authenticity if applicable.