is the gem species Corundum in all colors other than red. When the word Sapphire is used alone it is typically referring to the blue variety. All other colors are typically called Fancy Sapphires.

Blue sapphire is one of the most popular colored gemstones. More consumers buy jewelry adorned with blue sapphires than any other colored gemstone. The Corundum gem species excel in hardness - 9 on the Mohs scale - therefore these are ideal for all types of jewelry including rings, which take the most abuse.

The most important factor in a sapphire's value is its color. The most highly valued blue sapphires are velvety blue to violetish blue in medium to medium-dark tones and have strong to vivid saturation. For all other fancy sapphires, strong vivid colors command the highest prices. Very dark blue or "inky blue" sapphires are typically commercial grade and will show little or no brilliance inside the stone. These sapphires are generally inexpensive and readily available.

The trade term Kashmir refers to what many consider the finest blue sapphire. This color is often referred to as cornflower blue.  Never assume a stone is from the actual location the name impliess. Unless a gemstone is accompanied by an Origin Report or other independent documentation to state this, the terms Kashmir, Burmese, Sri Lankan and others are often used to describe color typically found in these locations only; it doesn't prove they were actually mined from that location.

Blue and Fancy Sapphires typically have some inclusions, although they generally have better clarity than rubies. Blue sapphires with extremely high clarity are rare and, therefore, very valuable. Many of the most valuable Kashmir sapphires contain tiny inclusions, believed to be extremely fine rutile needles that give them a velvety appearance.

It's estimated at least 95% of all blue and fancy sapphires are treated in some way. Heating and lattice diffusion are the most common treatments. More rarely, cavity and fracture filling with oil, epoxy, resin, glasslike materials, or polymers is used. Coating with various substances and dyeing are also common. As with all gemstones, disclosure of ALL treatments to the consumers is important and ethically prudent. Be sure your appraisal and/or independent lab report is included with your purchase, and more importantly, signed by a certified professional with the credentials to identify and disclose such treatments.

Finally, beware of imposters in the marketplace, Imitations or lab-created synthetics are readily available and dishonestly, passed on as genuine, natural sapphires. Other less expensive gemstones and doublets have also been used to imitate sapphire. As the marketplace continues to change and imitations and synthetics continue to improve, the necessity of purchasing from an honest and experienced Graduate Gemologist, or other specialists, is the best way to protect your investment.