“Kashmir” describes sapphires that have a violetish blue to pure
blue hue, with moderately strong to vivid saturation and medium-dark tone.
Minute inclusions can give the gem a velvety luster and desirable softness, and
also intensify its color. The color is often referred to as “cornflower blue”.
“Kashmir” is widely regarded as the finest-quality blue sapphire.
“Burmese” describes sapphire that have a slightly violetish blue
to blue hue, with moderately strong to vivid saturation and medium to dark
tone. Their blue can be more intense and saturated than “Kashmir” sapphires,
but it lacks the velvety luster. They might appear somewhat inky under
incandescent light. The color is often described as royal blue. These are
considered very-fine-quality sapphires.
“Ceylon” and “Sri Lankan” refer to sapphires that generally have a
violetish blue to blue hue, with slightly grayish to strong saturation and
light to medium-light tone. The light tone means they can return more light to
the viewer’s eyes. As a result, these sapphires tend to have greater brilliance
than darker-toned sapphires.
“Kanchanaburi” describes sapphires that are generally blue to
slightly greenish blue, with light to dark tone. Less saturated stones
typically have a grayish appearance. Most of them have minute inclusions that
cause a milky appearance. They’re similar in color to Sri Lankan sapphires, but
not as brilliant.
“Thai” describes sapphires that are violetish blue to slightly
greenish blue, with medium-dark to dark tone. Dark tone often reduce brilliance
and conceals saturation and hue. The stones are often described as inky blue or
blue-black.
“Australian” refers to sapphires that are violetish blue to very
strongly greenish blue, with medium-dark to very dark tone. They often show
strong greenish blue pleochroism. The dark tones result in a serious reduction
in brilliance, so they’re often described as inky blue.
Photo, Courtesy: GIA. Resource:
Amanda. #eClarity