For those who love colored gemstones, few gemstones are more attractive than sapphire. Most often found in that signature deep blue hue, they also come in many other colors, such as pink or yellow.
Thinking of purchasing sapphire jewelry as a gift for a special someone? Here are a few things that are worth keeping in mind before buying:
Judging sapphire quality
Like diamonds, sapphires are graded differently, based on a certain criteria. Here, the Big “4 C’s” also apply: Color, Clarity, Cut, and Carat. Its country of origin may also influence its quality. When shopping for sapphire jewelry, these are the qualities that you want it to possess:
Color
Color is the most important factor when it comes to sapphires. Blue ones are the most prized, and the value increases depending on the purity or intensity of that blue. In general, you’ll want sapphires that possess a high level of color saturation. As for the shade of blue, you can go with personal preference. The most sought-after blue sapphires possess a strong, almost velvety blue color, but lighter shades such as pale baby blue are similarly beautiful and valuable.
Clarity
Most natural sapphires will contain inclusions–fluid or gas that has been trapped inside as they formed. These affect their clarity. In general, inclusions in colored gemstones such as sapphire aren’t always a bad thing. They can enhance the appearance of the stone by adding more character. However, it’s still a good idea to look for sapphires that have no inclusions visible to the naked eye.
Cut
As with diamonds, the way a sapphire is cut determines how it sparkles when worn. The most popular cuts for sapphire are round, cushion, and oval. Among them, the round brilliant cut guarantees the highest degree of sparkle. Here, again, though, the choice is up to you.
Carat
The weight of any gemstone is measured in carats. Carat weight is one of the biggest factors that affects the price–the bigger it is, the more expensive it will be. It’s a good idea to keep an eye on the numbers if you want to stay within your budget.
Sapphire hoop earrings from Suzanne Kalan: the perfect holiday gift
Suzanne Kalan’s sapphire hoop earrings celebrate the entire spectrum of sapphire colors and are available in a wide variety of styles and designs.
Their Bold Zigzag Pastel mini sapphire hoops can be casted in either 18-karat yellow or rose gold and feature 1.40 carats of exquisite pastel sapphire baguettes in different colors, including pink, yellow, green, and blue. The uneven setting allows more light to pass through the stones and creates a whimsical pattern that gives off a fun and joyful vibe. They’re a great choice for the woman who seizes life and greets each day with a smile on her face.
The Inlay dark blue sapphire sideways hoops, on the other hand, is a classic with a twist. This take on the classic hoop faces the stones sideways instead, so that they can be more prominently seen. It features 1.12 carats of baguette and princess cut dark blue sapphires and 0.10 carats of round white diamonds, and can be set in 18-karat white, yellow, or rose gold. This selection makes for an excellent present for the woman with timeless style, but isn’t afraid to mix it up every once in a while.
Suzanne Kalan offers many other sapphire hoop earrings in their catalog. Browse the extensive collection now.
