What’s It Worth? The Value Of A Sapphire: Origin, Size And Prestige

While size, color, clarity and treatment are critical in evaluating a sapphire’s worth (something Katrina and her team can assess with ease), the country of origin is equally significant. However, origin cannot be determined by the naked eye or standard gemological equipment; it requires verification from major labs like GIA or Gübelin.

For example, we once placed a 10-carat Kashmir sapphire in an original signed mounting, for close to a million dollars. In contrast, TV shopping venues often sell heat-treated or beryllium-diffused sapphires for just a few hundred dollars. The difference? Rarity, provenance, treatment and size.

Sapphire Origins & Rarity
Kashmir – The rarest, known for velvety, silky deep colors with a soft glow. Virtually extinct & found mostly in vintage jewelry.

Burmese – Intensely saturated with strong blues, adding to eye appeal.

Ceylon (Sri Lanka) – Bright, vibrant blue with excellent transparency, often available in larger sizes.

Yogo Gulch (Montana) – Exceptionally clean, but typically smaller stones.

Cambodian – Often confused with Burma or Kashmir. Stunning, yet less valuable.

Vietnamese, Thai & Australian – Other notable sources.

The Added Value of a Signed Ring
A sapphire’s value increases dramatically when in a signed mounting, like those from Tiffany, Yard, Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Dreicer. These brands are known for their craftsmanship and gemstone selection, making their pieces even more valuable.

This week we will share some sapphires that we have purchased from jewelers and the local public.

1. A 9.6-carat signed Raymond Yard Sri Lankan
   no-heat sapphire. We paid $50,000 and hope to
   sell it for $75,000. It will appraise for $150,000.
2. A 3-carat Burmese round stone, no heat in
   an unsigned mount. We paid $20,000 for this
   and hope to sell it for $30,000. Appraised value:
   $60,000.
3. A 2-carat Cambodian sapphire we paid only
   $700 for. It was a badly chipped, damaged 3.5
   carat. We recut it to bring out its beauty; we hope
   to sell it for $2,000 or so.

The Magnificent, Natural Sapphire

Please note newsprint does not show the beauty of these. Contact us for stunning pics … even if you don’t want to buy them.

If you have vintage sapphire or ruby rings or pendants, contact us! Signed goods too!

Three former Sothebyscom associates and three art historians
on staff. We are international buyers of estate jewelry, fine arts
and silver. We will buy for cash or consign to auction any
of your rare, valuable watches, antiques, coins or collectibles.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.