Color Change Sapphires Properties + Characteristics

Color Change Sapphire Engagement Ring. Photo ©2018 EraGem Jewelry.   Color change sapphires elevate corundum to a whole new level. This gorgeous 14k white gold ring features a stunning 3.6 carat color-change sapphire. Under indoor lighting conditions, the gem appears a rich purple-blue color. However, outside it radiates a distinctive green-blue color. This rare phenomenon transforms an already exceptional stone into an unrivaled jewel.  

Color Change Sapphires

Many semi-precious stones demonstrate pleochroism, which means they appear to change color when viewed from different angles. This is not the phenomenon that takes place with color change sapphires. The shift in color with sapphires occurs with the type of light, not the direction of the light. It begins with the formation of the crystal. Most gemstones form with only one light transmission window. However, color change sapphires form with two light transmission windows. This means the stone absorbs all frequencies of light except two. Typically, these types of sapphires reflect blue in natural sunlight and violet indoors. They can also change between red and brown, green and red, green and yellow-green, and several more.  

Where They're Found

Color change sapphires typically hail from Tanzania and Ceylon (Sri Lanka). Also, more recently they have been found in Madagascar. They appear only very rarely, which makes them all the more desirable. As with most colorful gemstones, their colors arise from the presence of trace elements. When present together, iron and titanium color corundum blue. Iron with vanadium produces gold and orange hues. Meanwhile, by itself iron lends corundum green and yellow-green hues. Vanadium on its own renders them violet, and chromium adds pink tones.  

Determining Value

The industry grades color change sapphires slightly differently than they do regular sapphires. Whereas sapphires typically rate first on carat, clarity, and cut, experts grade color change sapphires first on how striking the change of color. Grades range from weak, to medium, to strong. The greater the strength of the color change, the greater the value. Next they consider the breadth of the change, how much of the stone changes color under different lighting conditions. Again, the greater the transformation, the better. Cut and clarity remain important factors in determining the value of a color change sapphire. However, it is extremely rare for a sapphire of this nature to grow free of impurities. Therefore, inclusions do not always drive the price down. Still, we recommend approaching the purchase of a color change sapphire with caution. Choose a reputable jeweler who discloses as much about the stone as possible. Particularly, make sure they divulge any treatments made to the stone, as treatments do affect value. It would be our privilege to share our collection of color change sapphires with you. Please give us a call today to schedule an appointment.