Sapphire, with its hardness of 9 on Mohs hardness, is second only to diamond, which renders it one of the most valuable and wearable gemstones of all-time. Sapphire is a 'precious four' gem and offers superb brilliance and rich, vibrant colors. Although most sapphire is heated or enhanced in other ways to improve color, clarity and stability, unheated and completely untreated natural sapphire can still be found. Usually unheated sapphire gems are found only in small sizes, but occasionally, large, clean stones are uncovered too. Because unheated sapphire is such a rarity, they are indeed relatively expensive, particularly unheated top-color blue 'Ceylon' sapphire. Unheated, natural sapphire is mostly sourced from Africa, though Australia and parts of Asia are known to produce some fine materials too.
As of recent times, Madagascar and Tanzania are two of the most important sources for fine untreated, unheated sapphire, as is Thailand. Tanzanian sapphire is usually pink to violet in color (often violet-blue), and many of the specimens exhibit very noticeable color change properties. Color-change unheated sapphire can be very expensive and is highly sought-after by both jewelers and gem collectors. Fine quality unheated sapphire gems from Madagascar, as well as Australia, display silk inclusions, which are highly desirable. The silky appearance is cause by rutile inclusions and the presence of such silk is usually a good indicator that the gem has not been heated, since rutile inclusions melt at a much lower temperatures than those at which sapphire is heated. Sapphire is also the official birthstone for those born in the month of September.
Certified Customer Reviews
Overall Rating -> 9
The website was so easy to navigate. There were so many beautiful choices it was hard to make a decision. Impressive selection.
My only consideration for this particular purchase is that it is from a lot and I don't get to select the specific gem I want. However, I trust GemSelect and they all look good in the picture provided and are all the same approx. size and weight. My only real concern is the star in the star ruby, as I want one that is both clear and shapely.
I very much enjoy shopping for the wide variety of beautiful gems on GemSelect. I am excited to receive my purchases and eager to purchase more in the future. I see great value in the gems I have seen and agree with the spot-on pricing as opposed to other sites I have visited.
Gem Selects is a great place to buy loose gems and seems to have a wide selection of sizes, shapes, and color as well as reasonable prices. Though I only dabble in making earrings this is my purchase from here and I love the pieces I have bought - 6 pairs of various gems. I am sure I'll be back.
