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Both sapphire and topaz are common coloured gemstones, yet they are from different mineral families and will often attract very different values in the marketplace. Factors such as colour, size, cut, and origin can make a big difference to the value for which they might sell.
These aspects are especially important to understand because two pieces that are close in colour can be vastly different in price. For instance, having a blue stone is not always enough to make a gem expensive.
This is the defining difference between the worth of a topaz and a sapphire.
Understanding the Sapphire Family
Sapphire is a mineral in the corundum family. The word is most frequently used in association with blue gems, but in reality corundum can come in a variety of colours. All colours other than the red corundum are usually known as sapphires.
Hence a sapphire gemstone may be blue, pink, yellow, purple, orange, green and even colourless.
Although the most well-known type is the blue sapphire stone, there are still some unique factors and market supply for yellow coloured sapphires.
Important Things to Consider Before Purchasing Blue Sapphire
Colour Matters Most
In the case of sapphire the most important value factor is often colour. Intense and vivid colour and good, even colour can greatly enhance demand. Blue sapphires of attractive medium to medium dark velvety blue to violet blue colours are most highly prized.
Types of sapphires include pink sapphire and purple sapphire, among others. One of the most sought-after stones is a rare pinkish orange Padparadscha. According to GIA, the term Padparadscha stone refers to a very rare and highly desirable sapphire known for its colour, which is generally considered to be some shade of pinkish orange or orange pink.
Which Sapphire is Best for You? Pink and Purple
What Makes a Sapphire Expensive?
Below are the factors that can influence sapphire to appreciate:
· Strong and attractive colour
· Good clarity
· Excellent cutting
· Larger size
· Natural, untreated status
· Desirable geographic origin
· Rarity
A natural blue sapphire stone with good colour and no indication of treatment is especially desirable. A GIA report can state that the sapphire is not treated by heat, which can increase the item's rarity and value.
In the same way, a natural yellow sapphire stone is assessed on the colour, clarity, cut, carat and treatment.
Thinking of Buying Yellow Sapphire? watch This Before You Regret It
What is White Sapphire?
White sapphire, quite surprisingly, is also a part of the corundum family. It is not an entirely different mineral but simply a colourless sapphire.
Understanding the Topaz Family
Yellow topaz is an entirely separate mineral from blue and pink sapphires, and features an extensive colour range including yellow, orange, red and blue. Topaz also produces large, record breaking crystals.
Other popular varieties are yellow topaz, blue topaz, white topaz. With the exception of fine sapphire, most blue topaz gemstone on the market have been enhanced to achieve their colour. According to GIA, blue topaz is now produced through irradiation and heat treatment and is widely available for very affordable prices.
Why Some Topaz Is More Valuable
However, not topaz isn't cheap. The biggest difference is in how common it is. Blue topaz is very common, but rare reddish, pink and orange colours command a premium in the market. Imperial topaz, especially, is very much in demand for its rare colours.
So, a big blue topaz could be a very inexpensive gemstone, yet a tiny exceedingly rare colour could be worth far more.
What About Price?
The topaz stone price can vary widely depending on its colour and quality. Generally the cost of a colourless, blue topaz will be much cheaper than a rare coloured one.
As a result, this is also why comparing gemstones by size can be deceptive. A 5-carat topaz is not automatically worth more than a smaller sapphire.
Which Should You Choose?
There is no right answer as both sapphire and topaz offer something to different tastes and budgets. Sapphire offers colour range, durability and rarity, while topaz offers colour choice and the chance of bigger stones at a more affordable price.
Look past the colour name when choosing a topaz gem or sapphire. Inquire about whether the gemstone is natural or treated, inspect the colour and clarity, pay attention to the quality of the cut and get appropriate certification for high-value purchases.
Knowledge is power at Brahma Gems. Knowing the differences between sapphires and topaz will enable you to compare actual qualities, not just the names or sizes of the stones. No matter whether you are interested in sapphires or topaz, comparing in this way is the best way to compare prices.
