Origin, Ceylon Sapphire

I think the initiative by the Sri Lankan Gem & Jewelry Association to promote their colored stones, especially sapphires is a great idea + it will definitely popularize Sri Lankan sapphires worldwide but also position Sri Lanka on top of the pyramid provided the origin certification is done by a laboratory that is well-known, trusted and recognized worldwide + I don't think the local gem testing laboratories have the same luster like the international laboratories + my view is it makes sense to certify good quality stones of 1 carat and above.

Useful links:
www.facetssrilanka.com
www.srilankagemautho.com
www.ips.lk

'Tanusorn'-type Blue Sapphire Treatment

Thailand is perceived as one of the important gemstone refineries of the world + and now comes a new type of blue sapphire treatment, 'Tanusorn' type blue sapphires: 'Tanusorn' is named after Tanusorn Lethaisong, the gem 'chef', where semi-translucent pale colored sapphires consisting of many cracks are exposed to high temperature heating technique (s) involving cobalt and lead containing flux + the resultant blue coloration is due to the inclusions of blue cobalt-bearing solid residues left along healed fractures + if in doubt always consult a reputed gem testing laboratory.

Sapphire Update

AGTA writes:

In recent months, blue sapphires reaching the US market show indications that they are being treated by a new technique. Most of the gemstones are coming from Sri Lanka, and they range in size (s) from 2 carat to 17 carats.

Microscopic observations in sample specimens show indications of heating, and immersion in methylene iodide reveal a pale blue to near colorless layer closely following the girdle outline. In other gemstones, a much deeper rim of light blue surrounding a deep blue core is seen. The characteristics may be easily observed when the gemstones are viewed immersed in methylene iodide and illuminated through a diffused light source. This makes it relatively easy to identify the gemstones when buying or sorting.

SIMS analyses carried out on several gemstones have not, thus far, revealed a presence of beryllium. Further analyses are presently being carried out in an effort to fully characterize the process.

Sapphire Used On Watch Bracelets

JCK writes:

SARO-Gem Jewellery Watch Co., Bettlach, Switzerland, has found a new use for synthetic sapphire in watches. SARO, which stands for Sapphire Round Over, uses synthetic colorless sapphire not only as the crystal over the dial but also as an overlay on the bracelet itself, making the entire watch scratch reistant. Sapphire rates 9 on the Moh's hardness scale. In a process called physical vapor deposition (PVD), transparent sapphire plates are coated with particles of white or yellow gold, palladium, or a pigment (sapphire blue, emerald green, ruby red, aubergine, or black).

More information about SARO-Gem @ www.saro-gem.us

How to judge Sapphire

THANKS to Mother Nature’s inventiveness and generosity, colour sapphires of unusual shades and sizes are found in nearly all major sapphire deposits in the world. Surprisingly, many people are not aware that sapphires come in shades other than blue.

Sapphires can exist in shades of green, yellow, orange, pink, purple and pinkish orange. Sapphires with such colours are named as sapphire with the colour prefix, for instance green sapphire, yellow sapphire, orange sapphire and pink sapphire.

Colour and clarity
When buying sapphire, bear in mind that colour is the most important factor determining the stone’s beauty and value. However, natural colour sapphires are not found in even shades to meet demand. Sapphires today are therefore professionally heat treated, diffused with additives or irradiated to produce more intense, even or unusual shades to be sold at affordableprices to the consumer. They are also treated to achieve better clarity and brilliance.

In general, prices are also dependent on size and availability. Top quality untreated colour sapphires are difficult to find. To find them, at a price, of course, you need patience and in-depth knowledge.

Cut
Most colour sapphires are faceted in a variety of shapes and sizes. Oval and cushion shapes are the most preferred, but emerald, heart, princess and new cuts are not uncommon. Round brilliant colour sapphires have also become popular. When choosing a cut, look for pleasing proportions and quality finish. Well-cut colour sapphires can display amazing flashes due to the stone’s hardness and durability.

Treatments and disclosure
Most colour sapphires are professionally treated to enhance colour or clarity. Such treatments are accepted by the trade. However the treatments must be disclosed to the buyer at the time of sale to protect the consumer. Treatment disclosure is expected to be a common practice for most cases, especially for treatments that are not permanent, or those that require special care by the wearer. If in doubt, send your sapphire for laboratory grading, as the lab reports are supposed to mention any treatment found.

Untreated colour sapphires, especially pinks, are popular but only a few jewellers have access to reliable sources due to price uncertainties and a lack of consistent, quality stones.

Synthetics
Synthetic sapphire exists in the market. Such stones can be easily identified under proper magnification and observation of their inclusions. Clean stones may need further analytical tests. Many of the small colourless sapphires used in inexpensive jewellery are most likely synthetic. Like treated colour sapphires, synthetic sapphire must be disclosed to the buyer at the time of sale to protect the consumer. Keep a look-out for them.