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Ceylon Padparadscha Sapphires: Why They’re Called King Sapphire

In the world of sapphires, you’ll find many colors. But Padparadscha sapphires stand out as some of the rarest. Their mix of pink and orange colors makes them unique and highly sought after. These sapphires are not only stunning but also very rare, which adds to their appeal.

One of our most gorgeous Ceylon Padparadscha Sapphire ( King Sapphire )

Padparadscha sapphires are among the rarest gemstones in the world. They have a distinct color that resembles sunsets, lotus flowers, and tropical fruits. This unique color blend of pink and orange is why they are named ‘Padparadscha,’ a Sanskrit word that means ‘lotus flower.’

These sapphires became highly popular after Princess Eugenie’s engagement in 2018, which featured a Padparadscha sapphire ring. This event brought them into the spotlight and made them a trendy choice for engagement rings in 2019 and beyond. Pairing them with yellow or rose gold, especially in vintage cuts, creates stunning, unique, and personal engagement rings. The trend for rose gold and Padparadscha sapphires is expected to continue growing.

As more people choose these sapphires, interest in them is increasing. They are particularly appealing in rose gold settings, which enhance their warm pink and orange hues.

The Standard For Padparadscha Sapphires

A gorgeous oval padparadscha ring.

Some Padparadscha sapphires show a mix of pink and yellow instead of a uniform salmon color, leading to color zoning. This has made some experts agree that Padparadscha sapphires blur the line between pink and orange shades. The name ‘Padparadscha’ comes from the Sinhalese word for a lotus blossom, known for its striking salmon color.

Although not widely known to the public, Padparadscha sapphires are highly valued by gemstone experts. However, there is ongoing debate among collectors, dealers, and gemologists about the exact color standards for these sapphires. They discuss how much pink or orange is acceptable and debate whether some shades are too dark to be considered true Padparadscha.

 

How Does Cut Affect The Color?

Clarity is crucial for Padparadscha sapphires due to their light tones, which can easily reveal any inclusions. The delicate color of these sapphires means that any cloudiness will reduce their vibrancy.

Because of their extreme rarity, rough Padparadscha sapphires are often cut into unusual, asymmetrical shapes to preserve as much material as possible. One of the best settings for these sapphires is the halo setting, which involves a ring of small stones, typically diamonds, encircling the main stone. This setting enhances the main stone’s brilliance, shine, and color and can be used with any sapphire shape or cut.

Padparadschas from Madagascar typically display a pink color with a hint of orange. They are often heated at lower temperatures and for shorter periods compared to other sapphires, which can enhance their color.

What Is The Availability Of These Gems?

Due to their high demand and price, various treatments have been developed to mimic the distinctive color of Padparadscha sapphires. However, these new and radical treatment methods have led to a decrease in consumer interest for treated stones.

One common method involves heating poorly colored pink sapphires under extreme temperatures in the presence of beryllium. This process results in a pinkish-orange to orangish-pink color that resembles the sought-after “Padparadscha” shade. The beryllium penetrates deep into the sapphire, making it extremely difficult to detect its presence. This treatment can significantly enhance the appearance of the sapphires, yet it also raises questions about authenticity and value among consumers and collectors.

Where Can They Be Found?

Ceylon Padparadscha Sapphires

A piece of Ceylon Padparadscha Sapphires rough crystal

Padparadscha sapphires are primarily found in Sri Lanka (Ceylon Padparadscha Sapphires), which has been the exclusive source of these rare gems for centuries. Some experts argue that true Padparadschas can only come from Sri Lanka (Ceylon Padparadscha Sapphires), highlighting the exceptional quality of stones from this region.

However, Madagascar has also become a significant source of these sapphires. Stones from Madagascar tend to have a pinker hue compared to the traditional pink-orange blend of Sri Lankan Padparadschas. While the finest examples are often believed to originate from Sri Lanka, the increasing availability of Madagascan Padparadschas has expanded the market, offering a broader range of colors and qualities.

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