Sapphires come in a range of colors, but blue sapphires are the most popular and in demand. Within the blue sapphire category, there are several subtypes, with Cornflower blue sapphires being one of the most prized. Known for their unique shade of blue, Cornflower blue sapphires are often compared to the rare Kashmir blue sapphire and the Royal blue sapphire, making them some of the most prestigious varieties.
What makes Cornflower blue sapphires so special? It’s all about their color. The name comes from the cornflower, a flower with a distinct bluish hue commonly found in cornfields. The ability of this natural gemstone to capture that beautiful shade of blue makes it highly valuable due to its rarity and striking beauty.
The Characteristics of Cornflower Blue Sapphires
The Cornflower blue sapphire is named after the flower and showcases a light yet distinct tone. Its color is darker than a typical light blue sapphire but holds a unique velvety hue that gives it a soft glow. This velvety blue texture is a key characteristic of Cornflower blue sapphires, placing them in a prestigious category of blue sapphires.
Cornflower blue sapphires are found in several sapphire-producing countries, with Ceylon (Sri Lanka) being the most notable. Historically, Kashmir was famous for its high-quality blue sapphires, including a variant of the Cornflower blue. However, with the decline of sapphire mining in Kashmir, Ceylon sapphires have taken the lead. Today, Sri Lanka is one of the most renowned sources of top-quality natural sapphires, including the sought-after Cornflower blue variety.
| Cornflower Blue Sapphire Characteristics | - |
|---|---|
| Colour | Distinct Blue Hue- Blue Hue Over 75 Per cent |
| Countries of Origin | Primarily Ceylon (Sri Lanka) |
| Rarity | Very Rare |
| Value | Price Depends on Clarity, Cut, and Carat |
| Distinct Features | Presence of a Distinct Velvet-like Tone |
Buy Natural Cornflower Blue Sapphires
Cornflower vs Other Popular Sapphires
When it comes to gemstones, competition is often focused on diamonds, but other stones, like sapphires, are rising in prominence. The white sapphire has gained attention as an alternative to diamonds, but within the sapphire family, the range of colors (blue, pink, green) offers even more choices. Many people focus on a single hue, often overlooking the variations in saturation and vividness that make each sapphire unique. Among these, Cornflower blue sapphires stand out for their exceptional color.
Cornflower blue sapphires are among the most prestigious, sitting alongside Royal blue sapphires and nearing the popularity of the rare Padparadscha sapphires. When choosing a top-quality blue sapphire, understanding these variations is key. So, how do you decide between these high-end blue sapphire varieties? Here are some factors that set Cornflower blue sapphires apart from the rest:
What Sets the Cornflower Blue Sapphire Apart from the Rest?
In the world of sapphires and gemstones, rarity—whether it’s the stone itself or specific features—plays a major role in its value. For gemstone enthusiasts and fine jewelry buyers, it’s the small details that make all the difference. While blue sapphires are already highly valued as precious stones, certain sub-varieties stand out even more for their distinct beauty and uniqueness. The Cornflower blue sapphire is one such variety that sets itself apart from other sapphires, especially within the blue sapphire family. Here are a few reasons why:
Greater Prominence of its Dichroic Character
Sapphires are known for their dichroic nature, meaning their color can change depending on the viewing angle. In Cornflower blue sapphires, this effect is more pronounced compared to other blue sapphire varieties. As the stone is viewed from different angles, the color shifts between deeper and lighter tones. The Cornflower blue sapphire can showcase varying shades, from a strong blue to lighter tones like sky blue, depending on the light and viewing direction. Although not classified as two-toned gemstones, their distinct color variation sets them apart, creating a unique visual experience.
Distinct Velvet Hue
One of the standout features of Cornflower blue sapphires is their velvety texture, which gives the stone a luxurious, soft appearance. Similar to the rare Kashmir blue sapphires, the velvet-like visual effect is one of the defining characteristics of Cornflower sapphires, making them highly sought after in the gemstone market.
Higher Percentage of Blue
The Cornflower blue sapphire stands out for its higher concentration of true blue color. While many blue sapphires contain hints of violet or other hues, Cornflower sapphires typically consist of 75-80% true blue. This higher concentration of blue gives the stone a unique opacity and color consistency throughout. Though darker blue sapphires, like Royal Blue, are known for their uniformity, Cornflower blue sapphires maintain a similar consistency while offering a lighter, more vibrant hue.
Unheated Ceylon Cornflower Blue Sapphire
18K Gold Ceylon Cornflower Blue Sapphire Engagement Ring
Are Cornflower Blue Sapphires Expensive?
Known for their lustrous beauty, typically command a higher price in the market. However, as with any gemstone, their value depends on several factors, including carat size, clarity, and the presence of blemishes or inclusions. At Brilliyond, we use the 6Cs of Sapphires—a comprehensive framework for evaluating a sapphire’s quality and value.
While the Cornflower blue sapphire is highly regarded for its distinct color, its final price is influenced by other key factors such as clarity, cut, carat weight, country of origin, and any treatments the stone has undergone. Its striking color provides a competitive edge, but a combination of all these elements ultimately determines its worth.
