Yellow Sapphire is the color of wealth and richness. In Indian Culture, Yellow Sapphire has a strong power over human destiny. If Sapphire is your birthstone, do not be limited to blue. Put some other colors in your life. Fine Yellow and Golden Sapphires are rare. This was not really the case until the early 1980’s. There was a time when jewelers did not know or recognize any other color but Blue in Sapphire. In 1980, some dealers in Thailand began experimental heating of pale Yellow Sapphires. They had nothing to lose at the time because yellow sapphires were cheap and available. The experiments were successful and the Sapphires were transformed by heating from soft pastel shades to what we call Canary Color, bright vibrant golden and orangy yellows.
HEATING YELLOW SAPPHIRES
Heating Natural Light Yellow Color Sapphires that usually contain iron at temperatures between 1600 and 1900 Centigrade converts the iron to a state where it acts as a strong coloring agent. If chromium is present with the iron, the chemical reaction to heat produces even stronger, more golden colors. Heat treatment will permanently improve the stones and as per Fred Ward in his book Rubies and Sapphires page 33: "Most consumers have everything to gain from buying heat treated stones, without heating, rich blue sapphires and the few natural Rubies with clean interiors could cost hundreds of times more. The price of a simple $1000 engagement ring might soar more than $100,000. It is virtually impossible to fine quality faceted unheated corundum." In fact, heat treatment of Yellow Sapphire gives us golden and deep orangy Yellow Sapphires, which fills a gap in the vast range of color variety in corundum.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN YOU BUY YELLOW SAPPHIRE ?
- The color is a personal preference. The natural pastel light yellow and lemon yellow is beautiful. The deep orangy yellow or the golden colors are magnificent but you must assume that the deeper the color, the more likely the stone is heated unless a proof of the contrary is provided.
- At least 2ct sizes are the most desirable. However, larger sizes are more rare and highly priced.
- Look for at least Eye Clean stones. Flawless Sapphire will sell for much more.
- The beauty of a Gem is represented by its cut. Larger sizes may be imperfect because no cutter will sacrifice the weight of a precious Gem. However, an over all good proportions are acceptable.
Investment Grade Yellow Sapphires are usually the largest in size. The Bigger stone you can buy, the more likely your investment will increase because Big Yellow Sapphires are getting scarce. Today, 10ct sizes are hunted by Gem Collectors.
NATURAL COLOR YELLOW SAPPHIRES ARE RARE
Because almost all Yellow Sapphire is heated, Natural untreated yellows are extremely rare. If you invest in one, make sure that you are getting a lab certificate to prove the natural conditions of its color.
YELLOW SAPPHIRE IS ASSOCIATED WITH SRI LANKA
Ceylon Yellow Sapphires are comparable to Burma Rubies. Today, Tundouro mine in Tanzania, Africa produces Yellow Sapphire mostly with a greenish yellow tone, which sometimes are sold as Ceylon Sapphire.
Yellow Sapphire mixes well with Blue, White Diamonds, White Gold and Platinum. Many jewelers design beautiful jewelry using the color combination of Yellow, Blue and even White Sapphire. Owning a Yellow Sapphire is a beautiful experience.
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