Yellow Sapphires

A Yellow Sapphire’s “cut” refers mostly to its shape, but also to how well the stone is faceted. The cut quality of colored stones differs from cut quality of Diamonds in that Sapphire is cut to enhance its color. Because Sapphire is cut for color, and not sparkle, Sapphire cut is not graded by angles and proportions. Instead, gem experts analyze Sapphire cut by the pleasing nature of its shape, the symmetry of its facets, and its lack of windowing. Here’s a good way to analyze gemstone cut:

Color is the most important factor when choosing a Sapphire. The most sought-after Yellow Sapphires are medium-toned, vividly-saturated yellow. Some people refer to these stones as “canary.” In contrast, other couples prefer lighter-toned stones like soft pastels. Yellow Sapphire can also be slightly orangey or slightly lemon-limey. Just depends on what you want! They’re all great!

Your Yellow Sapphire’s “color” is described in terms of hue (yellow, orangey-yellow, greenish-yellow), tone (how light or dark the color is) and saturation (how vivid or brownish the color is). Its quality is also affected by how consistent the color is. That’s because having a vivid yellow stone with a pale yellow corner detracts from its beauty. Likewise, having a soft yellow stone with a vivid green streak would be distracting.

The chart below gives general guidance on judging Color:

Yellow Sapphires are a “Type 2” gem, which means that gem experts expect them to have some birthmarks, called “inclusions.” However, Sapphires are regularly “eye clean,” meaning that although the gem has inclusions under magnification, you cannot see them with the naked eye. We suggest that couples should only consider Eye Clean and possibly Slightly Included stones, and only if the slight inclusion is barely noticeable. Here is a clarity chart to understand Sapphire clarity: