The 4th C of Sapphires: Carat

_{two yellow sapphire gemstones}

Carat is a unit that measures the weight of the gemstone. Since there are 5 carats in 1 gram, this equals about 0.2 grams per carat. In the world of gemstones, bigger is always better. A point that is well noted when it comes to diamonds, which applies equally to that of sapphires. However the key difference being the weight of the gemstone: sapphires are naturally heavier than diamonds, owing to the greater density of the mineral corundum of the sapphire is made of, in contrast to the carbon structure of diamonds. Hence a smaller size sapphire will weigh as much as a bigger diamond. So a 1.00-carat sapphire will appear smaller than a 1.00-carat diamond, despite being equal weight. Which has a considerable effect on the type of gemstone you are likely to get for a given price, as larger sapphires will weigh more.

Thus sapphires and diamonds of the same carat are likely to vary in sizes. Some sapphires are calibrated and standardized for ease of use. Sapphires carat is closely tied with the type of cut it has been subjected to. As noted in our section on Sapphire cuts, sapphires are valued for their size and colour, hence the type and precision of the cut are likely to vary depending on the colour dispersion and cut type (ideal, shallow or deep) of the stone. When it comes to sapphires, one is most likely to be dealing with smaller carat gemstone stones, hence its carat, whilst a useful measure is not the best guide in influencing purchasing decisions, or when it comes to jewellery selection. Hence sapphires, depending on the jeweller are judged based on the millimetre of the gemstone’s length and width, rather than the overall carat weight.

Relationship between Sapphire Colour, Carat & Price

Since colour is the domain variable in sapphires, unlike in diamonds, the carat of the stone is heavily influenced by this variable. Which in turn relates to the type and character of its cut. Sapphires are cut and shaped by lapidarists, who are mindful to accentuate the colour of the gemstone, which will have an effect on the carat of the stone, as necessary adjustments will be made. So when going for a larger carat stone one must keep an eye out for adjustments that are made to the grade and cut type of the sapphire.

When it comes to sapphire varieties, the colour of the sapphire (Blue, Pink, Yellow, White) will have an effect on the size of the gemstone. Whilst this is again gemstone depended, however, certain varieties of sapphires, like the famous blue sapphire, tend to rarer and larger carat stones are even more so. However yellow variant of the corundum family are quite plentiful in parts of Ceylon, and hence larger carat stones can be found. With variants in the Padparadscha group even harder to come by in larger carats sizes. With gemstones, there is a positive relationship between carat and prices: with a larger carat of the gemstone commanding a higher price. With the 1.00-carat mark being a key determinant in the price. Once this threshold is crossed gemstone prices begin to increase considerably.

Sapphire Carat Measurement

Top-quality rough sapphires, with a large carat (5 and over) are quite rare and hence extremely expensive. Such stones quality, given their rarity, are not cut, and often become speciality stones, that are sold at auctions for the highest bidders for a great sum. When it comes to the rest, uncut sapphires which are sold commercially, the jewellers and gem merchants and companies might develop their own proprietary criteria for measuring sapphire quality in relation to price and cut. With designated charts that measure sapphire carat in relation to its cut type and the kind of price, it can command.