Cornflower Blue Sapphires

_{Cornflower Blue Sapphire}

As the reader may know, sapphires come in a variety of colours, with the blue version being the most popular and sought-after category. Interestingly blue sapphires also break down further into a variety of subcategories. Cornflower blue sapphires are among the most sought after variety of blue sapphires, known for their distinct tone of blue, this version of the blue corundum crystal is right up there, with the now highly elusive Kashmir blue sapphire, and competes with the Royal blue variety for the top spot for the most prestigious blue sapphire variety. So what makes the Cornflower blue sapphire so special? Simply put, it is the stone’s colour. The Cornflower blue is based on the colour of the cornflower: the flower which contains a distinct bluish hue and the name was given because they were very common in cornfields. Thus the ability of a natural gemstone to capture this elusive colour and particular shade of blue, makes it a high-value proposition in terms of rarity and beauty.

The Characteristics of Cornflower Blue Sapphires

The Cornflower blue sapphire, akin to the colour of the flower it is name is based carries a light, but unique tone. One that is darker than the average light blue sapphire, but contains a unique hue, that carries a velvety glow. The blue of Cornflower blue sapphire can be considered a variant within the family of those carry elements of that velvety blue texture. Cornflower blue sapphires are found in a number of sapphire producing nations, most notably Ceylon. Historically the region of Kashmir was famous for producing quality blue sapphires, with mines in this region producing a variant of the Cornflower coloured blue sapphire. However, in recent times, the supply of sapphires from this part of the world has dropped off, with Ceylon sapphires taking the lead. The island nation is amongst the most famous location for producing quality natural sapphires. 

_{Cornflower Blue Sapphire with a Cornflower Flower}

Cornflower vs Other Popular Sapphires 

The competition between gemstones is one that is relatively well noted when it comes to diamonds and other gemstones in relation to the various attributes that challenge the carbon-based stone’s dominance. Point which we have engaged in studying the rise of sapphires, notably the white sapphire variant in relation to diamonds. Within the sapphire family, the presence of various colour types (e.g blue, pink, green sapphires) has meant that people often settle on a single hue for their sapphire gemstone of choice, and pay less attention to the various tones of sapphires that vary with respect to saturation and vividity. Cornflower sapphires are at the top list of sapphires that distinguish themselves in accordance with colour. Coloured stones are able to distinguish themselves in terms of the types and/or rarity of their hues. Here Cornflower blue sapphires hold a prestigious position along with the Royal blue sapphires and are near the popularity of the elusive Padparadscha sapphires. So the question is, what happens if you are faced with the choice of picking a top-quality blue sapphire? How would you go about making this choice in light of competing alternatives within the blue sapphire family? Here are certain factors worth considering, factors that help distinguish the cornflower variant:

What Sets the Cornflower Blue Sapphire Apart from the Rest?

In the world of sapphires, and gemstones in the general rarity of the stone, or the rarity of specific features matters significantly. For gemstone seekers and fine jewellery buyers, it is the little details that count. Whilst a gemstone, like a blue sapphire, already carries the mark of value as a precious stone, there are sub-varieties that stand out even further, holding a position of distinct value and beauty. The Cornflower blue sapphire sets itself apart from other sapphires, notably blue sapphires. Here are a few reasons why:

The Greater Prominence of its Diachronic Character

Sapphires are gemstones that are dichroic in character: meaning the colour that is present in the stone tends to change depending on the direction from which the stone is viewed. In the Cornflower blue variant, the dichroic character of the gemstone is more pronounced in contrast to the others in the blue sapphire range. This means the variance of the colour, tends to be either less or more visible, depending on the angle from which the stone is viewed. The colour that is present in the stone, appears to be stronger in tone when viewed from a certain direction; conversely, the cornflower sapphire would exhibit a lighter bluish tone when viewed from another angle. What makes the cornflower blue sapphire stand out is that the stone seems to, depending on the viewing angle, exhibit almost two types of blue. The cornflower blue (an actual colour) shifts in tint, showing shades of the lake and even sky blue colours. These shifts in its tint depend on the direction of the viewing and the light source. Whilst cornflower blue sapphires are not two-toned gemstones (as these are specific variants in the sapphire family), they are nonetheless distinct in their colour, and the manner of their interaction with light.

Distinct Velvet Hue

This is an interesting feature, that pertains to the colour of the stone, but in addition, it relates to the visual character of the stone: Cornflower blue sapphires carry a distinct texture that gives the impression of a velvet-like feel on the stone’s surface. Akin to the Kashmir blue sapphire, which is no longer in the market, the Cornflower blue sapphire is one gemstone type that manifests this quality, and it is an unmissable value proposition.

Higher Percentage of Blue

Whilst blue is the undisputed dominant colour tone in the cornflower sapphire, this special stone stands out in that the percentage of blue colour found in the cornflower gemstone is notably more concentrated than its competitors in the bluestone range. Blue sapphires tend to contain a varying percentage of violet or other hues in addition to blue. In the Cornflower blue sapphire variety the percentage of true blue is much higher, usually at least 75- 80 per cent of the stone. Hence the stone owing to higher levels of blue colour also has an effect on the stone’s level of opacity. Whilst darker versions of blue sapphires (like Royal Blue variants) maintain a greater degree of uniformity when it comes to the hue that is present throughout the gemstone; lighter blue sapphire variants, like the Cornflower blue sapphires also maintain a degree of colour uniformity throughout the stone.

_{A cornflower flower in our own garden}

Are Cornflower Blue Sapphires Expensive?

Comparatively Cornflower blue sapphires, owing to their lustrous qualities, tend to command a higher market price. However, the value of the stone, as in any other gemstone variety, is dependent on a host of other factors: such as the carat of the stone, the number of blemishes and inclusions, which relates to the clarity of the stone. At Brilliyond we have devised the 6Cs of Sapphires: a framework through which the quality and value of a sapphire stone can be measured. Whilst the cornflower variant has a number of distinct qualities in terms of its colour, ultimately its value is determined in relation to other factors in the 6Cs. Whilst its colour gives it an advantage, the gemstone's clarity, cut and carat, along with the country of origin and the type of curing process it has undergone will affect the Cornflower blue sapphire’s final price.