Yellow Sapphires

_{A Yellow Sapphire from Ceylon}

_{A Yellow Sapphire Crystal Pre-prepared for cutting}

Sapphires, a gemstone like no other. In terms of the range of colours, the countless shades, and tones: It is a gemstone that stands out amongst the rest. Not only in terms of the diversity of colours but also its character, notably its durability. Which puts it right up there with diamonds. When it comes to popular sapphires colours, the choices mainly range between the famous blue sapphires, the increasingly popular pink sapphire, the captivating white sapphire and now the rising star of this gemstone range: The Yellow sapphire.

1. The Character of Yellow Sapphires

Yellow Sapphire is a part of the larger sapphire family that is made of corundum mineral: A naturally occurring crystalline form of aluminium oxide. Found predominantly in South, South East to Central Asia, and in more recent times in parts of Africa; this coloured conundrum mineral, when cut and polished, has been recognized for its beauty and value for thousands of years. As a hard mineral, that comes in at No. 09 in the Mohs scale for hardness, it is able to withstand many forms of environmental effects and high kinetic pressure.

Sapphires along with rubies are gemstones that are able to project optical phenomena such as Asterism and Chatoyance. Chatoyance is a phenomenon that results from the presence of certain inclusions, that owing to the specific cut that the gemstone has been subjected to (cabochon as opposed to facet) is able to reflect light that mimics the eyes of a feline. Asterism, like chatoyance, refers to the presence of a cat’s eye like effects. However, unlike the latter, these bands of light run across both sides of the gemstone. High-quality sapphires which are able to display such star-like effects are known as star sapphires and hence command a high value.

2. What Makes Yellow Sapphires, Yellow?

Whilst the mineral character of natural sapphires across the world remain the same at a fundamental level. However, the gemstones differ among them, owing to the presence of varieties of trace elements. In yellow sapphires, its colour is due to the presence of iron. In fact, the higher the presence of iron in the yellow sapphire, the greater its saturation. The yellow found in yellow sapphires could also result from the radiation effects it is likely to be subjected to in the course of its development beneath the Earth’s surface. Today most sapphires in the market are subject to some form of heat treatment. Which is a perfectly acceptable practice to strengthen the stone and increase its durability. However, certain forms of sapphire treatment methods are carried out in certain parts of the world, such as chemical additions and other forms of irradiation that are not an industry standard. Hence, knowing the country of origin, the method of treatment is key in getting the best natural yellow sapphires, and later when it comes to purchasing a quality yellow sapphire engagement ring. 

3. The Shades of Yellow Sapphires

As one may have guessed there are a variety of shades of yellow in the yellow sapphire range. From the most notable morning sun yellow sapphires to the shades of canary yellow, to the greenish-yellow shades that are a more exotic choice for gemstone seekers. In the south Asian market, notably in countries like India, where the colour orange is highly popular; notably in India, where the deep yellow-orange colour, besides being a national symbol (the Kesari- deep yellow-orange is found in the national flag) it is also considered a symbol of sanctity. Whilst some may go directly for an orange variety of the sapphire stone (found predominantly in parts of Ceylon and Madagascar), the darker yellow shade that carries shades of orange is amongst the more popular.

Along with it the yellow sapphire, with its mixture of light to darker hues that draw buyers from this part of the world. According to an academic paper published by Kurt Nassau and G. Kay Valente-both experts in the gem field-all the way back in 1987, there are 7 types of yellow sapphires, that are categorized according to their colour tone and shade.  They are:

• Type 1: Pale yellow to orange:

  Where the yellow colour (a light one, that is closer to white in the colour range) is of a natural character.

• Type 2: Pale yellow to deep orange:

  This is generally referred to as coloured yellow sapphire, which has lost its colour. But has been restored through irradiation.

• Type 3: Pale yellow to orange:

  The light to slightly darker orange tones is a reflection of the traces of iron. However, the sapphires that fall into this category have not been subjected to heat treatment with high temperatures.

• Type 4: Yellow to deep orange-brown:

  The yellow to deeper orange to brown tone is the result of the (Type 3) gemstone being subjected to heating. Type 4 sapphires are understood to be stable to light.

• Type 5: Yellow to deep orange-brown:

  This sapphire variant contains iron or nickel; with the deeper colours, the result of impurities present within the stone.

• Type 6: Synthetic sapphire (01):

  Synthetic yellow sapphires that contain nickel/other elements. May have been subjected to heat treatment.

• Type 7: Synthetic sapphire (02):

  Synthetic or lab-grown sapphire, where the colour is the result of artificial irradiation.

There is More to Yellow Sapphires

Whilst this list is an informative starting point when it comes to understanding the broad varieties of yellow sapphire shades, their chemical character, the types of treatment they have been subjected to; to the type of effect, they are likely to undergo when subjected to different environmental conditions. However, when it comes to the factors and forces that affect the colour, character: visual and physical of the stone, there are far too many to list. The effects that are imparted on the gemstone usually work in unison; and the sheer number of variables that contribute to the different colours and the kind of reactions the gemstone in question experiences in the face of these factors, natural or artificial, are too numerous to factor in. This is why when it comes to the range of yellow sapphires, the numbers are vast. In fact, when one considers the spectrum of sapphires, yellow or any other colour, the range is too vast to be subjected to any formal categorization (Add Image below)

_{Shades of Yellow Sapphires from our own inventory}

_{Shades of Yellow Sapphires from our own inventory}

4. What Makes Yellow Sapphires Different?

Yellow sapphires are known to have fewer inclusions compared to other sapphire varieties. Hence they are held to higher standards when it comes to the measure of the stones’ clarity. Since yellow sapphire are valued for their transparent brilliance, a clear yellow coloured gemstone, one that is without blemishes and the presence of another colour shades-such as traces of green-are prized. Yellow Sapphires owing to their gold-like colour are a great match for yellow gold jewellery, as they are able to accentuate the glow produced by this precious metal. Owing to the wider availability of yellow sapphires, relative to pink and Padparadscha sapphires, jewellers place a premium on the cut of the gemstone, as opposed to the carat.

5. Top Locations for Yellow Sapphires

As noted, sapphire is found in many parts of the world. In recent times, sapphires are starting to be unearthed even in countries like the United States. However, when it comes to buying quality natural sapphires it is tough to beat the historical hot spots: notably Thailand, Myanmar, and Ceylon. When it comes to quality yellow sapphires, that come in a range of shades and wide levels of saturation, then Ceylon (Sri Lanka) yellow sapphire is a great option.

6. Treated vs Untreated Natural Yellow Sapphires?

This is a tricky question. Since natural sapphires are often sought after for their “natural” qualities: Hence treatment of the stone in any form could be viewed negatively. In fact, certain jewellers have marketed themselves as the providers of top natural sapphires (i.e. no treatment whatsoever). OK, let’s get a few things straight. First off, the treatment of sapphires via heating is a widely accepted process. Sapphires across the world are heat-treated to increase their colour and improve their durability.

However, the differences lie in the type of treatment they are subjected to. For example, Ceylon Sapphires are subjected to heat treatment. However, these are carefully carried out by persons experienced in the art, coming from a country with a long tradition in gemstone treatment. Further, the heat treatment of sapphires should not be confused with the artificial manipulation of the chemical character of the stone. Such illegal practices, where other materials are added to change the colour and character of the stone are strictly forbidden.

7. Yellow Sapphires vs Yellow Diamonds

Yellow diamonds are a part of the fancy coloured diamond range. And hence, like most coloured diamonds is a rare gemstone. However, that has not lessened the demand for the carbon-based gemstone. Here are the key difference between yellow sapphires and yellow diamonds, and why we think yellow sapphires are a great alternative to yellow diamonds.

8. The Cost of Yellow Sapphires

This is a tricky question. The simple answer to this question: It depends. However, if you are in the market for a quality yellow sapphire, the price of the gemstone will depend on a few key factors. The 6Cs of Sapphires (See our dedicated page). If you have been through it. Here’s a word of advice when it comes to analysing the cost of sapphire, yellow or otherwise: Pay attention to the character of the stone: Is it natural or lab-grown (synthetic); what kind of treatments has the gemstone been subjected to; the country of origin (again the 6Cs); and what is the final version of your stone you are looking to buy: Is it the gemstone alone, or is it part of a jewellery item? Answering these questions will help you get a better understanding of what kind of gemstone you are looking for and the price that is worth paying for it. And in case you’re looking for yellow sapphire jewellery, then learning more about your choice of jeweller and what he/she has to offer in terms of services and support, is a good way to make sense of the price that you are willing to pay for the item.

9. The Best Yellow Sapphire Cuts

When it comes to yellow sapphires, the popular cuts are those which help accentuate the gemstone’s attributes. Since there are no official sapphire cuts to speak, the jewellery is left free to adopt the cut that works best with the stone, in combination with the band of the jewellery item. So when it comes to ideal cuts for yellow sapphires, you are free to go with a type of cut that one finds most suitable. Popular cuts for yellow sapphires tend to be round, oval and brilliant cut. So take your pick!

_{Yellow Sapphire Colour Card from Natural Gem Exchange}

Yellow Sapphire Colour Card from Natural Gem Exchange

11. Yellow Sapphires in Vedic Astrology

Considered the stone which helps builds relationships; with its bright yellow, it helps bring a sense of clarity to one’s life. If you are the sort who is open to the mystical, as in parts of South Asia, then the uncanny qualities of this gemstone will benefit you. And a great stone of choice for the meditative types. In the world of sapphires, the concept of titles is a newer trend. Since sapphires are sourced from a number of exotic locations, the sapphires from those regions tend to gain certain popularity among the locals. Like other top precious stones, sapphires, for their beauty and colour naturally spark the imagination in the minds of the wider community. In this regard, certain yellow sapphire variants have acquired their own designations. Here are two that are worth looking into.

This is a tricky gemstone to pin down. For at one level, the Pukhraj (stone) sapphire, is the name given to the yellow sapphire in parts of India. Its name, which is Vedic in origin, however, is used in relation to the mystical qualities that this gemstone is believed to. According to Hindu astrology, the yellow sapphire is associated with Jupiter: the largest planet in the solar system. And it is believed to confer benefits on the wearer, owing to its connection with the giant planet, and is also able to keep away the ill effects brought forth by the other planetary movements. Those seeking good fortune in marriage and education stand to benefit from the yellow sapphire’s protective qualities. In terms of its colour, this is a difficult thing to pin down. The best bet when it comes to identifying select yellow sapphires is to consult an astrologer. So once you have a set yellow colour in mind, the jeweller, provided it is a good one, will do the rest. 

12. Mekong Sapphire

A type of darker shaded yellow sapphire that is popular in Thailand: a notable sapphire gemstone producing nation. Speaking of the name of this particular yellow sapphire variant, it is important to understand that Thailand as a country is not known for its whiskey. In fact, much of what passes for “whiskey” in this part of the world is actually a local version of rum. However, that hasn’t stopped locals at the Thai sapphire scene from naming a distinctly darker, whiskey coloured yellow sapphire as the Mekong Whiskey sapphire. The name ‘Mekong’ is based on the popular South-East Asian river, that runs through six countries, including China, Thailand, and Vietnam. A whiskey-coloured yellow sapphire, something to consider for all Scotch drinkers. In terms of getting your hands on one of these alcoholic gemstones, one need not go all the way to Thailand. Ceylon (Sri Lanka), the leader in natural sapphires is a great place to find these special gemstones.

Top Yellow Sapphire Engagement Rings

So that now you have a reasonably good idea of what you need to look for in yellow sapphire, and could be the right stone for you, you might be ready to make the big call. When choosing a yellow sapphire engagement ring, there is no clear cut way to go about making these decisions. What you need to keep in mind when it comes to buying fine jewellery online, is the principle of ‘What you see is what you get'. So with that in mind here is a selection of some of our finest selection of yellow sapphire engagement rings.