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Instructions
Compare the opacity of your star sapphire. The more transparent your star sapphire, the more valuable it becomes. The Rutile needles that naturally occur within the stone account for its sparkling star, but they can also interfere with the clarity of the stone's appearance. A high-quality star sapphire has long needles, which lead to a sharper star and clearer stone. The clearer the star sapphire, the higher the quality and value.
Subject your star sapphire to microscope testing by a professional jeweler or gemologist. Star sapphires are often treated with heat to deepen the color and increase the stone's clarity. It will take an extremely powerful microscope to detect whether the stone's chemical structure has been altered by heat, so do not attempt this step on your own. Heat-treated star sapphires are typically less valuable than natural star sapphires and are often poorer-quality stones.
Pay attention to the cut and color of your star sapphire. The deeper and more vivid the color of your stone, the higher the level of quality. However, even a bright star sapphire can be spoiled by a clumsy or artless cut. The ideal cut for a star sapphire should be symmetrical, with a medium to high dome and smooth base. When mounted, the star within the stone should be completely centered.
Know the origin of the best-quality sapphires when shopping for your stone. Sapphires are mined throughout the world, but three locales signify high-quality stones. The Indian region of Kashmir produces the highest-quality sapphires in the world, followed closely by the sapphires mined in Burma and Sri Lanka. Ask your vendor for certification that details the provenance of your stone; a reputable dealer with legitimate wares will be able to provide one for you.