Hobbies And Interests
Color
Sapphire blues can range from light pastel to midnight blue. Strong medium-blue colors in sapphires are more valued, according to the Gemological Institute of America or GIA. Blue sapphires from Myanmar (Burma) and Kashmir are especially valued.
Clarity
Clarity refers to the transmission of light and lack of inclusions. Better sapphires have greater clarity. According to GIA, natural sapphires are commonly heated to dissolve titanium inclusions, thereby increasing clarity and bringing out more color.
Cut and Weight
Cut is used to describe the overall appearance of a gemstone. A colored gemstone like a sapphire is usually cut to conserve its weight rather than "according to strict mathematical parameters," according to AGL. Weights above one carat are more desirable. Round cuts, cushion, heart, pear, marquise and emerald cuts are all used for sapphires.