We're doing a deep dive on every color of sapphire, and today we're focusing on Padparadscha. Padparadscha sapphires are among the rarest gemstones in the world. Being one of the most coveted stones, comes with a certain price tag which is why we've prepared a break down of all the things you should know prior to investing. We will cover the different quality factors, prices, treatments and more.
If you're looking to source a Padparadscha or to create a custom engagement ring, do send us an email at info@fineandflux.com and we will be happy to help. You can also view our custom jewelry gallery here.
What is a Padparadscha Sapphire?
The true definition of Padparadscha is a blend of orange and pink, with the name originating from Sri Lanka, meaning "lotus blossom." The highly sought after color rarity, orange with a hint of pink or vice versa, is what makes this stone truly unique. Even just a slight undertone can set it apart from a pink sapphire. This rare color distinction has also created a contentious market for stones trying to pass for padparadscha.
A fun way to observe the unique color quality of a padparadscha is by placing it next to a pink stone, the padparadscha will appear more orange, and when placed next to an orange stone, its pink tones will stand out. This characteristic distinguishes it from a pink sapphire.
Pink Sapphire vs. Padparadscha
Padparadscha compared to pink sapphires will stand out because of its orange hue. Sometimes, light pink sapphires can appear washed out, whereas Padparadscha stones usually have more intensity in their color. Here’s a great example: two stones with similar weight and measurements, both untreated. One is a Padparadscha, with a more noticeable orange tint, while the other is a pink sapphire with a cooler baby pink..
In another example, two stones are quite similar, but Stone A has a slight hint of coral, making it more orange, while Stone B has a rosier blush or darker tone. Stone B isn't hot pink, but it lacks orange, falling more into the raspberry spectrum. Stone A is a Padparadscha, and Stone B is not, which results in a significant price difference for that slight hint of orange.
Quality Factors
Color
The color of a Padparadscha sapphire is the most important factor that will determine its value and beauty. Poor cuts and clarity can be overlooked if your stone showcases a perfect blossom of orange and pink.
They can be categorized by two color variations: Sunrise and Sunset. Sunrise has a base color of orange with a touch of pink and sunset a pink base with a touch orange. Both variations always display a mix of colors, and include a wide ranging spectrum of saturations, hues and color zoning.
There is no official test for Padparadscha classification; certificates usually describe the color, using terms like "light orangey pink," "light pinkish orange," or, in the case of darker tones, "dark orange-pink." A comment stating "Padparadscha" may also be added.
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Cutting
The cut is crucial to the appearance of any gemstone. However, Padparadscha stones over 1.5-2 carats are often cut less precisely in order to preserve weight. If you buy from the country of origin, stones are often poorly cut, with dealers aiming to retain as much weight as possible. A poorly cut stone might need to be recut, and in doing so, you could lose a significant portion of the carat weight.
Buyers should consider this when negotiating prices.
Sapphires generally have a "window" effect because they aren't cut like diamonds, which are optimized for light reflection. With sapphires, you can often see through them when tilted, due to their different optical properties.
Another cutting concern is the effort to preserve the color. Some stones display color zoning, and recutting could result in the loss of the pink portion that makes the stone a Padparadscha, leaving it as a yellow sapphire. Recutting is a gamble; the stone could crack or its color could change. However, if the stone has an even color distribution and looks good, recutting it slightly could enhance its appearance. A poorly cut 4-carat stone could sell for less than a well-cut 2.5-carat stone.
Clarity
Another key factor is clarity. Eye-clean stones are priced higher, while stones with inclusions or "milky" appearances (reduced clarity) are less expensive. Clarity also affects treatment; an untreated stone with good clarity will command a much higher premium than a heated stone with similar qualities.
Price
Padparadscha sapphires with a 2-carat stone, will cost around $20,000, which is double the price of the lighter pink sapphire. This is because of its rarity and prestige.
There’s also a significant price difference between the Padparadscha and the peach sapphire, even though some may say to the eye they aren’t that different. The Padparadscha is a bit lighter but has some orange, which more than doubles its price compared to the peach stone.
For most gemstones, deeper saturation generally means a higher price. However, with Padparadscha, medium saturation is often more expensive due to market trends. If a stone is too dark, too pink, or too orange, its price may be lower. Color will always be the primary factor when determining the price of a padparadscha. A medium-colored Padparadscha can go for around $20,000, while a lighter one can be priced at $9,000. This difference is largely due to supply and demand. If the market favors lighter shades, they may become less expensive.
Heat Treatment
Traditionally heat-treatments are done to enhance color and improve clarity of a stone. For padparadscha, some people believe they should not be heat-treated, while others accept heat treatment. Many stones are low-heat treated, making it harder to determine if they have been heated. There are methods to check, but the inclusions often remain intact.
In the 1990s, beryllium treatment (beryllium diffusion) became popular. Beryllium is a very small element that penetrates the crystalline structure of the stone, unlike older methods like iron diffusion used in blue sapphires, which only affected the surface. With beryllium-treated stones, even if the stone is recut, the treatment remains intact.
Stones treated this way are not marketed as Padparadscha but as beryllium-treated sapphires. We did a deep dive on this treatment in our video on yellow and orange sapphires, discussing how it impacts price and quality. For those who want the look of a Padparadscha but don't have the budget for a high-quality, untreated stone, beryllium-treated sapphires offer a more affordable option.
Comparisons
Padparadscha sapphires come at a certain price point, but there are a few alternative gemstones that offer similar colors:
Morganite
Morganite can be a more affordable option for those seeking that peachy-pink hue. It was extremely trendy 5-10 years ago, but now people tend to look for similar colors in sapphires, tourmalines, or spinels. However, morganite is a bit softer and tends to get dirty more quickly.
Imperial Topaz
Imperial topaz is harder to find. In Brazil, they might be more common, but in Canada, they aren't as well-known, which may explain their scarcity here. Although Padparadscha sapphires are rarer, finding a specific piece of Imperial topaz can be a challenge. While not abundant, they are often available at trade shows where you can find high-quality stones. However, in the Canadian market, stones like Imperial topaz or jade are less in demand, so exceptional pieces usually need to be sourced.
Spinels
Spinels can also be a good alternative. While they may not always offer the perfect example of the Padparadscha color, they are a great option. Spinels often have darker tones, with some lighter pink options, but if you want that orangey tone, you'll likely find it in the medium to darker shades. Spinels are much more affordable than Padparadscha sapphires, and their luster and hardness make them an excellent choice.
Misconceptions about Padparadscha
There are many misconceptions, especially at gem trade shows. Some dealers try to pass off peach sapphires as Padparadscha. If you're a buyer, the price difference between peach sapphires and Padparadscha is significant.
Sometimes, people with knowledge in the trade will label stones as Padparadscha when they're more of a dark orange with only a hint of pink. The lines between these colors can be quite blurred, and often sellers will want to market them as Padparadscha for a higher price. Buyers, on the other hand, may seek to purchase them at peach sapphire prices, which creates some confusion in the market.This is why buying a stone with an appraisal or lab report is important.
Region
Originally, Padparadscha sapphires were found in Sri Lanka, but they are now also sourced from Madagascar and Tanzania. Madagascar stones tend to lean more toward the pink side, while Sri Lanka has a long history of producing high-quality Padparadscha sapphires. Sri Lankan stones are highly regarded for their superior quality and prestige, even among blue sapphires. Although Madagascar and other regions produce beautiful stones, the reputation and quality of Sri Lankan sapphires have a lasting impact on their value.
