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Padparadscha Sapphire Information

Refractive Index : 1.762-1.770 (+.009,-.005)

Specific Gravity :4.00 (+.10,-.05)

    Padparadscha is the Sinhalese word meaning "lotus blossom".  Padparadscha is Corundum in the pastel shades of delicate Orange-Yellow-Pink.  Padparadscha can run from a more predominant Pink with nice Yellow-Orange mixed in, to the intense pastel tones of predominantly Hot Pink with Yellow-Orange mixed in, this means the Pink would be the more predominant color in the stone but the others are present and visible.  At the other end of the color spectrum Padparadscha can run from a more predominant pastel Orange with nice Pink-Yellow mixed in, to the darker tones of Orange with Pink-Yellow mixed in.  One color can be more predominant than the others, but never without the others. The AGTA Lab recently took a variety of stones that dealers suggested met the criteria of Padparadscha and scientifically defined the color range using an imaging spectrophotometer.  Unfortunately, the results of that attempt almost entirely excluded the stones produced from the Umba Valley in Tanzania.
    Most dealers and gemologists feel that the Umba stones do not qualify because of their overly dark tones and strong brown (garnet like) component.  The spectacular 'aurora' red-orange stones from Vietnam and Madagascar, even though there are no brown components in those stones, are also excluded by the AGTA definition because of their oranges of high saturation and/or dark tones, this is mainly because Sri Lanka has traditionally never produced such colors.  In other words, when it comes to getting a gem report on Padparadscha, if it isn't from Sri Lanka and in a pastel shade, it probably isn't a true Padparadscha. Most Padparadscha tends to have slight inclusions, especially in the rich intense tones, so if you see one that is a well cut and eye clean (or better) stone, with rich pastel blended color having all three colors evenly balanced and saturated throughout the stone, you are looking at one of the most expensive and sought after top quality Padparadscha gems available from the mines in Sri Lanka (Ceylon).  We only carry the finest natural Ceylon Padparadscha Sapphire which carries a premium price nearing and oftentimes surpasses the price for fine Ceylon (kashmir and royal) Blue Sapphire.  Padparadscha Sapphire is rarer than fine Ruby with a great investment potential!

TREATMENTS - Approx. 99% of all Sapphire on the market is routinely treated with 'heat' to enhance and stabilize the color. The typical heat treatment process is a permanent process and it does not normally adversely affect the performance, and durability of the gem, but in recent years demand for natural non-heated non-treated top quality Sapphire has caused these gems to command a somewhat higher premium, depending on the gem. When we disclose a gem as enhanced with 'heat', we are typically referring to the heat enhancement procedure performed in Sri Lanka right near the mines, using the lower temperature wood heat method. This 'blow' heat method typically is used on very very good quality Ceylon gems, only to slightly enhance the color and/or to stabilize the color from fading in sunlight. There's no need to worry when you see this enhancement disclosed. Almost all Ceylon Padparadscha Sapphire and virtually all Ceylon Orange Sapphire on the market was subjected to 'blow' heat. This 'blow' heating method has been an accepted trade practice for many many generations. There are other types of heat enhancement procedures, however, one of which is a high temperature furnace fired method. This 'furnace' process is typically performed on Sapphire of a much lesser quality. The goal is to seriously enhance or alter the color and/or clarity of the stone. Most of these gemstones are highly heated, almost to the melting point of the gem, so it is 'cooked' over and over until the gem dealers feel it is a more desirable color and will fetch a better price in the market. We normally do not offer gemstones that have been highly heated.
CARE - It is usually safe to clean Sapphire jewelry in an UltraSonic Cleaner, and generally safe to use a steamer.  We recommend Ionic Cleaners and/or warm, soapy water and a soft brush as the best way to clean your sapphire jewelry.