When it comes to selecting a gemstone that's not only gorgeous but also has great astrological significance, the Yellow Sapphire, or Pukhraj stone, is one you can't go wrong with. If you are considering wearing it for healing purposes or simply to help you during a Jupiter (Guru Grah) period in your life, there are some important things you need to note before you make the serious investment. In this guide, we are going to take you through 10 important factors to consider when purchasing a natural yellow sapphire, so that you can make the best choice and select the right pukhraj stone for yourself, without being doubtful.
1. Look for the Right Colour
The colour of a gemstone is often the first thing that catches your eye, and for good reason. It's not just about aesthetic appeal; the colour of your yellow sapphire plays an important role in its astrological effectiveness. In astrology, it is believed that the deeper the natural colour of the stone, the more powerful its healing and protective qualities.
The ideal pukhraj is the one with vibrant golden or canary yellow colour with a consistent hue throughout, free from any overtone or undertone. However, don’t let the colour overshadow other factors like clarity, as we will discuss in the next section.
2. Inspect the Clarity
Clarity is the true essence of a gemstone’s power. While it’s normal for original yellow sapphires to have inclusions (like feather-like or fingerprint marks), a clear pukhraj gemstone with minimal inclusions will not only be more visually appealing, but also more effective for astrological purposes.
If you are looking for top-tier clarity, a Sri Lankan yellow sapphire (also known as Ceylon yellow sapphire) should be at the top of your list. As they are considered the finest gemstones in their category, they tend to be more expensive, but are worth the investment, thanks to both their astrological and aesthetic qualities. These stones are lighter in colour, typically lemon-yellow, but their clarity makes them a standout choice.
3. Select the Right Cut
The way your pukhraj gemstone is cut will affect its overall appearance and the way it reflects light. If you are buying a yellow sapphire ring for astrological purposes, make sure the cut allows the stone to always touch your skin. This is important since the stone's constant contact ensures it delivers its energy effectively, enabling you to get the full pukhraj stone benefits.
A faceted cut will cost more, but it maximises the brilliance of the gemstone and makes it sparkle. The cut should complement the setting and be comfortable enough to wear daily.
4. Check the Origin
The origin of your yellow sapphire can influence its price, quality, and astrological strength to a large extent. The two main sources of high-quality pukhraj are Sri Lanka (Ceylon) and Thailand (Bangkok).
Sri Lankan yellow sapphires are known for having unmatched sparkle and superior clarity. These gemstones are usually untreated, which is said to make them more powerful astrologically. Bangkok pukhraj stones, however, tend to be treated, hence cheaper, but perhaps lack the same raw, natural energy found in the untreated Sri Lankan stones. This takes us to our next point.
5. Treated vs. Untreated: Know the Difference
If you are purchasing a gemstone as precious as a yellow sapphire, it becomes important to know the difference between treated and untreated stones. Gemstones often undergo treatments like heat treatment, glass filling, and beryllium treatment to enhance their appearance. Heat treatment, the most common and well-accepted of these, deepens the colour and reduces the visibility of inclusions, lending the stone a much neater look.
Even though the heat treatment doesn’t drastically diminish a sapphire's astrological properties, untreated stones are believed to be purer and more potent. For pukhraj stones used in astrology, both treated and untreated stones can provide astrological benefits, but the untreated variety is often preferred for its authenticity.
Ultimately, whether you choose a treated or unheated untreated yellow sapphire, the key takeaway is that you must know the "truth" of the stone you are purchasing in order to make a meaningful and informed purchase.
6. Always Ask for Certification
As synthetic stones and imitations are becoming more prevalent in the market, it has become a non-negotiable practice to validate the authenticity of the yellow sapphire you are purchasing. Always request a valid certificate of authenticity from a competent dealer or vendor with online certification verification capability. The certification should properly denote whether the gem in question is treated or untreated, as well as other characteristics of the gem's quality that the laboratory deems important.
A certified original yellow sapphire stone guarantees you are getting exactly what you are paying for. And, just to be on the safe side, it’s a good idea to cross-check the certification with the gemological lab’s official website. This is also a measure to ensure you are not fooled by fake certificates, which, unfortunately, are not uncommon these days.
7. Look for the Best Price and Deal
We understand that everyone is tempted to get the best deal, but always keep in mind, never compromise on quality. The quality, and therefore, price of a yellow sapphire gemstone is primarily determined by the 3Cs, i.e Colour, Clarity, and Cut, along with its origin. Therefore, it’s important to understand what is causing the difference in price, especially when comparing stones from different origins or even those from the same origin.
The best deal is not just about the lowest price, but about getting the best price on a yellow sapphire of good origin, colour, clarity, and cut! It is wise to ask questions like, "Why is this piece so expensive?" or "Why is this priced so low?" to ensure you are making the best value investment. Always compare yellow sapphire prices from different sellers, keeping the factors mentioned above in mind, and don’t forget to inquire about discounts and refund policies.
8. Check the Return & Exchange Policy
When buying a yellow sapphire, you should carefully check the return and exchange policy of the seller. Unlike regular jewellery, an astrological gemstone like Pukhraj is believed to work with your energy and planetary alignment. There’s a chance the gemstone might not suit you, as each person’s horoscope is different. A good return policy guarantees you will not be left with a stone that fails to provide the anticipated astrological advantages, saving your hard-earned money.
Also, planetary alignments in your horoscope can change over time, so your gemstone requirements can change as well. You may be asked to wear a natural yellow sapphire today, but a few years later, another gemstone may be more suitable. In that situation, an exchange policy allows you to swap your stone without losing your investment, making it much easier to adjust as your astrological needs evolve.
9. Pay Attention to the Correct Weight
It is very important to have a yellow sapphire of the right weight (in carats or ratti) to get the results you want from astrology. Wearing a pukhraj too light will not give you the best experience. Wearing a pukhraj too heavy could have the opposite effect.
Generally, either a 5 ratti pukhraj stone or a 7 ratti pukhraj stone is a good choice for most people, because these sizes align well with the average body weight. Ideally, the gemstone suits your weight at about 1/15th of your body weight (in kg) to a maximum of 1/10th of your body weight. Your astrologer can guide you in a better way to pick the ideal weight choice that meets your personal needs.
10. Know the Purpose of Wearing the Yellow Sapphire
Why are you choosing to wear a yellow sapphire? The purpose behind your choice matters as much as the gemstone itself.
If you are going through a Jupiter Mahadasha and seeking true astrological relief, a high-quality Sri Lankan pukhraj stone is the best option. These stones are believed to offer the most potent astrological benefits, especially when your Guru grah (Jupiter) requires serious upliftment.
On the other hand, if your birth chart does not require a very strong enhancement of Guru grah, or if you are simply drawn to the golden allure of a yellow sapphire and want to wear it as a statement piece of jewellery, a Thailand pukhraj stone might be the perfect choice for you. It all comes down to understanding your personal needs and astrological goals.
Conclusion: Make an Informed Choice
Selecting a yellow sapphire is not merely a matter of choosing a beautiful gemstone. It's a matter of understanding its astrological importance and finding the right Jupiter stone that will benefit your life. From colour and clarity to origin and treatment status, every factor matters while buying gemstones online or offline, because you want to ensure that you have picked the best natural yellow sapphire stone for your purposes.
As a rule of thumb, purchase your pukhraj gemstone only from a well-known and certified gemstone dealer with a strong presence in either the online or offline market. This ensures you receive a high-quality and authentic stone. When you take the time to research your gemstone, ask the right questions, and finally select the one that fulfils your purpose, as you are making an investment in your well-being and future rather than just a piece of jewellery.
FAQs
How can you tell if a yellow sapphire is good quality?
To assess the quality of a yellow sapphire (pukhraj stone), focus on three key factors: colour, clarity, and origin. The finest yellow sapphires have a pure golden yellow colour, with neither greenish nor brownish undertones. Even a high-quality natural yellow sapphire can have slight inclusions, but they should be as minimal as possible. Srilankan pukhraj stones are deemed best in this category.
What is the Price of a Yellow Sapphire?
The price of a yellow sapphire varies based on colour, clarity, origin, and whether it has been treated in some way. Yellow sapphires from Sri Lanka tend to be more costly compared to sapphires from other origins, due to their excellent clarity and untreated nature. A high-quality 5 ratti natural yellow sapphire stone can start at around INR 10000 per carat, but prices can increase or decrease depending on its weight and clarity. Thailand pukhraj stones are more affordable but may be treated. To ensure authenticity and avoid synthetic options, always buy from certified sellers and request a certificate of authenticity.
How to choose the best yellow sapphire?
When selecting a yellow sapphire, take into account both its astrological purpose and overall quality. If you are buying the gemstone with the mindset of astrology, a good yellow sapphire is an untreated stone from Sri Lanka that most astrologers believe provides the greatest benefit during a time of Jupiter Mahadasha. On the other hand, if you are more into the aesthetics, a Thailand pukhraj stone is a good option. The colour should be a rich golden yellow with minimal inclusions. Also, pick a stone that meets your weight and carat recommendations from your astrologer. Most importantly, always be sure to ask for a certificate of authenticity; you don’t want to buy a fake gemstone.
How can I tell if my yellow sapphire is real or fake?
To determine if your yellow sapphire is real, check for natural inclusions in it, as real sapphires normally have slight imperfections. Synthetic sapphires will generally be completely flawless with a glassy appearance and will lack the internal depth of the stone. When purchasing a gemstone, it is always smart to obtain a certificate of authenticity from a trustworthy laboratory. The certificate will confirm whether the gemstone is natural or synthetic. Finally, if you still doubt your stone's authenticity, you should consult a certified gemologist for a professional opinion.
Which shade of yellow sapphire is the best?
The ideal colour of yellow sapphire is a vibrant golden yellow, commonly called "canary yellow." This vivid shade is thought to be the most effective for astrological use, as it maximises the benefits of Jupiter (Guru grah). When selecting a pukhraj, choose a gemstone that has the best colour saturation and no obvious overtones of green or brown. The untreated yellow sapphire mined in Sri Lanka is considered among the best due to the colour and clarity of this stone, and gives the best result for astrological and healing effects.
