Yellow Sapphire, in Vedic astrology, is recognised as a very powerful gemstone that brings wealth, good health, and happiness. This is the reason most people wear it: to strengthen Jupiter's positive influence in their lives, especially in bad times or when they are in need of good luck.
But since there are so many sellers out there, along with different prices, it's definitely easy to get confused. How do you know if the Yellow Sapphire you are buying is genuine? How can you make sure you get what you pay for? And this is where understanding the grading of Yellow Sapphire becomes important. Colour, clarity, cut, and carat weight play a huge role in determining the value of the stone.
This article will describe what these grading factors are, so you can be informed and know exactly what you are buying when you buy a Yellow Sapphire online or offline.
What is Yellow Sapphire?
Yellow Sapphire is a precious gemstone made from the mineral corundum, which is the same family of stone as Rubies and Blue Sapphires. The rich golden-yellow colour of Yellow Sapphire comes from the iron present in the gem's crystal. In Vedic astrology, Yellow Sapphire is associated with Jupiter, the planet of wealth, wisdom, and spiritual growth. Wearing this stone is believed to confer peace, success, and abundance in life, particularly during adverse times.
But buying a Yellow Sapphire isn't about looking pretty; it's about choosing a gem that can bring real, lasting benefits in life. To ensure getting a proper and high-quality stone, it becomes important to understand correctly how to grade a Yellow Sapphire.
Read Here: Top 5 Benefits of Wearing Yellow Sapphire
The 4 Key Factors in Yellow Sapphire Grading
Much like other gemstones, the value of Yellow Sapphire is determined by 4 main factors: Colour, Clarity, Cut, and Carat Weight. These factors define how beautiful and valuable the gemstone is and, finally, the amount you should pay for it.
1. Yellow Sapphire Colour
In the grading of Yellow Sapphire, the most important factor is its colour. Yellow sapphire comes in a variety of shades, from pale yellow to a deep, rich gold. The best Yellow Sapphires have a vivid, bright yellow colour. A stone with a pure, deep yellow shade commands the highest value.
Here's what you should know about colour when looking at Yellow Sapphire:
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Saturation: It refers to the strength of the yellow colour. The stronger or more intense the yellow colour, the higher its value will be.
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Tone: It describes the depth of the yellow colour, ranging from light to dark. It is considered ideal when it falls within a medium to dark tone.
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Hue: The colour should be pure yellow without any hints of other colours, such as green or orange; any other shade lowers the value of the stone.
The most valuable Yellow Sapphires come from Sri Lanka (Ceylon), where the stones are known for their bright golden yellow hue, leaning towards lemon-yellow. If you are seeking strong astrological effects from a gemstone, Ceyloni Pukhraj is considered to be the best, particularly when it comes to strengthening the effects of Jupiter.
2. Yellow Sapphire Clarity
Clarity in gemstones refers to how clean or clear the stone is. Almost all yellow sapphires have some kind of inclusions, which are nothing but small internal features like tiny crystals or needles. The cleaner the stone, the more valuable it is.
Like diamonds, clarity is a very important determining factor in the value of a Yellow Sapphire. However, unlike diamonds, which are graded upon the lack of internal flaws, Yellow Sapphires are evaluated based on the presence of inclusions and their impact on the brilliance of the gemstone.
When you are looking at a Yellow Sapphire, the goal is always to get a gemstone that is "eye-clean". This means the stone should look clear to the naked eye without any visible flaws. If the inclusions are too big or easy to spot, they can lower the stone's brilliance and, of course, its price.
Inclusions in a yellow sapphire can be in the form of feathers, which are tiny cracks; rutile needles, which are long, thin lines; or mineral inclusions, which are small clusters of crystals. Although these inclusions don't necessarily affect the quality of the gemstone too much, heavily included stones are generally worth less.
3. Yellow Sapphire Cut
Unlike diamonds, there is no standardized cut grade for Yellow Sapphires, though the cut will still affect the beauty and value of the stone. A well-cut Yellow Sapphire will have superior brilliance, or shine, and may be considered more desirable.
The key to a good cut is how well it brings out the colour of the stone. For example:
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Darker sapphires are often given shallow cuts to allow a better reflection of light, hence brightening them.
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Lighter yellow sapphires are usually cut deeper in order to enhance the depth of colour.
The shape is also something important: Yellow Sapphire normally comes in round, oval, cushion, and many other shapes. A good cut will also help to mask inclusions, making the stone look cleaner and more beautiful.
4. Yellow Sapphire Carat Weight
The carat weight is the size of the gemstone. Like other varieties of gemstones, the bigger the sapphire, the higher the cost. However, carat weight isn't the only thing that affects the price. A smaller Yellow Sapphire with better colour, clarity, and cut can be worth more than a larger stone with poor quality.
Since Yellow Sapphires are denser than diamonds, a one-carat Yellow Sapphire will appear smaller than a one-carat diamond. Therefore, it’s important to evaluate the overall dimensions of the stone, not just its carat weight.
Impact of Treatments on Yellow Sapphire Value
Most sapphires on the market today are treated in one form or another for colour or clarity improvement. The treatment most associated with Yellow Sapphire is heat treatment, which helps to bring out a deeper colour and remove any impurities.
Although treated sapphires are still natural stones, natural, untreated sapphires of the same quality are very rare and command a much better price. If you want to ensure that you purchase an untreated Yellow Sapphire, you must ask for a certificate from a well-reputed gem-testing laboratory such as IDT Gemological Laboratories.
Read Here: Treated vs Untreated Yellow Sapphire
Country of Origin and Provenance
Origin also contributes to the value of a Yellow Sapphire. The most valuable sapphires are said to come from Sri Lanka because they have a vibrant golden-yellow colour and excellent clarity. Sri Lankan Yellow Sapphires are also believed to have the most powerful astrological benefits, especially for people going through Jupiter Mahadasha.
Other regions, like Thailand (Bangkok), also produce Yellow Sapphires, but Sri Lankan stones (Ceyloni Pukhraj) are generally considered to be of the most value in both astrological and market terms.
Conclusion
When you buy a Yellow Sapphire, you don't simply buy a gemstone. You are buying a piece of astrology that can bring betterment and growth in your life. Whether you need the Yellow Sapphire for wisdom, to attract wealth, or for fostering relationships, knowing how to grade Yellow Sapphire helps you acquire the best value for your money.
By considering colour, clarity, cut, and carat weight, as well as whether the stone has been treated or is of authentic origin, you can make an informed decision and ensure that the Yellow Sapphire you choose is truly worth its price.
FAQS
What are the main determining factors of Yellow Sapphire grading?
The factors responsible for grading Yellow Sapphire include colour, clarity, cut, and carat weight. These elements provide a direct influence on the value, beauty, and astrological benefits of the gemstone.
How is the colour of Yellow Sapphire graded?
The colour grading of Yellow Sapphire is based on saturation, tone, and hue. The best Yellow Sapphires have a rich, pure yellow colour with medium to dark tone and high saturation. Stones with a dull or mixed colour (green or orange) are less valuable.
Why is the clarity of Yellow Sapphire important?
Clarity refers to any inclusions inside a gemstone. While most sapphires have some natural inclusions, eye-clean stones are more valuable. Various inclusions, like mineral crystals, gas bubbles, or small feathers, may lessen the beauty and value of the stone.
How does the cut of Yellow Sapphire affect its value?
The cut determines the brilliance of the stone, giving its characteristic sparkle and helping bring out its colour. A well-cut yellow sapphire will brighten up and display its natural colour. The cut is tailored to the specific characteristics of the stone for maximum brilliance.
Does the carat weight of Yellow Sapphire affect its price?
Yes, carat weight does play a role in pricing. However, size alone isn't the most important factor. A smaller Yellow Sapphire with better colour, clarity, and cut can be more valuable than a larger one of lower quality.
Are treated Yellow Sapphires less valuable than untreated ones?
Treated yellow sapphires are valuable but usually much more affordable compared to their untreated counterparts. Most sapphires are treated for colour and clarity. Untreated sapphires are rarer and can demand a better price, especially if derived from sources considered trustworthy, such as Sri Lanka.
What is the best origin for Yellow Sapphire?
The best Yellow Sapphires come from Sri Lanka, or Ceylon. Sri Lankan Yellow Sapphires are known for their rich golden-yellow colour and high clarity, making them the most sought-after stones in both astrology and the jewellery market.
How do I know if a Yellow Sapphire is genuine?
To guarantee authenticity, always request a gemstone that is lab-certified by a well-recognized facility like IDT, GIA or IGI. Certification authenticates the quality, origin, and whether the gemstone has been treated or not.
