The Appeal Of Padparadscha Sapphires

Padparadscha sapphires are one of the rarest of sapphires. These extremely rare stones are unknown to most, but when discovered usually become an absolute favorite. They are strikingly beautiful and almost no other colored stone compares to this unique mix of pink and orange.

Sunsets, lotus flowers and tropical fruits – the color range of a padparadscha falls within a mix of 2 colors: pink and orange. “Padparadscha” is an ancient Sanskrit word used to describe the color of a tropical lotus flower. One of the rarest gemstones of the world, Padparadscha sapphires are rivaled by no other gemstone species or color substitute.

Padparadscha Sapphires In 2019

Bursting into 2019 as the most newly popular colored gemstone is the padparadscha sapphire. Bolstered by the engagement of Princess Eugenie in 2018 marked with a padparadscha sapphire flower ring, this gemstone is on trend to be a very popular choice in 2019 and beyond.

Along with the gorgeous color, the uniqueness and rarity of the padparadscha sapphire is extremely appealing. As people continue to gravitate towards this special gemstone, more examples are being seen, leading to even greater interest.

The Standard For Padparadscha Sapphires

The term “padparadscha” is derived from the Sinhalese word for an aquatic lotus blossom, which has an unusual salmon color.  Many agree that padparadschas straddle the color boundary between pink and orange. Some padparadscha sapphires are not evenly salmon colored, but rather color zoned with pink and yellow.

Padparadscha sapphires may be little known to the general public, but they are treasured by gemstone connoisseurs. Yet after decades of debate, collectors, dealers, and gemologists cannot agree on a uniform standard for the padparadscha color range.  Points of contention include how pink or how orange these sapphires can be, and whether certain tones are too dark to qualify.

How Does Cut Affect The Color?

Clarity is an important element for padparadschas because their light tones easily reveal inclusions. Any sort of cloudiness will dull a padparadscha’s delicate color. Nevertheless these stone are so rare that consumers may have to sacrifice high clarity in order to obtain a stone with brilliant color.

Clarity is an important element for padparadschas because their light tones easily reveal inclusions. Any sort of cloudiness will dull a padparadscha’s delicate color. Nevertheless these stone are so rare that consumers may have to sacrifice high clarity in order to obtain a stone with brilliant color.

The extreme scarcity of padparadscha rough means that cut stones will be shaped to conserve as much material as possible.  This also means that padparadschas may have unusual, asymmetrical cuts. 

Where Can They Be Found?

Padparadscha sapphires are mainly found in Sri Lanka, as well as Madagascar and Tanzania. Some experts insist that true padparadschas can only come from Sri Lanka, which, for centuries, was the only source of this coveted stone.  We feel that the finest stones do in fact come from Sri Lanka, but Madagascar is now producing a major percentage of the stones available on the market. 

The stones from Madagascar are usually more pink than orange, and are a very beautiful and welcome addition to the padparadscha supply.

P.S. Check out other sapphire Katy Beh pieces!