While diamonds follow a rigid 4C grading system, teal sapphires dance to their own rhythm. These captivating gems, with their mysterious blend of blue and green, require a more nuanced approach to evaluation. Let's explore how we assess these unique stones and why traditional grading systems don't quite capture their magic.

The Basics of Teal Sapphire Assessment

Colour: The Heart of Character

Unlike the straightforward colour grading of diamonds, teal sapphires present a fascinating interplay of blue and green. When evaluating colour, we consider:

• Hue Balance: The ratio between blue and green tones
• Saturation: The intensity and richness of the colour
• Tone: How light or dark the overall colour appears
• Colour Distribution: How evenly the colour spreads through the stone

Clarity: Nature's Fingerprint

Sapphires typically contain natural inclusions, which we assess differently from diamonds:

• Most sapphires have some inclusions
• We focus on how these affect the stone's durability and beauty
• Some inclusions can actually enhance a stone's character
• Key is whether inclusions are visible to the naked eye and their impact on the stone's brilliance

Cut: Maximising Character

The cut of a teal sapphire requires special consideration:

• Must work with the stone's natural colour zoning
• Needs to balance colour intensity with brilliance
• Often cut to retain weight rather than follow standard proportions
• Custom cuts frequently used to showcase each stone's unique personality

The Treatment Question

Heated vs. Unheated

One of the most significant factors in teal sapphire assessment is treatment status:

• Unheated stones are increasingly rare and valued
• Natural colour has a particular depth and character
• Heating can improve clarity and colour but may affect value
• Treatment status should always be disclosed

The Fifth C: Character

What truly sets teal sapphires apart is their individual character. This encompasses:

• Uniqueness: No two teal sapphires are identical
• Personality: How the stone interacts with light
• Story: The natural features that make it distinctive
• Appeal: That indefinable quality that draws you to a particular stone

Practical Assessment

When sourcing teal sapphires at Antonia Guise, we consider:

Light Performance

• How the stone behaves in different lighting conditions
• The way it returns light to the eye
• Any colour shifts or pleochroism (different colours from different angles)

Wearability

• Durability for everyday wear
• How the colour works with different skin tones
• Setting possibilities that will enhance the stone

Individual Appeal

• The overall impact of the stone
• How it aligns with the client's vision
• The balance between technical qualities and emotional appeal

 

Selecting a teal sapphire is both an art and a science. While technical evaluation matters, the final choice often comes down to that magical moment when a stone speaks to you. It's about finding the perfect balance between objective quality and personal connection.

Looking to explore teal sapphires for your own piece? We'd love to chat with you  and source the stone that tells your story.