Cornflower Blue Sapphire

The Cornflower Blue Sapphire is one of the most prized varieties of sapphire, celebrated for its exceptional and unique color. Here’s an in-depth look:

What is a Cornflower Blue Sapphire?

• Color: The defining feature is its vivid, medium-tone blue, reminiscent of the delicate blue petals of a cornflower. It strikes a perfect balance between light and dark, often described as “velvety” or “silky.”
• Clarity: These sapphires often exhibit a high degree of clarity, though minor inclusions (such as silk) may enhance the gem’s visual texture without detracting from its beauty.
• Rarity: This specific shade is less common, making it highly valuable and sought after by collectors.

Origins

• Kashmir: Cornflower blue sapphires from Kashmir are considered the most desirable, thanks to their unparalleled color and velvety appearance. Kashmir sapphires are no longer actively mined, which adds to their rarity and mystique.
• Sri Lanka (Ceylon): Produces high-quality cornflower sapphires with a slightly lighter hue.
• Myanmar (Burma): Known for intensely colored cornflower blue stones.

Value and Pricing

• The value of a cornflower blue sapphire is determined by its origin, color, clarity, carat weight, and cut. Kashmir cornflower sapphires command the highest prices, often exceeding thousands of dollars per carat.

Symbolism and Significance

• Represents purity, wisdom, and good fortune.
• A symbol of enduring love and loyalty, often chosen for engagement rings or heirloom pieces.

Famous Cornflower Blue Sapphires

• The Star of Bombay sapphire, gifted by Douglas Fairbanks to Mary Pickford, is a notable cornflower blue stone and now resides in the Smithsonian Institution.