Padparadscha sapphires are the rarest of sapphires from the gem class termed corundum. One of the world’s most expensive gems, padparadscha (pronounced Pad-para-dscha) sapphires are mostly unknown to consumers because there are so few in circulation. Padparadscha sapphires are rivaled by no other gemstone species, since there is no other colored stone that compares to the striking beauty of this unique mix of pink and orange. These fancy sapphires are very beautiful and typically command a high price per-carat.
Salmon, sunsets, lotus flowers, and tropical fruits are terms used to describe natural padparadscha sapphires; the color range is a delicate combination of the two colors: pink and orange. Despite the varying color descriptions the industry agrees that padparadscha sapphire colors are intensely saturated, and range from light to medium pinkish orange to orange-pink. Padparadscha is derived from the Sanskrit word padmaraga meaning “lotus flower”. The petals from the finest lotus blossoms are a harmonious blend of pink and orange.
The unique hues or color centers of padparadscha’s are caused by trace elements of iron and chromium. Over time the accepted color range for padparadscha has changed; the term once described, ranges of color from yellowish orange to orangey red, with an assortment of tones and degrees of saturations. Today, a gem must fall into a narrower color range. Therefore a reddish-orange or a reddish-brown colored sapphire should not be classified as a Padparadscha since a true Padparadscha is classified as specific mix of pink and orange.
For thousands of years, padparadshca’s have been sifted from the river gravel of Sri Lanka, with the best natural specimens coming from Ceylon. Ceylon is the original locality for padparadschas; many purists today believe the term should be restricted only to stones from this area. It has been only in the last few decades that other countries have produced similar color tones associated with Ceylon Padparadschas. Madagascar is producing the majority of the stones available on the market, they are mostly more pink than orange (20-30% orange and 70-80% pink). These stones are classified “Padparadscha” but are normally sold at cost 20% less than the “Ceylon Padparadscha”. The Tanzania Tunduru district produces “Padparadscha-like” orange sapphires, of a reddish orange color with tones of brown and slight hints of pink. These sapphires although beautiful are usually not classified as “Padparadschas” because of the significant tones of red and brown.
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