When considering the ideal stone for astrology or jewelry, gemstone enthusiasts frequently discuss white sapphire and purple sapphire. Both hailing from the corundum family, they are celebrated for their luster, durability, and everlasting beauty. Nevertheless, the gemstones vary significantly in worth because the provenance determines the rarity, demand, and price of each stone. Let us examine the most distinguishable origin.
White Sapphire – Attraction of Purity
A white sapphire captivates its admirers with its diamond-like clarity and tranquil shine. Contrary to colored sapphires, white sapphires lack the presence of trace elements, and their appeal comes from their uncolored state. The top white sapphires originate from Sri Lanka (Ceylon) and Kashmir. While Sri Lanka is celebrated for its sapphire sapphires, Kashmir white sapphires are extremely rare and have become the most sought-after by collectors.
In the past few years, white sapphire ring have become extremely popular as they serve as an elegant and luxurious substitute for diamond rings, albeit at an easier price point. For sapphire engagement rings and astrological remedy rings, the market favor is an unheated white sapphire ring, as the presence of heat or chemical treatments, even when novelty is added to the stone, significantly reduces the overall value of the stone.
Purple Sapphire — The Royal Rarity
Purple sapphire gemstones have a regal appearance due to their lilac and violet hues. This color gemstone evokes deep wisdom, ambition, and elegance. The most valuable purple sapphires are mined in Burma (Myanmar) and Madagascar. The top purple sapphires in the world are from Burma because their sapphires have a saturated color, a velvety hue, and good all-round cassiterite durability. Madagascar stones are also good, but their sapphires are easier to see and have a better color value. Nevertheless, the Burmese sapphires are usually the top contender in the auction and high end gems.
Some sapphires from Myanmar khooni neelam have a deep color and deep reddish purple. This deep sapphire is associated with the blue sapphire in Vedic astrology. The rare purple variants also have a color change from purple to blue, and they have a very high price tag due to that color change.
Which Origin Holds the Most Value?
Considering only the origins and the relative rarity of the gems:
Gemstone Most Valuable Origin Market Value Strength
White Sapphire Kashmir & Sri Lanka (Ceylon) High due to clarity and purity
Purple Sapphire Burma (Myanmar) Very High due to color intensity & rarity
Overall, the Burmese purple sapphire, due to the strong color intensity, relative rarity, and color changing ability is often more expensive than the highest quality white sapphire from Sri Lanka. It is because of these factors that Burmese gemstones are in a premium higher end luxury class.
Concluding
Both gemstones are obviously significant in nature, including the purity and minimalist aspect of the white sapphire and the royal purple charm of the purple sapphire. It is a matter of taste, intentions, and of course budget, to make a concluding choice in favor of either. Should it be the case that one is after a ring that embodies unparalleled brilliance and refinement, then one should source the white sapphire from Ceylon due to the great value it provides. However, in case the emphasis is more on rarity and luxury, then the Burmese purple sapphire is in a class of its own.
