Padparadscha Sapphire Pricing Guide 2025 (What Determines Its Price)
Padparadscha sapphires are sought after for their beautiful salmon colour reminiscent of the sunset. Their rare, captivating glow that only nature can perfect makes them one of the most expensive and desirable gemstones in the world.
In recent years, demand for Padparadscha sapphires has exploded. Like all sapphires, they rank 9.0 on the Moh’s scale of hardness—second only to diamonds—making them ideal for everyday wear. Their popularity has soared especially after being chosen as the centrepiece of Princess Eugenie’s royal engagement ring. These stones are not only exquisite but also exceptional long-term investments.
This pricing guide will help you understand the key factors that influence the value of a Padparadscha sapphire:
- Colour
- Country of Origin
- Treatment
- Clarity
- Cut
- Carat
1. Colour
Padparadscha sapphires are an extremely rare variety of corundum. They are defined by their exquisite mix of pink and orange hues. Some have an orange base, others pink—both are highly prized. The key to value is even saturation and tone across the stone. The ideal colour lies between too pale and too deep, with a perfectly balanced glow reminiscent of a tropical sunset.
2. Country of Origin
Padparadschas were first discovered in Sri Lanka, and their name originates from the Sinhalese word “Padmaraga,” meaning lotus blossom. Today, the most highly valued stones still come from Sri Lanka. Madagascan and Tanzanian padparadschas also exist and can be certified by reputable labs. While Sri Lankan stones command premium prices, Madagascan padparadschas are also considered high-quality alternatives.
As with all gemstones, ensure any Padparadscha you consider comes with a certificate clearly stating origin.
3. Treatment
Most padparadschas are heat-treated to improve colour and clarity. While treated stones are still valuable, untreated ones are far rarer and more expensive. A 3ct heated padparadscha may cost up to $10,000 per carat, while a similar untreated stone could reach $20,000 per carat. At Gemdaia, all our padparadscha sapphires are certified and sourced from trusted mine partners.
4. Clarity
Inclusions are common in padparadscha sapphires, and eye-clean stones are very rare. Due to their delicate pastel shades, inclusions can appear more visible compared to darker gems. We prioritise padparadscha sapphires with excellent clarity that do not compromise their natural colour and beauty.
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5. Cut
To preserve carat weight, padparadscha sapphires are typically cut in oval and cushion shapes. Round and emerald cuts are rarer and carry a slight premium. The goal of cutting padparadscha is to maximise colour and brilliance, not symmetry alone.
6. Carat
Larger padparadscha sapphires are rare. Most range between 1 and 2 carats. Stones above 2ct are exceptionally valuable. For example, a 1ct heated padparadscha can be valued at around $5,500 per carat, while a 2ct stone may reach $8,500 per carat.
Conclusion
Padparadscha sapphires are breathtaking, rare, and worthy of investment. Focus on saturated colour, minimal treatment, and certified origin to get the best value. While clarity and cut are secondary factors, they still influence price and desirability.
We hope our pricing guide has helped you better understand these remarkable gemstones. For assistance in selecting a padparadscha or creating a custom piece, speak to our team or browse our online collection.
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