Question 1

What colour is a padparadscha sapphire?

Accepted Answer

A padparadscha shows a mix of pink and orange, usually described as pinkish orange to orangey pink, of light to medium tone and moderate saturation. Stones that are too dark, too brown or dominated by a single hue generally do not qualify. The exact limits depend on the laboratory, since GRS, SSEF and Gübelin each define the term under their own criteria.

Question 2

Are padparadscha sapphires treated?

Accepted Answer

Many are heated, which is accepted when disclosed, and unheated stones are available at a premium. The main concern is beryllium diffusion, widely applied to orange and pinkish-orange sapphires from the early 2000s, which can produce padparadscha-like colours. Detecting it requires laboratory chemical analysis, so a report from a recognised lab is essential before buying any padparadscha.

Question 3

Do padparadscha sapphires fade?

Accepted Answer

Some pinkish-orange sapphires have an unstable component to their colour that can fade after exposure to light, or strengthen after UV exposure. This is a property of the stone rather than a treatment. Several laboratories test for colour stability and describe the stable colour on the report, so check whether such a test was carried out on the stone you are considering.

Question 4

Where do padparadscha sapphires come from?

Accepted Answer

Sri Lanka is the traditional source and the one most associated with the name. Fine padparadschas are also found in Madagascar and Tanzania, among other places. Origin is given as a laboratory opinion and can influence price, with Sri Lankan stones often preferred, but colour quality and treatment status have the greater effect on value.

Padparadscha Sapphires