Sapphire
Sapphire is corundum in every colour except red, which the trade calls ruby. Blue is the colour the name implies, coloured by iron and titanium, but the species also produces pink, yellow, green, purple, colourless and the orange pink material the trade calls padparadscha, and these are together known as fancy sapphires. It is hard, tough and available in clean material at large sizes, which makes it the workhorse of fine jewellery, and non gem corundum in the same species is used industrially as an abrasive and as watch and instrument bearings.
Listed sapphire markets
Each line is a grade at a delivery point. Open one for its full specification and terms.
Grades
A sapphire contract names the colour before anything else, because blue and each fancy colour are effectively separate markets. Colour, clarity, treatment disclosure and, where commissioned, the laboratory origin opinion are the terms the price is agreed against.
Species, variety and identification
9 grades
| Grade | Definition |
|---|---|
| SpeciesCorundum, confirmed by gemmological testing | Confirmed against the constants of corundum, refractive index, birefringence and specific gravity. |
| VarietySapphire, with the colour named | Any corundum that is not red. The colour must be stated with the name for every colour other than blue, under the trade nomenclature standard. |
| Padparadscha designationDeclared, where claimed, and supported by a laboratory report | The orange pink to pink orange designation is contested and commands a premium. It is only used where a laboratory has applied it. |
| Colouring elementsIron and titanium for blue, chromium for pink, iron for yellow, trace combinations for the fancy colours | The trace element chemistry that produces the colour, and the same chemistry a laboratory reads for an origin opinion. |
| Refractive indexReported, with the birefringence | Measured on a refractometer, separating corundum from spinel, tanzanite, topaz and the blue imitations. |
| Specific gravityReported | Measured hydrostatically, confirming the species. |
| HardnessReported on the Mohs scale | Second only to diamond, which is what makes sapphire a daily wear stone. |
| PleochroismDeclared, as the two observed colours | Corundum is dichroic, so orientation of the table decides the face up colour. |
| Optical phenomenaDeclared, where present | Asterism producing a star sapphire, and colour change between daylight equivalent and incandescent light, each of which is a separate product. |
Colour
7 grades
| Grade | Definition |
|---|---|
| Colour groupDeclared, as blue or the named fancy colour | Blue, pink, yellow, orange, green, purple, colourless and padparadscha trade as separate markets with separate price structures. |
| HueDescribed, with the primary and any secondary hue named | For blue, the presence of a green or a violet modifier is the most commercially significant single observation. |
| ToneDescribed, from light to dark | Medium to medium dark tone in blue holds the colour without closing the stone up. |
| SaturationDescribed, from weak to vivid | The dominant value term, judged with the tone. |
| Colour zoningDescribed, by location and intensity | Corundum grows in bands. Zoning decides orientation, yield and how evenly the stone reads face up. |
| Colour changeDescribed, as the two observed colours and the lighting conditions | Where the material changes between daylight equivalent and incandescent light, both colours and the strength of the change are stated. |
| Lighting conditionDeclared | Assessed under daylight equivalent lighting, with the incandescent appearance noted, because blue sapphire can close down under warm light. |
Clarity and inclusions
6 grades
| Grade | Definition |
|---|---|
| Clarity typeType two, under the standard clarity classification | Sapphire is expected to carry some inclusions and is graded against that expectation. |
| Inclusion suiteDescribed | Rutile silk, crystals, fingerprints, healed fissures, colour banding and growth structures, which together form the evidence for a laboratory origin opinion. |
| SilkDescribed, by density and orientation | Light silk softens the stone and can create a velvety appearance that is valued in some origins. Undamaged silk also indicates the stone has not been heated. |
| Fractures reaching the surfaceDescribed, by count, position and reach | A durability and a treatment term. |
| Eye clean assessmentDeclared, at the stated viewing distance | The working commercial threshold. |
| TransparencyDescribed, from transparent to translucent | Transparent faceting material and translucent star material are separate products at separate prices. |
Rough form, size and yield
7 grades
| Grade | Definition |
|---|---|
| Rough weightCarats, per piece and per parcel | Weighed on a calibrated balance. |
| DimensionsMillimetres, length by width by depth | Measured on the crystal or preform, because corundum is dense and a given carat weight yields a smaller face up stone than most species. |
| Estimated yieldPercentage of rough weight, declared as an assessment | Stated as an opinion of the seller or the inspecting cutter, never as a warranty. |
| Shape and formDeclared, as crystal, water worn pebble, cobbed piece or preform | Tabular and barrel crystals from hard rock, water worn pebbles from alluvial workings. |
| OrientationDeclared | Where the table sits relative to the optic axis, governing face up colour and, in a cabochon, the star. |
| Size distributionDeclared, as the count within each stated weight band | For a sorted parcel, the distribution across sizes. |
| Calibrated sizingDeclared, where the parcel is cut to size | Where finished stones are supplied to millimetre sizes for setting, the size and the tolerance are contract terms. |
Treatment and disclosure
7 grades
| Grade | Definition |
|---|---|
| Heat treatmentDisclosed, as heated or unheated, with the temperature range indicated | Heating dissolves silk, improves clarity and develops colour. It is permanent, accepted and near universal, and unheated material with a laboratory report carries a large premium. |
| Beryllium diffusionDisclosed, with the process named | Lattice diffusion of beryllium at high temperature, which changes the colour through the body of the stone. It is a major disclosure and materially changes the price. |
| Titanium surface diffusionDisclosed | Surface diffusion producing a thin coloured layer that can be lost in repolishing. Disclosed with the depth of the layer. |
| Flux assisted healingDisclosed, with the residue described | Heating with a flux that heals fractures and leaves residue, disclosed separately from plain heat. |
| Fracture fillingDisclosed, with the filler identified | Any glass, resin or oil in a fracture, with the extent and position stated. |
| Synthetic screeningDeclared, against the named laboratory method | Confirmation that the stone is natural corundum rather than flame fusion, flux grown or hydrothermal synthetic sapphire, all produced in volume. |
| Disclosure recordDocument, per stone or per parcel | The written treatment disclosure on the invoice and with the parcel. |
Parcel, documentation and settlement
9 grades
| Grade | Definition |
|---|---|
| Parcel compositionDeclared, by piece count and total carat weight | What is actually in the lot. A rough parcel is sold as a parcel, so the count, the weight and the size distribution are the contract. |
| Weight basisCarats, to the stated decimal place | Weighed on a calibrated balance, with the weighing certificate and the tolerance named. |
| Sealing and markingDeclared | Parcels sealed in the presence of both parties or their agents, numbered and photographed, so the goods that arrive are the goods that were inspected. |
| Laboratory reportDocument, per stone or per parcel | Issued by a named laboratory operating to the international testing competence standard, covering species, treatment and, where commissioned, origin. |
| Origin determinationDeclared, where commissioned | A laboratory origin opinion is an opinion based on inclusion suites and trace element chemistry. It is stated as such and never as a guarantee. |
| Export and import documentationDeclared | Export permit or certificate from the producing country, customs classification under the harmonized system, and any royalty or clearance certificate the origin requires. |
| Responsible sourcingDeclared | Mine or source, chain of custody, and the due diligence statement, including artisanal and small scale mining status where it applies. |
| Viewing and rejectionDeclared | Where and when the buyer may view, the memo or consignment terms if any, and the window and grounds for rejection after the laboratory report. |
| Insurance and carriageDeclared | Valuation for transit, the specialist carrier or secure courier named, and the point at which risk passes. |
Grades outside this list trade on request. Send us the contract specification you work to and we will price against it.
Locations
| Country | Region | We trade it as |
|---|---|---|
| Sri Lanka | South Asia | Origin and destination |
| Madagascar | Southern Africa | Origin and destination |
| Myanmar | Southeast Asia | Origin and destination |
| Australia | Oceania | Origin and destination |
| Thailand | Southeast Asia | Cutting, treatment and trading centre |
| Cambodia | Southeast Asia | Origin and destination |
| Viet Nam | Southeast Asia | Origin and destination |
| China | East Asia | Cutting centre and destination |
| India | South Asia | Cutting and trading centre |
| Pakistan | South Asia | Origin and destination |
| Afghanistan | Central Asia | Origin and destination |
| Nepal | South Asia | Origin and destination |
| Tanzania | East Africa | Origin and destination |
| Kenya | East Africa | Origin and destination |
| Malawi | Southern Africa | Origin and destination |
| Mozambique | Southern Africa | Origin and destination |
| Ethiopia | East Africa | Origin and destination |
| Nigeria | West Africa | Origin and destination |
| Zimbabwe | Southern Africa | Origin and destination |
| United States | North America | Origin and destination |
| Colombia | South America | Origin and destination |
| Brazil | South America | Origin and destination |
| Russian Federation | Eurasia | Origin and destination |
| Tajikistan | Central Asia | Origin and destination |
| Israel | Middle East | Cutting and trading centre |
| United Arab Emirates | Middle East | Trading hub and free zone |
| Switzerland | Europe | Trading, laboratory and vaulting centre |
| Belgium | Europe | Trading centre |
| Germany | Europe | Cutting centre and destination |
| United Kingdom | Europe | Trading centre and destination |
| France | Europe | Destination |
| Italy | Europe | Destination |
| Spain | Europe | Destination |
| Hong Kong | East Asia | Trading centre |
| Singapore | Southeast Asia | Trading and finance |
| Japan | East Asia | Destination |
| Republic of Korea | East Asia | Destination |
| Turkey | Western Asia | Origin and destination |
| Greenland | Arctic | Origin and destination |
| New Zealand | Oceania | Destination |
Origins and destinations outside this list trade on request. We are not limited to the locations shown here.
Timing
Production is when the stone comes out of the ground at origin, which follows the mining season, the water level at an alluvial working and the rhythm of artisanal digging rather than a crop calendar. Arrival is when material from that origin typically reaches a cutting or trading centre. The gap between them is sorting, export clearance and the journey to the market.
HarvestArrival
| Origin | J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D | Window |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sri Lanka | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Harvest Jan to Dec, arrival Jan to DecThe most consistent source across colours, from alluvial gem gravels worked year round, and the principal origin for padparadscha and for fine light blue material. |
| Madagascar | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Arrival | Arrival | Harvest Apr to Oct, arrival Jun to DecA major modern source across blue and fancy colours, from Ilakaka and the northern workings, weighted to the dry season. | |||
| Myanmar | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Harvest Jan to Dec, arrival Jan to DecMogok blue sapphire, with export documentation and sanctions position established before any commitment. |
| Australia | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Harvest Jan to Dec, arrival Jan to DecQueensland and New South Wales basalt hosted blue, green and yellow sapphire, produced and shipped year round. |
| Thailand | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Harvest Jan to Dec, arrival Jan to DecLimited domestic production, but the principal heating, cutting and trading centre for the species, shipping year round. |
| Tanzania | Arrival | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Arrival | Harvest Jun to Nov, arrival Aug to JanUmba and Tunduru production across blue and fancy colours, weighted to the dry months. | ||||
| Kenya | Arrival | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Arrival | Harvest Jun to Nov, arrival Aug to JanProduction alongside the wider East African coloured stone output. | ||||
| Nigeria | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Arrival | Arrival | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest and arrival | Harvest Oct to Apr, arrival Dec to JunBasalt hosted blue sapphire, worked through the dry months. | |||
| Ethiopia | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Arrival | Arrival | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest and arrival | Harvest Oct to Mar, arrival Dec to MayNewer production from the northern highlands, mined outside the main rains. | ||||
| United States | Harvest | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Arrival | Harvest May to Sep, arrival Jun to OctMontana production, with the working season limited by winter. |
Windows outside this pattern trade on request, including forward commitments against a mine run, parcels already sitting in a cutting centre, and material held in a free trade zone or bonded vault.
Customs, packing and contract terms
Indicative terms for sapphire. Tariff classification is the importer’s responsibility and limits change, so confirm both against the destination customs authority and the current regulation before you fix a contract.
- HS heading7103.10 Precious stones, unworked or simply sawn or roughly shaped
7103.91 Rubies, sapphires and emeralds, otherwise worked - PackingSealed and numbered parcels under a valuation certificate. Never containerised.
- Container loadingNot containerised. Moves by insured secure courier or hand carry against a declared valuation, with customs presentation at both ends.
- Contract and arbitrationCIBJO Blue Book nomenclature, with a GIA, Gubelin or SSEF report where the value warrants it. Sale on viewed and approved parcel terms with weight and treatment disclosure. Arbitration under the rules of the World Federation of Diamond Bourses or the ICC.
- Destination limitsOrigin declaration and OECD due diligence for minerals from conflict affected and high risk areas, US OFAC sanctions on Burmese ruby and jade under the JADE Act, anti money laundering registration and reporting for dealers in precious stones, and full disclosure of heat, diffusion, fracture filling and any other treatment.
Common questions
What grades of sapphire does SIP Global trade?
We quote 45 published grades of sapphire, including Species - Corundum, confirmed by gemmological testing, Variety - Sapphire, with the colour named, Padparadscha designation - Declared, where claimed, and supported by a laboratory report, Colouring elements - Iron and titanium for blue, chromium for pink, iron for yellow, trace combinations for the fancy colours, Refractive index - Reported, with the birefringence and Specific gravity - Reported. Every grade is tied to a delivery point and a settlement route. Grades outside the published list are priced on request.
How is sapphire graded?
A sapphire contract names the colour before anything else, because blue and each fancy colour are effectively separate markets. Colour, clarity, treatment disclosure and, where commissioned, the laboratory origin opinion are the terms the price is agreed against. Grading runs on 6 systems: Species, variety and identification, Colour, Clarity and inclusions, Rough form, size and yield, Treatment and disclosure and Parcel, documentation and settlement.
Where does SIP Global trade sapphire?
We trade sapphire in Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Myanmar, Australia, Thailand, Cambodia, Viet Nam and China and 32 further markets. Origins and destinations outside this list trade on request. We are not limited to the locations shown.
When is sapphire harvested and when does it arrive?
Typical windows are Sri Lanka: harvest jan to dec, arrival jan to dec; Madagascar: harvest apr to oct, arrival jun to dec; Myanmar: harvest jan to dec, arrival jan to dec; Australia: harvest jan to dec, arrival jan to dec; Thailand: harvest jan to dec, arrival jan to dec. Harvest is when the lot is taken at origin, arrival is when a shipment from that origin lands in a consuming market. Windows outside this pattern, including carry, trade on request.
What is the HS code for sapphire?
Sapphire is normally classified under HS 7103.10 (precious stones, unworked or simply sawn or roughly shaped) and HS 7103.91 (rubies, sapphires and emeralds, otherwise worked). The heading follows the form the goods are in at the border, and national tariffs extend it beyond six digits, so confirm the full line with the destination customs authority before you fix a contract.
How do I get a price for sapphire?
Send the grade, the origin and the delivery window to the SIP Global desk. That is enough for a trader to come back with a level and a settlement route. 2 listed sapphire markets are published on this page, each with its full specification and terms. We take both sides, physical and financial, prompt to long dated.
Standards and data sources
The grading language on this sheet follows published standards. Trade volumes and tariff lines are public record. Verify anything here against the source.
- UN ComtradeOfficial international trade statistics by HS code
- ITC Trade MapBilateral trade flows and tariff data
- FAOSTATFAO production and trade series for agricultural commodities
Price this with our desk
Grade, origin and window if you have them. If what you are carrying does not fit the sheet above, describe it in your own words and a trader will take it from there.