Interesting Facts About Padparadscha Sapphire
Did you know that the Padparadscha sapphire is considered one of the world’s rarest gems01?
The name was coined from the Sinhalese term “padma raga”, which means “lotus blossom”.
The gemstone reflects a delicate balance of orange and pink hues02.
It is reminiscent of a lotus blossom or even a tropical sunset. Unlike other types of sapphires, true Padparadschas are found in Sri Lanka03.
It must possess a specific “salmon” glow in order to be considered a Padparadscha sapphire.
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Origin, Description, and Where Can It Be Found?
The gem’s name, “Padparadscha sapphire,” was derived from the Sinhalese word “padma raga”, which means “lotus blossom” since the gem resembles it04.
The gemstone was initially discovered in Sri Lanka hundreds of years ago05.
This stone is also a symbol of good fortune, enlightenment, and even purity.
It is also associated with the heart chakra and royalty06.
Padparadscha sapphire’s unique color is from the rare chemical combination of iron and chromium07.
This, in effect, shows the blend of orange of pink in its structure.
The stone must possess a “sunset” or “lotus” glow with medium tone and high saturation08.
The primary source of this gemstone is in Sri Lanka. It remains the “gold standard”09.
In other locations, Padparadscha sapphire is also mined in Vietnam10, in the Umba Valley in Tanzania, and the Ilkaka region in Madagascar11.
How It Is Processed or How It Is Made
Padparadscha sapphires are extracted as rough corundum crystals found in alluvial deposits.
Upon mining them, the stones undergo cutting and polishing.
Lapidaries prioritize weight retention over perfect symmetry, which explains the unique, custom shapes of the stones after cutting12.
Heat treatment is also part of the process, which is a standard industry practice, to dissolve silk inclusions and to intensify the pink-orange balance. Most stones are untreated in order to retain their natural color.
Why It Is Expensive and How Rare It Is
This gemstone is considered as the most expensive “fancy” sapphires.
There is only less than 1% of all sapphires mined that pass as Padparadscha sapphire13.
It is considered as expensive due to its extreme rarity. It is significantly rarer compared to traditional blue sapphires, rubies, and even diamonds14.
Moreover, its value is attributed to high-profile moments (e.g., featured in notable people’s jewelry pieces) which causes global demand to heighten15.
Another factor for its expensive value is the carat weight scarcity.
Most gemstones are under 2 carats, which makes specimens over 5 carats as world-class treasures16.
Examples of Jewelry Made From This Gemstone
In terms of high-end custom jewelry, Padparadscha sapphires are considered one of them. Some notable jewelry pieces are:
- The “Promenades Imperiales” Necklace (Chaumet) – It is part of Chaumet’s Imperial Russia-inspired collection. It is a 9.03-carat cabochon-cut transformable necklace and a 16.31-carat pear-shaped Padparadscha pendant17
- The “Coco Avant Chanel” Suzanne Necklace (Chanel) – It is a white gold piece set with 10 oval-cut Padparadscha sapphires with the cumulative total of 28 carats with moonstones accents along with over 1,000 diamonds18
Padparadscha Sapphire’s Market Value (Price per Carat)
As of 2026, the price of Paradparadscha sapphires are more expensive compared to other gemstones.
The prices vary based on quality and treatment.
As for commercial-grade or smaller stones (typically under 1 carat), the prices range from $1,000 to $4,000 per carat.
As for high-quality stones (over 2 carats), the prices range from $10,000 to $30,000 per carat19.
