The Padparadscha sapphire is one of the most enchanting gemstones. Its tender pink blending with vivid orange reminds of tropical sunsets. It is extremely rare and so it costs a fortune, that’s why it is necessary to be able to tell the difference between fake and true Padparadschas. Here are some tips on distinguishing authentic ones:
Focus on Color: That is the first thing you should pay attention to.
Colors: The real padparadscha is an equal combination of pink and orange color schemes. Imagine salmon, peach or lotus flower glow: neither of them should prevail.
Avoid Fakes: Watch out for stones being marketed as padparadscha when they are only pink sapphires, orange sapphires or sometimes even pinkish-orange corundums which do not have this particular smooth blend. Sometimes heat-treated pink sapphires can look like padparadshas but they lack natural subtlety.
Importance of Lighting: Observe stone under different lighting conditions (daylight, incandescent, fluorescent). True padparadsha often shows its best color in natural daylight. Its hue should stay within a range of soft orange-pink spectrum without appearing too red or purpleish because these are indications of fakes.
The clarity of a gemstone is important, and this applies to the most valuable Padparadschas in particular. Just like other more expensive sapphires, these types of stones are known for their high transparency, meaning that there is no visible inclusion.
Inclusions are Common (and Informative)
However, finding a completely flawless natural Padparadscha is exceedingly rare. Expect to see typical sapphire inclusions like fine needles (rutile "silk"), fingerprints, or crystals under magnification. Crucially, these inclusions help gemologists confirm natural origin. The absence of any inclusions should raise red flags about possible synthetic origin.
Look for Key Inclusions (Under Magnification)
Rutile Silk: Fine, intersecting needles of rutile are common in natural, unheated sapphires and can create a soft sheen. Their presence is a positive indicator.
Fingerprints Zoning: Liquid-filled "fingerprint" inclusions or subtle color zoning (variations in the pink-orange distribution) are also hallmarks of natural formation.
Heat Treatment Clues: While low-temperature heating to improve clarity is sometimes accepted (and should be disclosed), high heat can alter the color or dissolve silk. An absence of silk combined with an overly vivid or uniform color might suggest treatment.
Observe Pleochroism: Corundum (sapphire's mineral) exhibits pleochroism – showing different colors when viewed from different crystal directions.
The typical Padparadscha has distinct pink and orange pleochroic colors. This is a good indication of naturally occurring corundum when viewed on a dichroscope. Synthetic may have less distinct or different pleochroism.
Demand Reputable Certification: There is no room for negotiation here.
Never buy a Padparadscha sapphire without an independent report from a well-respected gemological laboratory like GIA, GRS, AGL, SSEF or Gübelin since it is valuable and rare.
The report should say:
“Padparadscha” in the variety description (not just “sapphire” or “fancy sapphire”).
Natural Origin: Confirm that it was mined and not created in the lab (synthetic).
Treatment Disclosure: Expressly state whether the stone has been treated or give any details about those treatments (e.g., “No indications of thermal enhancement” or “Indications of minor thermal enhancement”). Untreated rocks fetch premium prices.
Beware of terms like “Pink-Orange Sapphire” in reports – legitimate labs use “Padparadscha” when the color meets their stringent criteria.
Consider the Source and Price:
Reputable Dealers: Purchase from established, reputable gem dealers specializing in colored stones known for their expertise and ethical practices. Ask them about their return policies.
Price Realism: Genuine, certified, untreated Padparadscha sapphire is extremely rare and valuable. The price per carat often competes with or exceeds that of fine rubies and emeralds. Do not be fooled by a deal that sounds too good to be true. Synthetic or misidentified stones are common mines.
The Navratan Connection:
Though it is a modern marvel in the gem world, the mesmerizing beauty of padparadscha sapphire resonates with deep respect for precious stones as found in ancient traditions like the Navratna. The Navratna ("nine gems") system in Vedic astrology assigns specific celestial powers to nine gemstones, traditionally including ruby, pearl, coral, emerald, yellow sapphire, diamond, blue sapphire, hessonite and cat's eye chrysoberyl.
Although it’s not one of the classic nine gemstones that make up this astrological concept; its balance between pink (love and compassion) and orange (creativity and energy) is truly distinctive. For jewel lovers who admire things magical and mystical about them having an original Padparadscha is equivalent to owning a piece of the Navratna—a natural phenomenon so rare that emits its own dusky sunset aura resembling none other than itself.
In Summary
To identify a genuine Padparadscha, one needs to have an eye for its specific sunset hue, know what kind of clarity and inclusions can be expected in it, understand how pleochroism works and insist on certification by a reputable laboratory. Having followed these professional tips concerning buying, you will be able to find confidently this unusual flower-like stone.
