Superb Giant Vivid Blue Sapphire - 26.72 carats

Superb Vivid Blue Sapphire
26.72 carats detail

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Superb Vivid Blue Sapphire <br>26.72 carats

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Price: $227,120.00

GemRate Score = Crème de la Crème Gemstone

ColorColor: Very slight differences in color and hue can mean the difference between a priceless gem and a nice quality gem. Most gems can rarely be described with a single color. A ruby may display both pink and red hues with red being the dominant color. The most desirable combinations of color, color saturation and lack of zoning are what gem dealers look for. The finest of gems will have the perfect combination of these attributes and hence have the highest value.

Ratings:
9.0 - 10.0:	Ultimate color for this gem species.
8.0 - 8.9:	Very fine color for this species.
7.0 - 7.9:	Fine color for this species.
6.0 - 6.9:	Very good color for this species.
5.0 - 5.9:	Good color for this species.
4.0 - 4.9:	Moderately good color for this species, slightly over or under tone.
3.0 - 3.9:	Moderate color that is moderately under or over tone.
2.0 - 2.9:	Significant areas of gem are over or under tone.
1.0 - 1.9:	Most areas of gemstone are severely over or under tone.
0.0 - 0.9:	Entire gemstone is severely over or under saturated.

9.5

ClarityClarity: Is sometimes a difficult evaluation criteria. Emerald and rubelite tourmaline commonly contain inclusions. When evaluating these types of gems, clarity is not such a critical factor. However, inclusions should not affect the brilliance or appearance of the gem. When a gem dealer is evaluating a colored gemstone such as an emerald, the term eye clean is often used. "Eye clean" is used in the gem trade to describe a gemstone that has no eye visible inclusions when viewed at a distance of approximately one foot.

Ratings:
9.0 - 10.0:	Flawless when viewed under a 10x loupe.
8.0 - 8.9:	When viewed with a 10x gem loupe, 1 to 2 slight inclusions but no inclusions under the table.
7.0 - 7.9:	When viewed with a 10x gem loupe, 3-5 areas of slight to moderate inclusions.
6.0 - 6.9:	With the naked eye, no inclusions are present.
5.0 - 5.9:	Slight inclusions are present, but none under the table.
4.0 - 4.9:	Slight inclusions throughout the gem.
3.0 - 3.9:	Moderate inclusions are present and slightly detract from brilliance.
2.0 - 2.9:	Inclusions easily seen and moderately detract from brilliance.
1.0 - 1.9:	Inclusions easily seen and significantly detract from brilliance.
0.0 - 0.9:	Inclusions are so significant that gem has no brilliance.

8.9

BrillianceBrilliance: Refers to the interplay and reflectivity of light as light travels into a gemstone and is reflected back. An ideal cut diamond would have the highest brilliance grade. Colored gemstones typically contain inclusions, which can impact brilliance. A gemstone's shape & cut is also a factor in brilliance. Gem dealers and collectors will view a gemstone in as many lighting conditions as possible, even very low light conditions to see the gemstone's full range of brilliance.

Ratings:
9.0 - 10.0:	100% brilliance in any lighting condition.
8.0 - 8.9:	100% brilliance but not in low light conditions.
7.0 - 7.9:	Excellent brilliance in 80% of the gemstone.
6.0 - 6.9:	Excellent brilliance in 70% of the gemstone.
5.0 - 5.9:	Good brilliance in 60% of the gemstone.
4.0 - 4.9:	Moderate brilliance in 50% of gemstone.
3.0 - 3.9:	Moderate brilliance in 35% of gemstone.
2.0 - 2.9:	Some brilliance in 25% of the gemstone.
1.0 - 1.9:	Very little brilliance can be see anywhere.
0.0 - 0.9:	Void of any brilliance. Dull and lifeless.

9.5

IntensityIntensity: Intensity is the combination of the saturation and tone values of a gemstone. Saturation is defined as how strong or pure the color of a gemstone is. Tone refers to how dark or light the gemstone is. Intensity is also used to describe the color characteristics of a gemstone against other gemstones. The intensity grade is a very subjective grade, and like color, is in the eye of the beholder. Gem dealers and collectors have the experience to know if a gemstone displays the right intensity for that gem species.

Ratings:
9.0 - 10.0:	Full intensity-open vivid color.
8.0 - 8.9:	Full intensity-open rich color.
7.0 - 7.9:	High intensity-open strong color.
6.0 - 6.9:	High intensity of open medium strong color.
5.0 - 5.9:	Medium intensity of open medium color.
4.0 - 4.9:	Medium intensity of medium dark color.
3.0 - 3.9:	Low intensity of medium light color.
2.0 - 2.9:	Low intensity of darker color.
1.0 - 1.9:	Very low intensity of very dark color.
0.0 - 0.9:	Very low intensity of very light color.

9.5

Cut & FinishCut & Finish: Diamonds are typically cut to precise angles to maximize brilliance. In colored gemstones, a native cutter typically cuts to maximize weight. The result is a gemstone whose brilliance is moderate at best. Some lapidary artists, using precision lapidary equipment do cut colored gemstones with precision and quality. Other cutters, utilizing the gem peg method, can also produce gemstones that are exceptional in brilliance and proportions. Aspects to look for are; no windows, high brilliance, consistent facet pattern, well proportioned shape, appropriate girdle thickness and polish quality.

Ratings:
9.0 - 10.0:	Ideal cut with near perfect proportions.
8.0 - 8.9:	Excellent cut with excellent proportions.
7.0 - 7.9:	Excellent cut with very good proportions.
6.0 - 6.9:	Excellent cut with above average proportions.
5.0 - 5.9:	Good cut with above average proportions.
4.0 - 4.9:	Good cut with either window or heavy pavilion.
3.0 - 3.9:	Average cut with either window or heavy pavilion.
2.0 - 2.9:	Fair cut with average proportions.
1.0 - 1.9:	Fair cut with either window or heavy pavilion.
0.0 - 0.9:	Poor cut with poor proportions.

7.9

RarityRarity: Gemstones result from a multitude of rare combinations of physical conditions such as juxtaposition of unusual rock types, unique pressure and chemical processes, all working simultaneously. In a typical gemstone deposit, there are a very small percentage of the gemstones that are of gem quality. Among those gems of gem quality, an extremely small percentage of them are considered rare.

Ratings:
9.0 - 10.0:	Extremely rare, rarely if ever seen in the gem trade or collections.
8.0 - 8.9:	Very rare and very difficult to find in the open gem market.
7.0 - 7.9:	Scarce and not often seen in the gem market.
6.0 - 6.9:	Difficult to find in the open gem market in certain sizes and shapes.
5.0 - 5.9:	Somewhat difficult to find in the market but can be found with some selection.
4.0 - 4.9:	Limited availability in the gem market with limited selection.
3.0 - 3.9:	Limited availability in the gem market with some selection.
2.0 - 2.9:	Readily available in the gem market with somewhat limited selection.
1.0 - 1.9:	Abundant in the gem market- unlimited selection.

9.5

TreatmentTreatment: Some gemstones are routinely enhanced and accepted by the gemstone trade and consumer groups, such as heat treatment of Tanzanite and corundum. Gemstones that are typically enhanced such as corundum will have a higher value if there is no enhancement and accompanied by a certificate from a reputable laboratory. If the gemstone is new in the open market, it may not have a certificate and the dealer will usually guarantee the treatment status.

Ratings:
9.0 - 10.0:	No enhancement with certificate from tier 1 laboratory such as GIA, AGTA, AGL, Gubelin.
8.0 - 8.9:	Gemstones that are not treated (i.e. Garnet, Spinel, Peridot) and Permanent heat enhancement accepted in the gemstone trade (i.e. Tanzanite, Aquamarine, Tourmaline, and Corundum)
7.0 - 7.9:	No enhancement with dealer guarantee who cut from rough.
6.0 - 6.9:	No enhancement with dealer guarantee who bought cut gemstone.
5.0 - 5.9:	Emerald clarity enhancement by oiling, resins or Opticon.
4.0 - 4.9:	Enhancement by polymer/glass filling of cavities.
3.0 - 3.9:	Enhancement by gamma radiation.
2.0 - 2.9:	Enhancement by chemical diffusion process.
1.0 - 1.9:	Enhancement that is non permanent in nature.

8.9

IdentificationIdentification: The source of the gemstoneï¿½s origin can be a significant factor in evaluating a gemstones value. Gemstones from some localities sometimes have certain physical characteristics that positively identify them from that locality. A ruby of Burmese origin is worth more than an African ruby of similar quality and characteristics. It is important that any certificate of origin is from a gemological laboratory that is well known and established for certificates of origin.

Ratings:
9.0 - 10.0:	Certificate of origin from tier 1 laboratory.
8.0 - 8.9:	Origin guarantee from dealer who cut gemstone from rough bought at mine source.
7.0 - 7.9:	Certificate of origin from tier 2 laboratory.
6.0 - 6.9:	Speculative origin from dealer who bought gem rough from local source dealer.
5.0 - 5.9:	Origin guarantee from dealer who bought gem cut in country of origin.
4.0 - 4.9:	Origin guarantee from gem dealer who bought gem on open market.

9.8

Overall Score = 9.2

GemRate Scoring Definitions

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Price per carat:In gemstones and diamonds, the Price Per Carat refers to the dollar cost per unit of carats, the traditional unit of measurement for gemstones. 1 carat equals 0.2 grams. The price per carat is the best way to compare very similar gemstones in terms of quality. The higher price per carat reflects a higher quality gem.	$ 8,500 per carat	Make:This gemstone has a Very Good Make as graded by a professional gemologist. It has been crafted with the highest degree of craftsmanship, with very good proportions, symmetry and polish. It has been cut with little regard to the weight loss of the gemstone rough, and primarily to optimize the gemstones optical properties to its fullest potential.	Very Good
Dimensions:Dimensions are used to describe the size of a gemstone measured in millimeters. The measurements are described first by length, then by width and finally by the depth of the gemstone.	18.00 x 14.50 x 11.00 mm	Symmetry:This gemstone has Very Good Symmetry as graded by a professional gemologist and any symmetry flaws are extremely difficult to detect under 10x magnification. Gemstones with at least a Very Good symmetry and Make grade will display superior brilliance. The symmetry grade refers to alignment of the facets, poorly shaped facets or the presence of extra facets.	Very Good
Clarity:This gemstone was graded Eye Clean by a professional gemologist. Type I and Type II gemstones such as Aquamarine, Tanzanite, Yellow Chrysoberyl, most Tourmalines, Yellow Topaz Alexandrite, Peridot, Spessartites, Rhodolite, Ruby, Sapphire, Spinel, and Tsavorite, inclusions will not be visible with the naked eye. This gemstone will display superior brilliance. Type III gemstones such as Emerald, might show some slight eye visible inclusions with an Eye Clean clarity grade. This emerald will display superior brilliance compared to lower clarity grades.	Eye Clean	Treatment:This loose gemstone has undergone heat treatment as determined by a professional gemologist using standard gemological testing. All gemstones offered by AfricaGems.com have full treatment disclosure.	Heat
Shape:Shape refers to the geometric shape of the gemstone. Traditional shapes are Oval, Pear, Marquise, Trillion, Cushion, Emerald, Round, Radiant, Princess. Other shapes are usually referred to as Fancy.	Cushion	Identification:This gemstone is sold with a gemological certificate done by the AGTA (American Gem Trade Association) gemological laboratory.	AGTA

Marc's Comments:
This extremely fine blue sapphire gemstone is everything a world class gem has; Top royal blue color, vivid and vibrant in all lighting conditions. Very eye clean, no inclusions that detract from the overall brilliance and attractiveness of the gem. The size is very impressive in this quality. Very, very few fine sapphires of this size and quality are found anymore. This gemstone originates from Sri Lanka and has a very good cut and proportions. A truly fabulous piece for the most discerning of gemstone collectors or museum curator. This gemstone has an AGTA certificate.