What Is the Difference Between Ceylon Sapphire and Royal Blue Sapphire?

What Is the Difference Between Ceylon Sapphire and Royal Blue Sapphire

Many people see the Ceylon Sapphire and the Royal Blue Sapphire as two entirely different gemstones. This is where things begin to get confusing. What Is the Difference Between Ceylon Sapphire and Royal Blue Sapphire?

One designates primarily the origin and the other the quality of the colours. Here are the clear distinctions between these terms before you compare them based on beauty, rarity, or value. 

What Is a Ceylon Sapphire?

Sri Lanka mining of sapphires is called Ceylon sapphire. For centuries Sri Lanka has been renowned for its sapphires and state it is recognised for its bright lively blue coloured sapphires.

A Ceylon sapphire is an attractive stone with many considered rough because of its: 

  • Medium to vivid blue color

  • Strong brightness and transparency

  • Softer, more open tone compared with darker sapphires

  • Elegant appearance in fine jewelry

All Ceylon sapphires are not blue. In Sri Lanka pink, yellow, white, purple and padparadscha sapphires are also found. When most people refer to “Ceylon sapphire,” however, they are typically referring to a blue sapphire mined in Sri Lanka. 

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What Is a Royal Blue Sapphire?

A royal blue sapphire is not necessarily a European sapphire or came from the Arabian Gulf. It is the description of color applied to sapphires showing a very deep, rich, saturated blue tone.

They would likely be darker and purer than pale or sky blue sapphires. With a well-rounded appearance they are supposed to be bright and rich, however not too dark or inky.

These can be found in several places, such as: 

  • Sri Lanka

  • Madagascar

  • Myanmar

  • Thailand

  • Kashmir

  • Other sapphire-producing regions

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The Main Difference: Origin vs. Color

The simplest explanation of the difference is:

Ceylon sapphire = the place the sapphire originates from

Royal blue sapphire = the color of the sapphire

The Ceylon sapphire is a geographic identification. Royal blue sapphire is known based on color tone and saturation.

So it isn't always a true comparison of them. It is as though you compare “Italian marble” and “white marble”. The purpose of the one is to inform you where it comes from. The other tells you the appearance. 

Color Differences Between Ceylon and Royal Blue Sapphire

Ceylon sapphires tend to be lighter, purer and more luminous. They can be bright blue, cornflower blue, or a deep blue tone depending on the stone.

The standard sapphire that's sold is commonly a deep-blue, fully saturated choice. The color seems more eye-catching and striking. 

Ceylon Sapphire Color

Ceylon blue sapphires often appear:

  • Bright

  • Clean

  • Airy

  • Elegant

  • Medium to vivid blue

Royal Blue Sapphire Color

Royal blue sapphires often appear:

  • Rich

  • Deep

  • Intense

  • Bold

  • Highly saturated

None of them is always taken as a solid choice. This will depend on the preference between brightness or depth. 

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Which Sapphire Is More Valuable?

The value of the stone is dependent on the specific stone and not only on the label. A good royal blue sapphire could have a higher appraised value than a medium class Ceylon sapphire. However, a high quality Ceylon Sapphire gem offering excellent colour, clarity and certification can be quite expensive as well.

The main value factors are: 

  • Color intensity and balance

  • Clarity

  • Cut quality

  • Carat weight

  • Treatment status

  • Origin report

  • Overall visual appeal

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The Bottom Line

What Is the Difference Between Ceylon Sapphire and Royal Blue Sapphire? The term Ceylon sapphire applies to the mineral's origin; whereas the term royal blue sapphire refers to the color. Sri Lanka sapphire may be royal blue, but not all Sri Lanka sapphire are royal blue and not all royal blue gemstones are Sri Lanka sapphire. 

The best method to evaluate sapphires is to ignore the labels. Pay attention to color, clarity, cut, treatment, certification, and appears in actual lighting. While it can be directed by a name, it is ultimately the individual's quality of sapphire that matters. 

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