I think my favorite sapphire color is the padparadscha, because it’s so unique. Padparadscha in it’s true form ranges from pinkish orange to orangish pink…like the color of the lotus flower of Sri Lanka for which padparadscha is named (in Sinhalese).
Natural padparadscha sapphires generally come with a higher price per carat than other fancy colored sapphires because they are rare and very beautiful. The colors you see above represent the colors of Chatham-created padparadscha sapphires, which include a pure orange color not generally recognized as a true padparadscha color.
So what causes the color in padparadschas? Remember the trace minerals iron and titanium cause the color in blue sapphires…well, iron and chromium combined can cause the unique color of padparadscha.
Author: Michelle M. Rahm is a GIA-trained Graduate Gemologist and is President of Colorado’s Mile High Chapter of the GIA Alumni Association. She has been selling gemstones and jewelry online since 1997. Visit her websites JewelryImpressions.com and OurCustomWeddingRings.com
