Star Sapphires are very rare to find especially those in fancy colours (colours other than blue). The most available colour is black, which is actually a very dark brown. It can also be a very dark blue or dark green.  Like Star Rubies, Star Sapphires are cabochon cut and have tiny inclusions which reflect light.  This reflection projects a star shape from the centre of the gem. 

A note from Paul Brereton, gemologist: The value of a star sapphire is determined by three attributes:

1.  Colour:  The deeper the blue, without any modifying colours like brown or purple, will increase the price of the stone.

2.  Crispness of the Star:  The clearer the star, generally a six pointed star, the more valuable.  Should the star be difficult to see or it requires strong direct light to be seen the less expensive the stone.

3.  Orientation of the Star:  Put simply, is the star to the centre of the stone.  If the star is located off-centre than the stone is worth less in the gem market.

In folklore Star Sapphire is said to be a stone of fate and destiny. 

Sources: Burma (Myanmar), Australia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Kenya. 

Hardness: 9 on Mohs scale. 

Toughness: Excellent.

From time-to-time Brereton Jewellers sources star rubies. Please contact us at webenquiries@brereton.ie for information on our current stock level.