Blue sapphire, which is commonly known as Neelam in hindi, is one of the most revered gemstones around the world. This amazing gem has high astrological significance due to its association with the planet Saturn. This gemstone helps to heal the malefic effects of Saturn present in the horoscope. It also heals stress, and anxiety and provides inner peace to the wearer.

Blue sapphires are found in many parts of the world such as Sri Lanka Ceylon), Madagascar, Myanmar ( Burma), Kashmir (India), and Australia. But Thailand (Bangkok) and Sri Lanka (Ceylon) are two of the most famous sources of this precious gemstone. The blue sapphires found in these locations are not only beautiful but are also in high demand in the gemstone market worldwide. In this blog, we will explore the key differences between Thailand Blue Sapphire and Ceylon Blue Sapphire to help you make an informed decision before buying one of these gemstones:

What is Ceylon Blue Sapphire?

Ceylon blue sapphires are found and mined in Sri Lanka. It is one of the most sought-after and most valuable varieties of blue sapphires in the world. Sri Lanka has been famous for producing high-quality sapphires for many centuries. This blue sapphire's vibrant blue hue and exceptional clarity make it desirable for collectors and gemstone lovers throughout the world.

Key Features of Ceylon Blue Sapphire

The key features of Ceylon blue sapphires, which help to differentiate them from other varieties, are enumerated below:

  • Origin: This variety of neelam stones is mined in the Ratnapura and Elahera regions of Sri Lanka.
  • Color: These gemstone are renowned for its vivid, bright blue shades with superior luster compared to other origins.
  • Clarity: Naturally high clarity with minimal inclusions, often untreated.
  • Cut & Shape: Found in various shapes, including oval, cushion, and emerald cuts, enhancing their brilliance.
  • Treatment: Normally, the Ceylon blue sapphires are untreated and natural. This makes them rare and more expensive.

Why is Ceylon Blue Sapphire Famous?

There are many reasons for the famousness of Ceylon blue sapphires. Some of those reasons are listed below:

  • Exceptional Color and Brilliance: The color of Ceylon sapphires is generally more vivid and lighter than the Bangkok sapphires.
  • Rarity: Ceylon sapphires are associated with luxury and are commonly used in making royal jewelry collections throughout the world.
  • Untreated and Natural: Unlike Bangkok sapphires, many Ceylon sapphires are naturally vibrant without enhancement, increasing their value.
  • Astrological Significance: Sri Lankan blue sapphires are highly recommended for astrological purposes due to their natural properties.

What is Thailand(Bangkok) Blue Sapphire?

Thailand blue sapphires are famous worldwide for their amazing clarity and deep blue color. Bangkok and Chanthaburi regions of thailand are well-known hubs for the trade and treatment of sapphires. Thailand blue sapphires are highly valued in the jewelry industry.

Key Features of Bangkok Blue Sapphire

Below, we have listed the main key features of the Bangkok blue sapphire that separates it from other varieties of this gem:

  • Origin: This type of blue sapphires are mined in Thailand and surrounding regions. Color: Bangkok blue sapphires are typically darker in tone, which ranges from deep royal blue to blackish-blue.
  • Clarity: These gemstones are often treated to enhance their clarity. This makes them appear more flawless than natural and untreated gemstones.
  • Cut & Shape: This variety of blue sapphires is available in various types of cuts, such as oval, cushion, and round, which helps to enhance their overall beauty and brilliance.
  • Treatment: These gemstones are also treated to improve their clarity. This makes them appear more flawless than natural and untreated gems.

Why is Bangkok Blue Sapphire Popular?

There are many reasons for the popularity of bangkok blue sapphires in international markets. We have listed some of the major reasons below:

  • Affordability: Due to heat treatment and local processing, Bangkok blue sapphires are generally more affordable than Ceylon sapphires.
  • High Availability: Thailand is a major trading center for sapphires, ensuring a steady supply in the market.
  • Enhanced Appearance: With treatment techniques, Bangkok sapphires achieve an intense, vibrant color, making them desirable for jewelry.
  • Durability: Like all corundum stones, Bangkok sapphires have a Mohs hardness rating of 9, making them ideal for daily wear.

What is the Difference Between Bangkok Blue Sapphires and Ceylon Blue Sapphires?

Feature Bangkok Blue Sapphire Ceylon Blue Sapphire
Origin Thailand Sri Lanka
Color Darker, deep blue to almost black Brighter, vivid blue
Clarity Often treated to remove inclusions Naturally high clarity
Treatment Heat-treated Untreated
Astrological Value Moderate Highly effective
Price More affordable More expensive
Luster Less Lustrous Highly lustrous

How to Identify Authentic Bangkok and Ceylon Blue Sapphire?

With a high demand for blue sapphires, it is essential to distinguish genuine stones from synthetic or treated ones. Here’s how:

For Bangkok Blue Sapphire:

  • Often shows signs of heat treatment under magnification.
  • Darker and more opaque in appearance.
  • More affordable compared to untreated sapphires.

For Ceylon Blue Sapphire:

  • Brighter color and high transparency.
  • Natural silk-like inclusions are visible under magnification.
  • Obtaining a gemological certificate from a trusted source like GIA, IGI, or GRS ensures authenticity.

Blue Sapphire Price: Bangkok vs. Ceylon

The price of blue sapphire depends on various factors such as origin, color, clarity, and treatment. In general:

  • Bangkok Blue Sapphire: The per-carat price of Bangkok blue sapphires in INR can vary significantly based on quality but generally ranges from around ₹500 to ₹1000 per carat
  • Ceylon Blue Sapphire: The prices of ceylon blue sapphires normally ranges from from INR 2000 to INR 32,000 per carat, with rare untreated stones fetching higher prices.

Which is Better in Astrology?

  • Ceylon Blue Sapphire: This variety of blue sapphires is considered the best for astrological purposes due to its natural purity and vibrant energy. It is recommended for individuals seeking power, success, and mental clarity.
  • Bangkok Blue Sapphire: While this variety of blue sapphire can also be worn for astrological purposes, due to treatments, its astrological potency is reduced greatly. However, it is still suitable for those people who are low on budget. But it is not considered the first choice for acquiring astrological benefits.

Conclusion

Bangkok blue sapphires and Ceylon blue sapphires have distinct characteristics. If you're looking for a cheap, dark-toned, and treated sapphire for jewelry, a Bangkok blue sapphire is an excellent choice. If you want a naturally vivid, untreated, high-value sapphire with strong astrological characteristics, Ceylon blue sapphire is the better choice. You can buy original Bangkok and Ceylon blue sapphires from RashiRatanBhagya at affordable prices, along with a certificate of authenticity of the gemstone.