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The BODA Gems
Gem Guide

Everything a professional jeweller needs to know about lab-grown gemstones — grading, certification, cut quality, care, and buying strategy.

Essential Reading

Cobalt Spinel & Padparadscha

Cobalt Spinel: vivid electric blue due to cobalt. Padparadscha: rare pink-orange sapphire reminiscent of a lotus blossom. Two icons of rare beauty.

Read Guide
12 min read
8
Chapters
12
Min Read
GIA
Grading
Free
Access
Gem Guide Sapphire Grades Read GIA Reports Lab vs Natural
Origin and Its Impact on Sapphire Value: Kashmir, Burma, Ceylon, and More
Origin and Its Impact on Sapphire Value: Kashmir, Burma, Ceylon, and More
In the world of fine sapphires, origin can dramatically influence value. A Kashmir sapphire may command ten times the price of a similar-quality stone from another source. This guide explores how geographic origin affects sapphire value, what makes certain origins so prized, and how modern laboratories determine a stone's geographic provenance.
Sapphire Color Grading: From Cornflower Blue to Royal Blue and Beyond
Sapphire Color Grading: From Cornflower Blue to Royal Blue and Beyond
Sapphire color grading is both an art and a science, with terminology that can confuse even experienced buyers. This comprehensive guide explains the various color grades, from the delicate cornflower blue of Ceylon sapphires to the deep royal blue associated with Burmese stones, helping you understand what makes each color grade unique and valuable.
Understanding the 4Cs of Sapphire Quality: Color, Clarity, Cut, and Carat
Understanding the 4Cs of Sapphire Quality: Color, Clarity, Cut, and Carat
While most people are familiar with the 4Cs of diamond grading, fewer understand that sapphires have their own comprehensive evaluation criteria. This guide breaks down how color, clarity, cut, and carat weight apply specifically to sapphires, helping you make informed decisions when purchasing these precious gemstones.
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