How much does a 1-carat Ceylon sapphire cost?

A 1-carat Ceylon sapphire can cost from about $300 up to more than $3,000, a lot of this depending on its colour saturation, clarity, cut finish, and whether it has been heat-treated. You will usually see commercial-grade, heated stones on the lower end, while vivid, not heat-treated pieces go for the highest market prices.

The exact hue of blue also drives the number. A light, washed-out blue is going to cost a lot less than a vivid “cornflower” tone or a deep “royal blue” stone. On top of that, a balanced cut that boosts brilliance without leaving a “window” (that dull, see-through area in the centre) tends to add real value to the gemstone, and yes, the difference can be noticeable.