Sapphires reputation for preserving chasity made it a popular stone amongst priests. When buying Sapphire jewelry, the most important factor to consider is the color, as this will be the determining factor in the stone's value. Darker color is not necessarily the most valuable, as some Sapphires are so dark as to appear almost black. Rich, vivid blues with the absence of gray, green, and brown tints are the most desirable, and the most valuable. A stone's clarity is the second most important factor.
Natural gemstones can have carbon inclusions or other small internal imperfections.
The most valuable stones do not have noticeable imperfections. Sapphires are available in a variety of shapes and carat weight ranges, and a stone that reflects light properly will sparkle and maximize the beauty of the gem. Sapphires specific gravity is heavier than diamonds. Therefore, a one carat sapphire will appear slightly smaller than a one carat diamond. Sapphire is a variety of the species Corundum.