Talk to me about star sapphires/rubies

[lovedogs]

So I paused my star sapphire search for a long time to learn more about them. Sadly I think Im still confused haha.

For example: why is this pair so cheap??? To my eye the color is nice and stars are sharp.

https://www.thenaturalsapphirecompany.com/3.68ct-round-bluish-grey-sapphire-pair-pr10564-/#AssetData10

This is probably cheap bc more opaque and the "zoning lines" in normal light, right?

https://www.thenaturalsapphirecompany.com/2.96ct-ceylon-sri-lanka-oval-violet-star-sapphire-s24897-/#AssetData6

 

[Dreamer_D]

Yes grey with vet obvious opaque inclusions is less desirable. In my experience the opaque stones have strong stars but you lose the veiled effect where the legs permeate into the stone. Less 3D. You really need transparency to fill appreciate the asterism. Opaque stones are interesting as well, but less desirable for this reason.

 

[Dreamer_D]

This is probably cheap bc more opaque and the "zoning lines" in normal light, right?

https://www.thenaturalsapphirecompany.com/2.96ct-ceylon-sri-lanka-oval-violet-star-sapphire-s24897-/#AssetData6

And the flat top. More doming is desirable. It enhances the play of the star and the 3D effect of the asterism I mentioned.