Padparadscha is the rare and coveted pink-orange sapphire, named after the lotus flower. Its delicate blend of pink and orange makes it one of the most prized of all sapphires.
Padparadscha is defined by a specific, delicate pink-orange; the closer to that ideal balance, the higher the value.
A soft, balanced pink-orange from Sri Lanka, often unheated — the benchmark and the most valuable.
A major modern source of fine pink-orange stones, often a touch more orange or pink.
Stones leaning too pink or too orange, or heated, sell for less; the exact "padparadscha" call affects value strongly.
Six main criteria determine the price per carat. It is their combination that sets the final value.
Everything: a delicate, balanced pink-orange (neither pure pink nor pure orange) is the ideal. The closer to that lotus/sunset blend, the higher the value.
Sri Lanka (Ceylon) is the classic, most prestigious source; Madagascar is a major modern supplier.
Unheated padparadscha commands a strong premium. Beware of lattice-diffusion treatment, which can imitate the color and sharply reduces value.
Eye-clean stones command a premium; the cut should maximize brilliance and color while keeping good proportions.
Fine padparadscha above 2–3 ct is extremely rare, so price per carat rises steeply with size.
A report from a top lab (SSEF, GRS, Gübelin, GIA) confirming the "padparadscha" color and treatment is essential, as the call greatly affects value.
The hallmark is a soft, harmonious blend of pink and orange — like a tropical sunset or a lotus blossom.
Labs are strict about the call: too pink becomes a pink sapphire, too orange an orange sapphire, both worth less.
Unheated padparadschas are rare and command a strong premium; heating is common and accepted but lowers value versus unheated.
Watch for diffusion-treated stones imitating the color — a top lab report protects the buyer.
Geographic origin can be a strong prestige marker that weighs on value.
The classic, most prestigious padparadscha source.
Very high priceMajor modern source of fine pink-orange stones.
Mid-high priceOccasional fine material.
Mid priceSome pink-orange corundum.
AccessibleIllustrative price index (2010 = 100) for fine, certified stones.
Genuine padparadschas are scarce and their prices have climbed, especially for unheated Ceylon stones.
Because the color call is strict, certification from a top lab is central to value and liquidity.
Illustrative figures for fine, certified stones — not financial advice.
Orders of magnitude — fine unheated Ceylon padparadschas can far exceed these figures.
Indicative estimates — they do not replace a laboratory appraisal.
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