Known as Pukhraj—meaning “yellow jewel” in Hindi—the yellow sapphire is celebrated for its bright, crisp brilliance and sparkling vitality. Among the rainbow of sapphires found in Sri Lanka, the yellow variety is the second most abundant, yet its finest examples are highly prized for their radiant, sunny hues.

The Spectrum of Sunshine

Yellow sapphires occur in a beautiful range of colors, from pale yellow and bright lemon to a deep, rich golden yellow. It is this golden yellow shade that is considered premium and commands the highest price. The value of a yellow sapphire is determined by its:

• Color Saturation: The intensity and purity of the yellow hue.
• Transparency: High clarity allows for maximum light return and brilliance.
• Color Distribution: Even, consistent color throughout the stone.
• Purity: A lack of visible inclusions.

These characteristics make fine yellow sapphires immensely desired by both collectors and jewelers for their beauty and versatility.

Cultural Significance and Astrological Power

India is the largest market for yellow sapphires, driven by deep cultural and astrological beliefs. In Hindu Vedic astrology, Pukhraj is one of the most recognized and powerful gemstones. It is believed to be ruled by the planet Jupiter (Guru) and is worn to attract:

• Professional success and wisdom
• Marital bliss and harmony
• Improved willpower and confidence
• Healthy progeny and prosperity

This powerful symbolism makes it a popular choice for engagement rings and other jewels, particularly among young Indian women seeking an ideal spouse and a blessed future.

The Ceylon Distinction

Not all yellow sapphires are created equal. Ceylon yellow sapphires are renowned for their pure, bright yellow color that is typically free of the greenish or muddy undertones often found in stones from Australia or Thailand. This purity of color solidifies Sri Lanka’s position as one of the world’s finest producers of yellow sapphires.

Treatment, Value, and Certification

It is common practice to heat-treat yellow sapphires to enhance their color saturation and clarity. Many undergo a beryllium diffusion process to achieve vivid yellow and orange hues. This process requires immense precision and experience, as a miscalculation can turn a valuable golden yellow stone into a less desirable orange shade or, worse, cause included stones to fracture.

Consequently, the market highly values transparency. The most color-saturated and highly priced stones are often accompanied by certificates from reputable gemological laboratories (e.g., GIA, GIT, AGSL) that confirm whether the stone is natural or treated.

Naturally occurring, unheated yellow sapphires with a vivid golden yellow color, excellent size, high transparency, and no inclusions are extremely rare. These masterpieces of nature represent the pinnacle of the variety and are valued the most by discerning collectors and believers alike.