FEATURED GEMS

The first featured gem is Padparadscha Sapphire.

This 10.3 carat stone is from Africa (Tunduru area) and was supplied for photography by Michael Couch and Associates. It is priced at well over $10,000 per carat.

The value of this stone stems in part from its amazing color. The term "Padparadscha" is reserved for this unique orange yellow sapphire variety. The name refers to the color of an Indian Flower.

The stone is not without flaws. The high price, despite these flaws, reflects the rarity of gems of this size and color.