Bangkok yellow sapphire, primarily sourced from the world-famous Thailand’s gem markets, is a prominent variety of yellow sapphire stone. Belonging to the corundum mineral family (Al₂O₃), pukhraj stones are prized for its affordability and vibrant yellow to golden hues, attributed to trace amounts of iron. While Thailand is not a major mining source, Bangkok serves as a global hub for processing and trading sapphires, often sourced from Sri Lanka, Madagascar, or Australia. The gem’s color intensity, ranging from pale lemon to deep gold, significantly impacts its value, with vivid, unheated stones being the most sought-after. With a Ranking of 9 on the Mohs scale of hardness, Bangkok yellow sapphires are highly durable and excellent for affordable jewelry pieces.
Their hexagonal crystal structure and refractive index (1.76–1.78) ensure excellent brilliance. Specific gravity of pukhraj ratna ranges from 3.99 to 4.01. Many Bangkok yellow sapphires undergo heat treatment to enhance color and clarity, though untreated gems command premium prices. Inclusions like rutile or zircon may be present, aiding in authenticity verification. Bangkok’s gem trade employs advanced techniques like beryllium diffusion to intensify color, though this can lower value if disclosed. Ethical sourcing is gaining traction due to demand for transparent supply chains. Valued for both aesthetic appeal and astrological significance in some cultures, Bangkok yellow sapphires remain a cornerstone of the global gem industry.
The actual price of Bangkok pukhraj stones is influenced majorly by the gem’s color, clarity, carat weight, cut, and whether it has undergone heat treatment—commonly performed to enhance brightness and saturation. As a major global hub for gem trading and treatment, Bangkok offers a wide range of natural kanakpushparagam stones, typically sourced from Thailand, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, and Tanzania. Prices for high-quality, vivid golden to corn-yellow sapphires with excellent clarity range from $100 to $500 per carat, with finer stones exceeding $700 per carat.
Heat-treated yellow sapphire stones, which are more common and affordable, may cost between $50 and $200 per carat. Untreated natural sapphires with rich color and transparency are rarer and command premium prices. Larger stones (over 3 carats) with good proportions and brilliance see a significant price increase per carat. Buyers in Bangkok often get competitive pricing due to direct access to cutters and wholesalers, but certification is recommended to verify authenticity and treatment status, especially for investment or astrological purposes.