The Ultimate Guide to Sapphires

Today, we're diving deep into the captivating world of sapphires. These exquisite gemstones are more than just pretty gems — they symbolise wisdom, sincerity, and trust, making them a wonderful choice for an engagement ring.

What are sapphires?

Sapphires are one of the most famous types of coloured gemstones, along with emeralds and rubies. What sets sapphires apart is their incredible range of colours. Both sapphires and rubies are variations of corundum. If the gemstone is red, the corundum is certainly a ruby. But if it’s any other colour, it’s a sapphire, It’s this unique quality that makes sapphires so popular.

Sapphire popularity

Blue sapphires are a tradition that’s been embraced by royalty for generations, including by people such as Princess Diana and Princess Catherine. Their deep, mesmerising blue adds a unique touch of colour and character to engagement rings that diamonds alone cannot replicate.

With a hardness ranking second only to diamonds on the Mohs scale, sapphires are a fantastic choice for long-lasting jewellery, particularly when it comes to engagement rings.

Types of Sapphires

Blue sapphires: These iconic gems are renowned for their enchanting blue hues. The deeper the blue, the more valuable the sapphire — although lighter shades can be equally stunning.

Pink and purple sapphires: These fancy sapphires range from delicate pinks to vibrant purples, with variations like magenta and violet in between. The most intense pink sapphires border on red, but without crossing into ruby territory.

Yellow sapphires: Fancy yellow sapphires span from light yellow to a rich orange hue. Occasionally, hints of other colours like green can affect their clarity, but a vivid yellow or mandarin orange sapphire is a sight to behold.

Green sapphires: Unlike emeralds, green sapphires blend blue and yellow tones, resulting in a yellowish-green or turquoise appearance. A true green sapphire is a rarity and highly prized.

What to look for when buying sapphire jewellery

Colour: What sapphire colour you decide on is a personal choice, guided by your preferences and budget. The vividness of the hue can significantly impact a sapphire's value.

Clarity: While sapphires often have some inclusions, the fewer, the better. Inclusions like needles, mineral crystals, colour zoning, or colour banding can affect value, but shouldn’t compromise the stone's integrity.

Cut: Sapphire cuts are influenced by the rough gem's shape. Expert jewellery makers strive to maximise the colour, weight, and proportions when transforming the rough stone into a sparkling gemstone. The play of light and shadows also guides the cutting process for the best results.

Carat: Sapphire carat weights vary widely, but most commercially purchased sapphires weigh 5ct or less. Your choice will depend on budget and clarity preferences.

Certification: Certification is essential for accurate identification, assessment of value, and insurance purposes. A certified sapphire ensures peace of mind and authenticity.

We hope this guide helps you appreciate the enchanting world of sapphires and understand them a little better. Whether you're considering a sapphire engagement ring, a vibrant necklace, or simply exploring the dazzling possibilities, sapphires have something special for everyone. Explore, cherish, and enjoy the beauty of these magnificent gemstones!