Sapphires

Sapphires are a rare type of precious gemstone made from the mineral corundum. They come in many colours, but blue is the most well-known. Sapphires are the most popular and sought-after precious gemstone for use in fine jewellery, especially rings.

Chemical Composition: Aluminium Oxide Al2O3

Crystal System: Trigonal

Refractive Index: 1.76 to 1.78

Specific Gravity: 3.80 to 4.05

Double Refraction: 0.008 to 0.009 

Mohs Hardness: 9

Lustre: Bright Vitreous

Sapphires are found in many parts of the world, with some of the most famous origins being Sri Lanka, Myanmar (Burma), Kashmir, and Madagascar. Other countries such as Australia, Thailand, and Montana (USA) also produce sapphires. The origin can sometimes affect the value, especially if the sapphire comes from a highly regarded source like Kashmir, Burma or Sri Lanka.

Yes! Sapphires are one of the best choices for an engagement ring because they are very hard and durable (9 on the Mohs scale). They resist scratches well, making them perfect for everyday wear. They also come in many colours, shapes and carat sizes, giving you a choice when it comes to selecting a sapphire and creative freedom when it comes to designing an engagement ring around that sapphire.

A sapphire's value is determined by its colour, clarity, size, and origin. The most valuable sapphires have a deep, vibrant colour without being too dark - clarity matters; fewer visible inclusions mean a higher value. Larger sapphires and those from famous locations like Kashmir or Burma are traditionally more expensive.

Heating is a common treatment used to improve a sapphire's colour and clarity. Most sapphires on the market have been heated, and this is an accepted practice in the industry. Natural, unheated sapphires with vivid colour are much rarer and more valuable than their heated counterparts.

The rarest sapphire is padparadscha sapphire, which has a blended mix of pink and orange. Padparadscha sapphires are highly prized because of their unusual colour and limited supply. They are mainly found in Sri Lanka but can also come from Madagascar and Tanzania.

Sapphire is the traditional and modern birthstone for September. Sapphires are the perfect gemstone for a birthstone ring or birthstone-themed jewellery. Their hardness and durability withstand the test of time.

Blue sapphires have long been symbols of wisdom, truth, and loyalty. They are often associated with royalty and were believed to bring protection and good fortune. Many people choose blue sapphires for engagement rings and jewellery because they hold an iconic status in the public eye.

Some sapphires are lab-created, meaning they have the same chemical structure as natural sapphires but were made in a laboratory. To ensure a sapphire is natural and not lab-created, it is best practice to buy from a trusted gemstone dealer or jeweller and request gemstone certification. A professional gemological laboratory can confirm whether a sapphire is natural and has been treated.