Sapphire Jewellery

Sapphire (the mineral corundum) is a gemstone renowned for its timeless beauty and exceptional durability. The brief exploration on this page sheds light on various aspects of this popular precious gem:

Colour: Sapphires are most commonly associated with their deep blue hues. However, these gemstones come in a spectrum of colors, including pink, yellow, green, and even colourless. The color variations are attributed to the presence of different trace elements, with iron and titanium responsible for the blue coloration.

Hardness: Sapphire ranks 9 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, making it second only to diamonds in terms of durability. This hardness ensures that sapphires are resistant to scratches and wear, making them ideal for long-lasting jewellery. They are not nearly as resilient as diamond though, and sapphires that have been worn for many years will often exhibit chips and 'nibbles' to their facet edges. In our opinion, it all adds to the charm.

Lustre: Sapphires possess a vitreous to sub-adamantine lustre, characterized by a brilliant, glassy shine when properly cut and polished. This characteristic enhances their overall allure.

History: Sapphires have a storied history, with origins dating back to ancient civilizations. They were revered by the Greeks and Romans, associated with royalty, and believed to offer protection against harm. Throughout history, they have been a symbol of wisdom, nobility, and divine favor.

Locations/Deposits: Notable sources of sapphire include Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Australia, and Kashmir in India. The finest quality sapphires are often associated with these locations, each offering unique characteristics in terms of color and clarity.

Synthetic Sapphires: Synthetic sapphires, created through the Verneuil or Czochralski processes, are widely available in the market. While they share the same chemical composition as natural sapphires, they lack the rarity and intrinsic value of their natural counterparts. These do, however, make for fabulously beautiful stones and have been popular since the early 1900s when the method to make them was first discovered.

Common Jewellery Applications: Sapphires are an incredibly popular choice for most jewellery items, including engagement rings, pendants, earrings, and bracelets. Their durability and captivating color make them a versatile gemstone for both contemporary and traditional designs.

Value: The value of sapphires is primarily determined by several key factors: color, clarity, size, and origin. The most highly prized sapphires exhibit a rich, vivid blue color with excellent saturation and tone. Sapphires from renowned sources like Kashmir, Burma (Myanmar), and Sri Lanka (Ceylon) often command the highest prices due to their historical significance and exceptional quality. Larger, flawless sapphires with intense color are especially valuable, and their worth can increase significantly with size and rarity. Overall, sapphires hold enduring value in the gemstone market, especially when they possess the attributes that make them truly exceptional and rare.

Heat Treatment: Sapphires often undergo heat treatment, a common practice in the gemstone industry, to enhance their color and clarity. This process involves heating the gemstone to high temperatures, which can remove or reduce certain impurities and improve the overall appearance of the sapphire. Heat treatment is a well-accepted method to unlock the full potential of sapphire's natural beauty, making it a valuable aspect of the gemstone's refinement and preparation for use in jewellery. Almost all sapphires on the market have been heated and it is a process that has been carried out since ancient times.

Birthstone: Sapphires are the birthstone for the month of September, symbolizing loyalty, truth, and sincerity, making them a cherished choice for birthday gifts and engagement rings

Meanings: Beyond their aesthetic appeal, sapphires are often associated with qualities such as wisdom, nobility, and fidelity. In different cultures, they are believed to bring protection, enlightenment, and spiritual insight to those who possess them.

In conclusion, sapphire's diverse colors, exceptional hardness, lustrous brilliance, and rich history contribute to its status as one of the most coveted gemstones. Whether as a symbol of love in an engagement ring or an expression of elegance in a pendant, sapphires continue to hold a timeless allure in the world of gemstones.