What is a Sapphire?

"Sapphire is a precious gem made from the mineral corundum and contains trace elements like iron, titanium, cobalt, boron, or silicon. While blue is the most well-known color, sapphires come in nearly every hue except red, as red corundum is classified as ruby. Renowned for its stunning beauty and durability, sapphire has been treasured for centuries and is a popular choice for various types of jewelry, including engagement rings and earrings."

Sapphire Types


Natural Sapphire

"Natural sapphires develop over millions of years deep within the Earth, typically within metamorphic or igneous rocks. Each sapphire crystal is distinct in size, shape, and color, manifesting in a diverse spectrum of shades, including blue, pink, purple, green, orange, teal, yellow, peach, white, and beyond.

Lab Grown Sapphires

"Lab-grown sapphires are meticulously crafted by scientists employing advanced technology and precision techniques. They share the same chemical properties as natural sapphires but often exhibit more consistent color and fewer imperfections due to their controlled growing environments. Available in a spectrum of hues, they offer the same vibrant array of colors as their natural counterparts."

Sapphire Meaning

"Sapphire has long been a symbol of nobility, sincerity, truth, and faithfulness across various cultures. In ancient Greece and Rome, royalty believed that blue sapphires offered protection from envy and harm. During the Middle Ages, these gems were seen as a representation of heaven. Today, sapphires continue to be associated with royalty and timeless elegance."

Mohs Hardness

9

Mineral

Corundum

Color

All colors except red

Refractive Index

1.762 to 1.770

How to Choose a Sapphire

"Choosing the right sapphire involves several factors, with color and shape being the most visually significant. It's also important to understand aspects like cut, color, and clarity to select the perfect gemstone."

Color

"Sapphire colors extend well beyond the famous blue. Thanks to trace minerals like boron or iron, sapphires can exhibit nearly every color except red, including:"

  • Pink  
  • Purple 
  • Violet  
  • Yellow  
  • Orange 
  • Green  
  • White  
  • Brown  
  • Black 
  • Grey  
  • Blue


Shape

"Shape refers to the external geometric form of a gemstone. Sapphires can be crafted into a wide variety of shapes, ranging from classic options like round or princess cuts to more unique forms like trillion, kite, and beyond."

Cut

"Sapphires are frequently measured in millimeters instead of carats because of differences in gemstone density. This method offers a more precise size reference."

Clarity

"Natural sapphires usually contain inclusions and possess unique characteristics. In contrast, lab-grown sapphires are typically free of inclusions, offering a more uniform and consistent appearance."

Carat Weight and Size

"Sapphires are commonly measured in millimeters rather than carats because of variations in gemstone density, offering a more precise indication of size."

Price

"The value of sapphires is typically determined by their rarity, hue, color intensity, clarity, size, and place of origin."

Treatment

"Sapphires can be untreated or heat-treated to enhance their color and clarity. Natural sapphires near thermal vents often achieve vibrant colors naturally, while experts can mimic this effect through controlled heating."

Popular Gemstone Engagement Rings

"Discover our most popular settings to pair with sapphires."

Secret Garden

Petite Elodie Solitaire

Aria Three Stone

Petite Twisted Vine

Nadia

Secret Halo

Versailles

Demi

Freesia Solitaire

Waverly Halo

Adorned Opera Three Stone

Luxe Viviana

Sapphire FAQs

Is a ruby a sapphire?

Both rubies and sapphires are made from the same mineral, corundum. Red corundum forms rubies, while corundum in other colors, such as blue or pink, produces sapphires.

What methods can be used to differentiate between a natural and a lab-grown sapphire?

"Identifying whether a sapphire is natural or lab-grown can be difficult without specialized knowledge. For an accurate assessment, consult a professional gemologist or have the sapphire tested in a lab to determine its origin."

What birthstone is sapphire?

"Sapphire represents the birthstone for September."

Is sapphire a mineral?

Indeed, sapphire gemstones are composed of the mineral corundum.

How are sapphire formed?

"Natural sapphires are formed deep inside the Earth, whereas lab-grown sapphires are precisely crafted by experts utilizing advanced technology."

What is a star sapphire?

"Star sapphires are a unique variety of sapphire that exhibit a star-like pattern called asterism, caused by minuscule inclusions within the stone."