What is sapphire?
Recognizable by its deep and luminous hues, the sapphire fascinates with its elegance. It belongs to the corundum mineral family, just like the ruby, and is mainly composed of aluminum oxide. Its blue color comes from traces of iron and titanium present in its crystalline structure. From velvety blue to intense blue, sapphire stands out for its brilliance and great resistance. Present in jewelry for centuries, sapphire remains an elegant choice for jewelry designed to last.
Sapphires in all their colors
Sapphires are best known for their deep blue, but they also come in pink, yellow, orange, white, and violet. Among the most sought-after shades, Kashmir blue stands out for its intense and slightly purplish color. Padparadscha sapphire is also among the rarest varieties. Its delicate hue, somewhere between pink and orange, evokes the lotus flower. This great diversity of colors makes sapphire a particularly versatile stone in jewelry.
Where does this gemstone come from?
Sapphires are found notably in Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Myanmar, Thailand, and Australia. Certain origins are particularly renowned, such as Kashmir for its velvety blue sapphires and Sri Lanka for its luminous stones with often lighter hues. Each region produces sapphires with distinct shades and characteristics, contributing to the uniqueness of each stone. Lab-created sapphires, on the other hand, are produced in specialized facilities located primarily in Asia, but also in the United States and Europe.
What are the quality criteria for sapphire?
- Colour: Colour is the most important criterion. For a blue sapphire, a deep and luminous hue is sought, without being too dark. An almost black blue masks the richness and nuances of the stone. Pink and padparadscha sapphires, however, can be just as valuable, depending on the intensity and balance of their colour.
- Hardness: With a hardness of 9 out of 10 on the Mohs scale, sapphire is very resistant to scratches. Only diamond surpasses it on this scale, making it an excellent choice for jewellery worn regularly.
- Clarity: Natural sapphires often present small inclusions, which is perfectly normal. Unlike diamonds, their presence does not necessarily diminish the stone's value. However, when they are too numerous or too visible, they can darken the sapphire and reduce the desired luminosity and brilliance.
- Treatment: The majority of sapphires are heat-treated to intensify their colour. Untreated stones are much rarer and therefore more valuable.
Why choose a sapphire for jewelry?
Sapphires are captivating due to their history, their high resistance, and their astonishing diversity of colours. Associated with wisdom, loyalty, and sincerity, they have long symbolised deep and lasting love. Princess Diana's famous ring, now worn by Kate Middleton, even inspired one of our creations.
The birthstone for September, sapphires are also associated with the 16th wedding anniversary. Their remarkable hardness makes them perfect for rings worn daily, while their vast palette of colours allows for choosing a stone that fully reflects the wearer's personality.
Frequently Asked Questions about Sapphire
Yes. Lab-grown sapphires have the same chemical composition and physical properties as natural sapphires. They are available in a wide variety of colors, and some can even display an asterism effect, the luminous star that appears on the surface of the stone. They are a beautiful option for those seeking the sparkle and durability of sapphire in a lab-grown version.
Yes. Sapphires can be pink, yellow, orange, white or purple. However, when corundum is red, it goes by another name: ruby. Among the rarest varieties, the padparadscha sapphire stands out for its delicate hue, halfway between pink and orange.
Absolutely. With a hardness of 9 out of 10 on the Mohs scale, sapphire is highly resistant to scratches and suitable for daily wear. It is among the most prized stones for engagement rings, particularly for its durability and wide variety of colors.
Regular cleaning with lukewarm water, mild soap, and a soft brush is usually sufficient to maintain the sapphire's brilliance. However, ultrasonic cleaners should be avoided if the stone has undergone certain treatments. It is also advisable to store the jewelry separately from diamonds and other corundums, such as rubies, to prevent friction and scratches.