Sapphire Gemstones Guide

Sapphire Gemstones - The Complete Guide

Sapphire is one of the most durable and desirable colored gemstones. Best known for blue, sapphire also occurs in a remarkable range of colors, including pink, yellow, green and more.

What Is Sapphire?

Sapphire is the gem variety of corundum other than ruby. Its exceptional hardness makes it one of the most suitable colored gemstones for everyday jewelry.

Blue Sapphire

Blue remains the classic sapphire color. Fine blue sapphires can display vivid, saturated color with attractive transparency and brilliance.

The ideal balance of hue, tone and saturation depends on the individual stone and personal preference.

Fancy Color Sapphires

Sapphires that are not blue are generally described as fancy color sapphires.

Popular colors include:

• Pink
• Yellow
• Green
• Orange
• Purple
• Colorless

Some color varieties, such as Padparadscha sapphire, occupy a particularly special position in the market.

What Determines Sapphire Value?

Important factors include:

• Color
• Clarity
• Cut
• Carat weight
• Treatment
• Geographic origin

Origin can be particularly important when it is documented and associated with a historically significant source.

Natural vs. Treated Sapphire

Heat treatment is common in sapphire. Other treatments can also occur.

For high-value sapphires, treatment disclosure and independent laboratory documentation can be especially important.

Sapphire Durability

Sapphire has a Mohs hardness of 9, making it significantly harder than gemstones such as amethyst, tanzanite and tourmaline.

This durability is one reason sapphire is so popular for rings and everyday jewelry.

Explore our collection of natural sapphire gemstones to discover fine stones for jewelry and collectors.