Sapphires are one of the three precious colored gemstones. The others being Rubies and Emeralds. It is a variety of the mineral Corundum which is a mineral that includes both sapphires and rubies. Red corundum is known as ruby and all other colored corundum are known as sapphires with blue being the most common. Sapphires that are not blue are known as fancy sapphires and can occur in yellow, purple, orange, and green colors; “parti sapphires” show two or more colors. Sapphires are the single most versatile stone with so many color choices and a hardness only beaten by diamonds..
Chemically, sapphires are composed of aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃). What gives sapphires their stunning colors are trace elements that become incorporated into the crystal structure during formation. For example:
Blue sapphires owe their color to the presence of iron and titanium.
Pink sapphires contain traces of chromium.
Yellow and green sapphires are influenced by a combination of iron and other elements.
Sapphires have a trigonal crystal system, forming hexagonal prismatic crystals. They are exceptionally hard, ranking 9 on the Mohs scale—just below diamonds—making them suitable for daily wear in all types of jewelry.
The world’s finest sapphires come from a handful of renowned sources, each with distinct qualities:
Sri Lanka (Ceylon): Known for vibrant, light-colored sapphires—from sky blue to cornflower—and a variety of fancy colors.
Myanmar (Burma): Famed for deep, richly saturated “Burmese” blues with a silky luster.
Kashmir (India): Exceptionally rare, with velvety, deep blue hues prized by collectors.
Madagascar: A modern leader in sapphire production, offering high-quality stones in blue, pink, and yellow.
Other sources: Australia, Thailand, and Cambodia also yield sapphires with unique characteristics.
Color has the greatest influence on a sapphire’s value, and preferred sapphires have strong to vivid blue color saturation. The most valued blue sapphires are velvety blue to violet blue, in medium to medium-dark tones. Sapphires with these qualities command the highest prices per carat. Less valuable blue sapphires might also be grayish, too light, or too dark.
While the classic deep blue sapphire is perhaps the most iconic, sapphires come in a breathtaking array of colors, each with its own unique allure and value. These variations in color are due to the presence of different trace elements and the influence of various factors during the gemstone’s formation.
Color: Colorless to various shades (yellow, pink, blue, etc.)
Characteristics: Known for its exceptional hardness (10 on the Mohs scale) and brilliance. Diamonds are valued for their clarity, cut, and color
Color: Primarily blue, but can occur in various colors including pink, yellow, and green (excluding red, which is classified as ruby)
Characteristics: Another variety of corundum, sapphires are prized for their hardness (9 on the Mohs scale) and color. Blue sapphires are the most famous, but fancy sapphires in other colors are also highly valued.
Color: Various shades of red, from pinkish to deep red (often termed “pigeon blood red”)
Characteristics: A variety of corundum, valued for its intense color and hardness (9 on the Mohs scale). Rubies are known for their rich, vivid hues and are often used in high-end jewelry.
Color: Green, ranging from light to deep green
Characteristics: A variety of beryl, known for its distinct green color and moderate hardness (7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale). Emeralds are often valued for their vibrant green hue and historical significance, despite commonly having inclusions.
While there are hundreds of semi-precious gemstones in the world, we’ve curated this list to focus on the 18 types that are most popular and widely used in jewelry and decorative pieces. These selections include stones that offer the best combination of beauty, availability, and market demand. By concentrating on these key gemstones, we ensure that our customers have access to the most versatile and sought-after options, ranging from timeless classics to trendy favorites.
Color: Purple, ranging from light lavender to deep violet
Characteristics: A variety of quartz, popular for its wide range of purple hues.
Color: Red, but also found in green (tsavorite), orange (spessartite), and other colors
Characteristics: Includes several varieties such as almandine, pyrope, and tsavorite.
Color: Yellow to golden brown
Characteristics: A variety of quartz, often used as a more affordable alternative to yellow diamonds.
Color: Ranges from clear to various shades of blue, yellow, and pink
Characteristics: Known for its clarity and vibrant colors, with blue topaz being particularly popular.
Color: Olive green to yellow-green
Characteristics: Known for its bright green color and is one of the few gemstones that occur in one colo
Color: Light to medium blue, sometimes with a greenish tint
Characteristics: A variety of beryl, valued for its clear, pale blue color.
Color: Comes in a wide range of colors including pink, green, and blue
Characteristics: Includes various types like pink tourmaline, green (chrome) tourmaline, and the rare Paraíba tourmaline.
Color: Colorless to white, with an iridescent play-of-color
Characteristics: Known for its adularescence (a soft glow that seems to move across the surface).
Color: Various colors, often with a play-of-color effect (e.g., black opal, fire opal)
Characteristics: Unique for its ability to display multiple colors and patterns.
Color: Blue to green
Characteristics: An opaque gem known for its distinctive color and use in various cultures.
Color: Deep blue with gold flecks (pyrite) and white veins (calcite)
Characteristics: Valued for its rich blue color and historical significance.
Color: Found in a variety of colors and patterns
Characteristics: An opaque, often multicolored or patterned variety of chalcedony.
Color: Typically black, but also available in various colors and patterns
Characteristics: Known for its smooth, glossy finish and consistent color.
Color: Bright green
Characteristics: A variety of chalcedony with a vivid green color due to nickel content.
Color: Gray to dark brown with iridescent flashes of color (known as labradorescence)
Characteristics: Valued for its unique optical effect.
Color: Alternating bands of sard (reddish-brown) and onyx (black or white)
Characteristics: Known for its banded appearance and use in cameo carvings.
Color: Bright green with distinctive banding
Characteristics: Often used in decorative pieces and jewelry.
Color: Available in a wide range of colors including red, pink, blue, and black
Characteristics: Known for its brilliance and is often mistaken for ruby or sapphire.
Some email responses from us may be filtered as spam or blocked altogether. To ensure you receive our emails, please provide your telephone or WhatsApp number for verification.