All about Sapphires

Diamonds command the most attention when it comes to engagement jewelry, and rightfully so as traditionally, they embody the rarity and beauty of the bond they're representing. However, as time goes on and generations introduce modern twists and turns to engagement jewelry, you'll notice that colored stones have also begun to make quite the reputation. Most immediately think of a deep blue stone when they think sapphire, which is only appropriate considering the name was derived from the Latin word 'saphirus' which means blue. However, sapphires com in variety of colors and can even have bicolor qualities to them (for those who can't decide!) In this post we will introduce you to this beautiful and special precious gem

Corundum is the scientific term for the gem that is sapphire and also ruby. Ruby is in fact just a red sapphire and has been separated into a different color category of it's own. There are many places from which sapphire is mined, but Sri Lanka (formerly known as Ceylon until 1972) is the most famously known for it's seemingly never ending supply! Sri Lankan or Ceylon sapphires have been mined for over 2,500 years, giving this country quite the reputation. With the rise in popularity of peachy, salmon pink stones, Sri Lankan peach sapphires have become popular for their bright colors with the most famous and rare of all, the Padparadscha sapphire.

Untreated Padparadscha sapphires are saturated in color varying from salmon/pink/orange to bright pink (think of Barbie's jeep pink!) Their name was derived from the Singhalese word for 'lotus blossom'', referring directly to their beautiful and exotic colors. Some are not the same color evenly throughout, but are rather color zoned which refers to the more uneven distribution of pinks and yellows in the stone.

Here are a couple photos of Padparadscha sapphires with their varying color qualities, the first being more orange and the second being pink.

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For a non faceted Sri Lankan sapphire, consider the Star sapphire which can be set like a cabochon in a ring. These mysterious stones exhibit a quality called asterism which looks like 6-12 ray stars are being reflected on the surface of the stone. They are soft in color and the rays appear to be silky and white due to the crystals of light being reflected from the inside of the stone.

Something to consider is that there are both unheated and heat treated sapphires, with the unheated and untreated being more valuable and rare. Heat treatments are provided to colored stones to remove inclusions in the stones and to enhance color, so similarly to diamonds, a beautiful stone in color with few inclusions is more desirable and thus the price reflects. Sapphire does produce all different colors of stone, however green sapphire tends to be muddy and murky in color so for a beautiful brilliant grassy green stone I recommend Tsavorite for an everyday ring and emerald for a more delicate design.

There are many famous sapphires that have come out of Sri Lanka, even until recently. Just a year ago, the largest blue star sapphire was discovered weighing in at just over 1,400 carats and valued at over $300 million dollars.

Otherwise, there is the Blue Giant of the Orient which is a faceted blue sapphire which is 392.53 carats and was sold for over $17 million dollars.

 Sapphires are an amazing center stone option for someone not wanting the traditional diamond. After all if it was good enough for Princess Di, it is definitely good for us!

Take a look at this ring, taking inspiration from Kate Middleton's current ring featuring a round cut Ceylon blue sapphire center and round brilliant cut diamonds around the edges set into a petal formation. This ring makes a statement not only for the gorgeous blue sapphire center, but the contrast created by the large round cut diamonds which encase it.  For a more cost effective option try this oval cut sapphire center surrounded by diamonds in a similar flowery halo design.

Speaking of oval cuts in general, they are most definitely the trending gem stone shape of the year. Let's take a look at one of our favorites featuring a 2.85 carat sapphire center in a double edge halo. Notice the tiny blue sapphire stones set along the gallery underneath the halo as well!

Last but not least this stunner really deserves a mention as well! Our RS-61 custom halo setting is by far one of our most popular models. Check out this 2.5 carat blue sapphire center set in a double edge halo and micropave band. The pop of blue is such a nice break from the white center diamonds we are so used to seeing!

At Lauren B, we are so lucky to have access to an extensive colored stone inventory!

Contact us today to find the perfect sapphire, ruby, or gemstone today.

Next time, I'll introduce you to the beautiful rubies and sapphires of Burma, and the mines of Malawi as well as bicolor and color change sapphire. Stay tuned!