Think you know Sapphire? Think again… 💙 Ask most people what they know about September’s birthstone and the answer will probably be: “It’s blue.” And that's true... but Sapphire is far more interesting than that. Sapphire is actually the same mineral as Ruby, is tough enough to stand up to a lifetime of daily wear, and its rarest form isn’t blue at all. One Sapphire holds the auction record for the highest price ever paid for the stone, while another sits at the centre of one of the most famous rings in the world.
- Mineral
- Corundum
- Hardness
- 9 out of 10 on the Mohs scale
- Colour from
- Iron and titanium
- Rarest
- Padparadscha, pink and orange
- Birth month
- September
- Anniversaries
- 5th and 45th
What makes a Sapphire blue?
Sapphire’s iconic blue colour comes from tiny traces of iron and titanium trapped in the crystal as it forms. It only takes a few hundredths of a percent to turn colourless corundum blue, and the more iron present, the deeper the colour becomes. It’s why two Sapphires from the very same mine can look worlds apart - one bright and lively, the other dark and inky. The most valued blues are typically velvety blue to violetish blue, sitting somewhere in the medium to medium-dark tone, which is a long way of saying a blue that stays alive in the shade rather than going black.
Are Sapphires only blue?
No. Sapphire comes in far more colours than its iconic blue would have you believe. Sapphire is the mineral corundum, and corundum comes in every colour of the rainbow - except red. When corundum is red, it's called a Ruby; every other colour, from violet and green to yellow and pink, is Sapphire. They all share the same strength and sparkle, but each colour brings a completely different character to the stone, from soft and romantic pinks to vivid yellows and rich greens. So, if you like the idea of a Sapphire but aren't too keen on a blue stone, you have more choice than you might think.
How hard is a Sapphire?
Sapphire ranks at a 9 on the Mohs scale of hardness, which runs from 1 to 10, second only to Diamond, which ranks as a perfect 10. Hardness is defined as resistance to scratching, so a Sapphire will not pick up the fine surface scratches that softer stones are likely to over years of wear. This is what makes Sapphire a coloured gemstone we recommend first for a ring that will be worn every day. Sapphire can still chip if it takes a sharp blow on a corner, so a setting that protects the girdle of the stone is worth having, but it is as close to worry-free as a coloured gemstone gets.
“Sapphire is the coloured stone we recommend first for a ring that will be worn every day.”
See the sapphire rings →
What is a Padparadscha Sapphire?
The rarest sapphire is not actually blue at all. Padparadscha is a mix of pink and orange, and the name comes from the Sanskrit word for the colour of a lotus blossom. Fine examples are extremely rare and collectable, and the colour is hard to describe until you have seen one in daylight: a sunset caught in a gemstone.
What is the most expensive Sapphire?
The most expensive Sapphire ever sold is the Blue Belle of Asia, a cushion-cut Ceylon sapphire of 392.52 carats, at Christie's Geneva in 2014 for 17.3 million dollars, a world auction record for any Sapphire in history. The historic sources of the finest gemstones are Kashmir, Myanmar and Sri Lanka, and the trade still uses the old name Ceylon for a Sri Lankan Sapphire of that open, bright blue.
In the shop now
Sapphire rings at Philip Lloyd
Victorian Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring 18ct Yellow Gold 0.85ct + 2.03ct
£3,750
Victorian Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Platinum Ring 1.30ct + 3.10ct
£5,950
Victorian Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring 18ct Yellow Gold 1.0ct + 1.95ct
£3,450
Victorian Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring 18ct Yellow Gold 1.0ct + 2.12ct
£3,450
Victorian Sapphire and Diamond Cluster 18ct Yellow Gold Ring 1.35ct + 2.65ct
£5,950
Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring 18ct Yellow Gold 0.90ct + 1.60ct
£2,950
Art Deco Sapphire and Diamond Platinum Ring 0.30ct + 1.20ct
£1,895
Victorian Style Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring 18ct Yellow Gold 0.50ct + 1.37ct
£2,395
What Sapphire is in the royal engagement ring?
The world’s most iconic Sapphire ring is probably the one that once belonged to Princess Diana, and is now worn by the Princess of Wales. Its 12 carat Blue Sapphire, surrounded by Diamonds, has become something of a modern classic and has helped make this particular style instantly recognisable. A Victorian style cluster does the same thing on a smaller scale: a blue centre, a frame of Diamonds to lift it, and a shape that has not dated in a century.
What is the September birthstone?
Sapphire is the official birthstone of September. The British list produced by the National Association of Goldsmiths in 1937 named Sapphire for the month, with Lapis Lazuli as the alternative. And if September isn’t your birthday month, Sapphire has a couple of other occasions covered too: it is traditionally given to mark both the 5th and 45th wedding anniversaries, making it one of the few gemstones with more than one milestone to celebrate!
How do you choose a Sapphire?
When it comes to choosing your perfect Sapphire, colour is the best place to start. Look at the stone in daylight and check that the colour stays even across the face. A good blue should hold its colour in the shade, while a weaker stone can turn grey or black. Clarity in Sapphires matters less than it does in a Diamond, because fine needle-like inclusions are normal in Sapphire and a gemstone with none at all is rarer than it is beautiful. Cut is really about how evenly the stone returns light and colour, rather than simply the name of its shape. And then, finally, size. This is one area where bigger really isn’t always better. A smaller Sapphire with wonderful colour can look spectacular on the hand, while a much larger stone can fall flat if the colour is dull. With Sapphire, quality tends to make a bigger impression than size alone.
Where to see them
We have a wide selection of Sapphire Rings to choose from, including Blue, Pink and Yellow Sapphire Rings in a variety of classic and distinctive styles. Our collection includes Victorian style Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Rings, Art Deco style Sapphire and Diamond Rings, as well as classic Sapphire Three Stone Rings and Sapphire Five Stone Rings. You can browse our current Sapphire Rings online, or visit us in person at our Reigate store to see the colours, gemstones and settings for yourself. We’re always happy to discuss the stones, settings and sizing with you to help you find your perfect ring. Every ring can be re-sized, and we offer this service completely free of charge!
Questions we are asked
- Is a Sapphire hard enough for an engagement ring?
- Yes - Sapphire is a very durable choice for an engagement ring. At 9 on the Mohs scale, it is one of the hardest gemstones, second only to Diamond, making it well suited to everyday wear. Its durability and scarcity is what makes it a practical choice for a ring that is worn every day, while still offering the colour and sparkle you’d expect from a fine gemstone.
- What are some popular styles for Sapphire rings?
- Sapphire works beautifully across a range of ring styles, often paired with Diamonds in classic cluster, three stone and halo designs. Blue Sapphires offer a traditional elegance, while Pink and Yellow Sapphires add a unique pop of colour to your style. Victorian style clusters and Art Deco inspired settings are particularly popular, with each style bringing out something different in the colour and character of the Sapphire.
- Do I need a certificate for a Sapphire?
- A certificate can be useful, but is not essential. For a Sapphire, a certificate provides details on a gemstone's cut, colour and clarity, but often costs extra and plenty of beautiful rings have never had one.
