Sapphire, a gemstone famous for it’s durability, practicality, and stunning range of color. Sapphire originates from the “Corundum” family, a rock-forming mineral with a Hardness Rating of 9 on the MOHS scale, meaning it is ideal for an engagement ring, or any jewelry that is going to be worn a lot. Beyond it’s durability, it also offers a luxurious, richly hued gem that has been found in royal jewel collections for ages past.

Corundum in it’s natural, untouched state is colorless, but in the presence of impurities, the interaction of it’s chemical composition creates outstanding natural color. For example, the presence of Chromium in Corundum is what gives Ruby it’s luscious red color. The presence of Iron, when combined with elements of Titanium, color Corundum shades of blue, giving us the most recognized and well known version of Corundum - Sapphire. Higher iron concentration produces a deeper, darker blue and is responsible for giving us that rich, velvety blue we love about sapphire.

Perhaps the most iconic of our time, the Ceylon Blue Sapphire that we saw in Princess Diana’s ring, later to be worn by Duchess Kate Middleton:

*The Iconic Sapphire Ring, featured here by Duchess Kate Middleton*

Sapphire is mined all around the world, notably in Sri Lanka, Burma, and Thailand; you might even be familiar with the teal-toned Montana Sapphire, named for the deposit of Sapphires discovered in Montana in the late 1800’s; these mystical, teal Sapphires are becoming rapidly more popular these days and have a beautiful range of color that emanates from the stones chemical composition.

Another infamous historical Sapphire?

The Blue Belle of Asia - a fabulous, unheated Ceylon Blue Sapphire weighing just under 400 carats. It was last seen auctioned at Christie’s Geneva for a record price, fetching over $17 million for the stone in it’s elegant setting, a necklace draped in natural diamonds with a tassel of diamonds on the bottom.

*The Blue Belle of Asia, set in White Gold with a Diamond Tassel*

Padparadscha Sapphire

When Chromium and Iron come together at just the right balance, we get the extremely rare and exquisite Padparadscha Sapphire, a coral-colored Corundum usually sourced from Sri Lanka. It’s an exquisite stone to come across, and highly sought after for both rarity and beauty. Princess Eugenie’s own engagement ring features an extremely rare Padparadscha, estimated at 3-4 carats and set in a halo of diamonds.

*From the Engagement Announcement of Princess Eugenie*

With it’s own extraordinary range of color, durability, and beauty, Sapphire is a gemstone you’ll likely find yourself returning to again and again. Stop by the Studio to catch some Sapphire inspiration from the showcase or browse loose stones for a custom project!