The Different Types of Sapphires by Color

Sapphires have intrigued people for thousands of years, and boast a long and storied history deeply intertwined with mythology, royalty, and spirituality.  They were believed to protect one from envy and harm in ancient Greece and Rome.  In the medieval era, they were one of the chosen gemstones to adorn ecclesiastical rings because they were thought to hold the power of protection.  Ancient Hebrews believed that the Ten Commandments were engraved on tablets made of sapphire. Blue sapphires have long been associated with royalty and are set in many crowns, tiaras, jewelry, scepters, and other ceremonial items as they symbolize loyalty, sincerity, and wisdom.

What are Sapphires?

Sapphires are a member of the corundum family of minerals. These stones consist of aluminum oxide mixed with trace amounts of other minerals.  These other minerals determine the stone's color. Although sapphires are known for rich blue shades, these precious gemstones are found in a spectrum of colors from their iconic and mesmerizing blue, to pink, purple, orange, yellow, green, teal, and even white. 

No two sapphires are ever completely alike, and they are the only natural stone nearly as hard as diamonds. Sapphires can only be scratched by other sapphires or diamonds, making them an excellent choice to be set in jewelry you want to wear every day. 

The Many Colors of Sapphires

Blue sapphires are the most traditional and sought-after color.  They come in every shade of the sea and sky, and have special meaning in that they are the birthstone of September and the gemstone that commemorates the 45th wedding anniversary.  

Pink sapphires are reminiscent of the early sunrise as they can be found in every shade from soft pink hues to deep magenta.  The deeper the color, the rarer and more expensive the sapphire.

White sapphires are like shining stars and sparkle like diamonds.  However, in most cases, you will see a bit of a silvery flash in them.  They have become a very popular diamond alternative in both engagement rings and wedding bands due to their durability, sparkle, and affordability.

Green sapphires can remind you of any shade of green found in nature, in that their hues range from a light mint to a medium green to a vivid green.  And because of their distinct look, you can tell them apart from emerald and peridot.

Purple sapphires mimic the light and dark colors of dusk as they range from a soft lavender or violet color to a deep plum.  They are dramatic and have become a popular sapphire color over the past few years.

Padparadscha sapphires are one of the rarest sapphires whose hue is a mix of pink and orange.  It is named for the Sinhalese word for a lotus blossom, because the unique blend of colors resembles the color of aquatic lotus petals.

Grey sapphires can remind you of the sky before an impending storm in that they can be found in light ghost gray to almost black.  Many of these stones have a silvery flash to them.  They are an elegant choice as the color gray denotes wisdom and experience.

Yellow sapphires are bright and warm like the sunshine, and vary in color from light and sunny to deep golden yellow. Some yellow sapphires are almost colorless with just a hint of pale yellow color, while others are a deep, rich orange hue.

Teal sapphires reflect the colors of the forest.  Recently, they have become very sought-after and are commonly referred to as "peacock sapphires because they contain a mix of blue, green, and sometimes yellow hues.

Where do Sapphires Come From?

Sapphires are mined all over the world, and their location plays a role in their color, inclusions, and overall look:

• India and Burma are mainly known for their velvety blue sapphires.  
  
  
• Both Sri Lanka and Cambodia are known for sapphires found in various shades of blue, green, and pink, with some yellow to orange-hued ones found in Sri Lanka. 
  
  
• Australia is known for rich earth-toned sapphires in shades of brown and gray.
  
  
• The state of Montana is one of the only places in the United States where sapphires can be mined. Montana sapphires are found in unique colorations that range from blue to green, and even yellow.  These stones are ethically sourced and are generally found in Rock Creek and Yogo Gulch. 

Sapphires are one of the most sought-after gemstones in the world. If you are shopping for sapphire jewelry, you can find something in almost any color, cut, or budget.  

Discover more artisan-made sapphire jewelry in a variety of styles in the sapphire collection.