Sapphires And Alternative Design
In myriad colors, sapphires are the perfect gemstone alternative to diamonds. They're our go-to choice for adding color and sparkle without compromising durability or longevity.
Found in deposits around the world and with a Mohs hardness of 9 (second only to diamonds) Sapphires are strong enough to be worn daily without fear. They make the perfect choice for those who don't want to wear a traditional diamond ring.
Sapphire is a variety of the mineral corundum, an aluminum oxide. Although traditionally thought of as a deep royal blue color, sapphires naturally occur in almost every color of the rainbow except red, which is what we call Ruby in the jewelry industry.
Sapphires can be cut and polished in every shape just like diamonds, and with so many color options you can find the perfect shade to match your unique sense of self-expression. Here are some of the most notable & popular sapphire color options to consider when deciding on your perfect gemstone.
Kashmir Blue
Considered one of the most infamous gemstones in the world, the Kashmir sapphire is so rare that is hardly ever seen. Specimens are noted to have a superior cornflower blue tint with a sleepy quality to them. Most describe them as ‘blue velvet’.
Ceylon Blue
Ceylon sapphires (also known as Sri-Lankan sapphires) are blue sapphires that originate in Sri Lanka. They are distinguished by their excellent brightness, brilliance, and saturation.
Padparadscha
“Padparadscha” is an ancient Sanskrit word used to describe the color of a tropical lotus flower. One of the rarest gemstones of the world, Padparadscha sapphires are rivaled by no other gemstone species or color substitute. The color range of a padparadscha falls within a mix of 2 colors: pink and orange.
Violet & Purple
Although less known compared to other purple gemstones such as amethyst, sapphires are far more durable and brilliant than other stones of the same color. Many purple and violet sapphires show subtle shifts in color under different kinds of lighting, they will appear violet under daylight or fluorescent lighting, and distinctly purple under incandescent lights.
Green
Green sapphires range from light mint hues to deep earthy greenish-brown colors. Green sapphires are extremely durable when compared to other green gemstones like Emeralds or Tsavorite Garnet.
Parti-Color
Parti sapphires are a type of sapphire that displays two or more distinct colors. The name "parti" comes from the word "partite," which means divided or partitioned. Parti sapphires are typically cut in a way that highlights their unique color zoning, which creates a stunning visual effect.
Color your world
As we've highlighted, sapphires offer a full spectrum of stunning shades and are a brilliant alternative to diamonds. We are always ready to talk about gemstones of any color and help you find the perfect sapphire for your unique piece. Visit us in the gallery or book a complimentary discovery call. Let's add a splash of color to your collection.