Sapphire
Precious stone
Sapphire is the blue variety of corundum. Its exceptional hardness and deep colour make it one of the most worn gemstones in fine jewellery, as a solitaire or surrounded by diamonds.
Gemmological facts
- Species
- Corundum
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 9
- Family
- Precious stone
- Signature colour
- Blue
- Mineral species: Corundum (aluminium oxide, Al₂O₃)
- Hardness: 9 on the Mohs scale — only diamond is harder.
- Colours: From velvety blue to royal blue, but also pink, yellow, green, violet and orange; the pinkish-orange variety is called padparadscha.
Main origins
Kashmir
Historic velvety blue, deposits now very limited.
Sri Lanka (Ceylon)
Light, luminous blues with a wide range of hues.
Burma (Myanmar)
Intense, saturated blues.
Madagascar
Major contemporary source, all shades.
Australia
Darker blues, often with green reflections.
Best-suited cuts
Oval
Highlights colour saturation and elongates the finger.
Cushion
The classic high-jewellery cut for sapphires.
Round brilliant
Maximises brilliance on lighter stones.
Pear
Ideal for pendants and drop earrings.
Emerald (step cut)
Emphasises clarity and the depth of the blue.
Jewellery and care
Engagement ring, halo solitaire, set wedding band, pendant, earrings and bracelet: its hardness allows daily wear.
Clean with lukewarm soapy water and a soft brush. Sapphire handles everyday use well; have the setting checked once a year.