5 Things to Know about Blue Sapphires: Qualities Explained

1. Basic Features

Sapphires make up one of four precious gemstone types in the world. That comes with the highest specific gravity level found in all gemstones (with a mean of 4.0). Along with its hardness, which is second only to that of diamonds. Blue sapphires derive their name from the Latin word ‘sapphire’: Which means blue. Their beauty has been recognized since ancient times. From Rome to Persia, blue sapphires have been a staple of luxury. And with good reason. Here you shall find out why.

Colour

Contrary to what some may think, blue sapphires don’t come in a single variety of the colour blue. In fact, blue sapphires come in a wide range of shades and tones that correspond to this particular colour: From navy blue, baby blue, and the famous Royal blue. The shades of blue found in this variety of sapphires can vary from light blue to deep blue, to those that almost resemble the colour black. Since almost all sapphires contain traces of other colours in them: that is a feature of their mineral character. So from a technical standpoint, for a sapphire to be considered a ‘Blue Sapphire’, the percentage of secondary colour present in the gemstone should not exceed 15 per cent of the total level. Whilst the market for shaded sapphires exists. Blue sapphires hold a unique position of value. The top variety of blue sapphires is those that come with a cornflower blue shade, carrying a velvet lustre. Unsurprisingly these gemstones come with a premium price.

Country of Origin

In terms of the country of origin, which according to some, is considered a marker of value, Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) and Madagascar are considered to be the top destination for top-quality blue sapphires. In more recent times, Burma (Myanmar) has emerged as a top destination for this type of sapphire. Tending to produce a smaller quantity of stones than those from Ceylon, but often of a higher carat, and also tend to be more expensive in general. However, in terms of sheer volume, colour range and carat options, Ceylon sapphires remain on top. And in terms of gem mining history and tradition in the gem trade, Ceylon sapphires are again unchallenged.

2. Their Mineral Character

In mineralogy, the sapphire stone is classified under the mineral named Corundum. Ruby, the other major gemstone, also belongs to the same mineral family, and technically they could be called red sapphires. Yellow sapphires and a rare variety of pink-orange sapphires are uniquely identified by two names, Pushparaga and Padmaraga. When it comes to blue sapphires, the defining characteristic of their colour is the presence of the mineral titanium in the crystal. Higher levels of this mineral correspond to a higher saturation of the colour. The hardness of sapphires has led to many industrial applications. Blue sapphires which are used for such purposes contain a much higher percentage of the colour blue, turning them into a darker shade.

3. As a Birth Stone

Sapphire is the birthstone for the month of September. And is considered a gifted stone for those celebrating their 5th anniversary. It is important here, to not confuse the semi-precious stone Lapis Lazuli, with blue sapphires. Which also comes in the same stunning blue shades, that are similar to actual sapphires. A beautiful stone in its own right, the Lapis Lazuli comes with gold-coloured flecks, that give it a unique tone. And blue sapphires, have long been recognized for their value in ancient Egypt. However blue sapphires have a unique value as birthstones, in that they are widely recognized. And if you’re the superstitious type or someone who likes to believe in a bit of mystery: you might be interested to know that blue sapphires are believed to contain mystical powers, that (owing to their colour) carry a connection with the heavens. And blessing the wearer with protection from the powers of darkness. And in relation to the Royal blue sapphires, blue sapphires are considered as a mark of nobility.

Photo courtesy of the Gemological Institute of America.

5. Blue Sapphires Global Recognition

It is a well-known fact that blue sapphires are the king in the world of sapphires. As sapphire stones come in a variety of colours and hues: that includes virtually every colour in the rainbow. However, it is the blue sapphire that has built up for itself a global reputation as the top corundum gemstone (excluding rubies-which are also corundum based). 

Choice of Royalty

Princess Diana’s 1981 engagement ring is a good example of the timeless value of sapphire engagement rings. After almost thirty years, Price William, her son, proposed to Kate Middleton, with the same ring. And the practice of choosing blue sapphires in Royal jewellery goes back hundreds of years. In 1796, the French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte, gifted his wife Josephine, a two-stone sapphire and diamond engagement ring. The ring featuring a pear-shaped sapphire, placed next to a pear-shaped diamond, facing opposite directions, situated on a simple gold band, was later sold at auction in 2013, for around a million dollars.

Engagement Rings

Despite the growing popularity of sapphires that come in other colours such as pink, yellow, purple, and white; blue sapphires continue to hold a commanding position in the market for sapphire gemstones and blue sapphire engagement rings are at the top when it comes to this category of fine jewellery. Their popularity is driven by the globally recognized characteristic of the colour blue. of this precious stone. Unsurprising this has led to a unique demand for sapphire and specifically blue sapphire jewellery. With sapphire engagement rings that feature this colour: in various shades and tones, fast becoming a top choice. Whilst diamonds continue to dominate the market for engagement rings, the rise in demand for these precious stones (which are rarer than diamonds) is only set to grow.