Sapphires are precious gems that belong to the corundum family, the same as rubies. They are best known for their intense blue colour, but can actually come in a wide range of colours, including pink, yellow, green and even colourless. The blue colour is due to the presence of titanium and iron in their chemical composition.

Characteristics and properties

• Hardness: sapphires are extremely hard, with a value of 9 on the Mohs scale, making them very scratch-resistant and suitable for use in jewellery.
• Colour: the most prized colour is the ‘cornflower’ blue, a velvety, intense blue. However, ‘fancy’ sapphires, i.e. those in other colours, are becoming increasingly popular.
• Clarity: the clarity of sapphires varies, and inclusions can affect their value. However, some inclusions, such as those that create the ‘star’ effect, are highly sought after.
• Provenance: sapphires are found in different parts of the world, including Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Australia, Thailand and Myanmar. Each location produces sapphires with unique characteristics.

Famous Sapphires

The ‘Logan Sapphire’, one of the largest blue sapphires in the world, weighing 423 carats, on display at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington. Sapphires adorn the British royal crown, a symbol of nobility and power.

Uses and meanings

Sapphires are widely used in jewellery for rings, necklaces, earrings and bracelets. Throughout history, sapphires have been associated with wisdom, loyalty and nobility. In addition to jewellery, synthetic sapphire crystals are also used in industrial applications, such as in the production of tough glass for watches and electronic devices.

Sapphires continue to fascinate and be appreciated for their beauty and unique properties.