What Are Sapphires? All You Need to Know About These Stunning Gems

Posted on June 11th, 2024

When you think of gemstones, sapphires often come to mind as some of the most exquisite and sought-after.

But what are sapphires exactly? These stunning gems have captivated people for centuries with their vibrant colours and remarkable durability.

In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about sapphires, from their composition and varieties to their symbolism and how to tell if a sapphire is real.

What Are Sapphires?

Sapphires are precious gemstones that belong to the corundum family, which also includes rubies.

The primary component of sapphires is aluminium oxide (Al2O3), making them incredibly hard and durable.

They rate a nine on the Mohs scale of hardness, second only to diamonds.

This exceptional hardness makes them an excellent choice for everyday jewellery, as they can withstand the wear and tear that comes with daily use.

What Are Sapphires Made Of?

The beauty of sapphires lies not only in their hardness but also in their unique chemical composition.

Sapphires are primarily composed of aluminium oxide, giving them their remarkable hardness.

This makes them one of the most durable gemstones, perfect for jewellery that can withstand daily wear and tear.

Trace elements like iron, titanium, and chromium give sapphires their various colours.

Each element influences the gem's hue, creating a spectrum of beautiful colours. For example, iron and titanium produce blue sapphires, while chromium results in pink sapphires.

Colours of Sapphires

Sapphires are renowned for their rich, diverse colours. While blue sapphires are the most iconic, these gems come in a stunning array of hues, each with its unique charm and appeal.

Blue Sapphires

Blue sapphires are often associated with royalty and nobility. Their deep, velvety hue is the result of trace elements like iron and titanium.

The most prized blue sapphires exhibit a rich, vivid colour that can vary slightly when viewed from different angles.

Fancy Sapphires

Sapphires are not limited to blue. Fancy sapphires include a variety of colours, such as:

• Yellow Sapphires: These range from pale lemon to vibrant canary yellow, offering a cheerful alternative to blue.
• Pink Sapphires: These gems vary from light pastel shades to deep magenta, providing a romantic and delicate look.
• Green Sapphires: Less common but equally beautiful, green sapphires range from mint to rich olive.
• Purple Sapphires: With hues from lavender to deep violet, purple sapphires offer a unique and regal appearance.
• Orange Sapphires: Known as padparadscha sapphires, these rare gems display a captivating blend of pink and orange.
• Colourless Sapphires: Also called white sapphires, these stones are a brilliant alternative to diamonds, offering stunning sparkle.

Symbolism and Significance

Sapphires have held symbolic significance throughout history.

These gems are not only beautiful but also imbued with rich meanings and associations, making them a favourite choice for significant jewellery pieces.

Many cultures believe sapphires bring wisdom, protection, and good fortune. They are often associated with nobility, sincerity, and faithfulness.

These qualities make sapphires a popular choice for engagement rings and other meaningful jewellery.

Sapphires are the birthstone for September, symbolising purity and wisdom.

They are also traditionally given on the 45th wedding anniversary, celebrating enduring love and commitment.

How to Tell If a Sapphire Is Real

With the popularity of sapphires, it's crucial to know how to identify genuine stones.

Colour and Clarity

Genuine sapphires often have a rich, vivid colour that can vary slightly when viewed from different angles.

Be cautious of stones with overly uniform or dull colours, as they may be synthetic or treated.

Natural sapphires usually contain tiny inclusions or imperfections, visible under magnification, indicating authenticity.

Hardness Test

As one of the hardest gemstones, sapphires should not scratch easily. Conducting a scratch test can help verify the stone's authenticity.

If a stone scratches too easily, it is likely not a real sapphire.

Professional Appraisal

The best way to determine if a sapphire is real is to have it evaluated by a professional jeweller.

Expert appraisals ensure the authenticity of your gemstones and provide peace of mind when purchasing fine jewellery.

Why Choose Sapphires for Your Jewellery?

Sapphires offer a unique combination of beauty, durability, and symbolism. Their versatility makes them an excellent choice for various types of jewellery, from engagement rings to necklaces.

The exceptional hardness of sapphires makes them ideal for everyday jewellery. They can withstand the wear and tear of daily use, ensuring your pieces remain beautiful over time.

The wide range of sapphire colours means there is a gem to suit every style and preference.

Whether you prefer classic blue or a unique fancy colour, sapphires offer endless possibilities for personal expression.

Caring for Your Sapphire Jewellery

Proper care can keep your sapphire jewellery looking its best for years to come. Maintaining the beauty and brilliance of your sapphires is simple with a few key practices.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Regularly clean your sapphire jewellery with a soft brush, mild soap, and warm water. Avoid harsh chemicals or ultrasonic cleaners, as they can damage the stone.

Periodic check-ups by a professional jeweller ensure the settings are secure and the stone remains in good condition.

Store your sapphire jewellery in a soft pouch or lined jewellery box to prevent scratches and damage.

Keep it separate from other gemstones, especially harder ones like diamonds, to avoid accidental scratching.

About Kellerwood Jewellers

At Kellerwood Jewellers, we take immense pride in providing the highest quality jewellery using the finest materials sourced globally.

Specialising in bespoke jewellery, we tackle any design challenge. Our custom designs include diamond and gemstone rings, unique necklaces, earrings, and gemstone studs.

Whether refreshing an older piece or creating something new, we ensure personalised service and exceptional craftsmanship.

Experience the luxury of our jewellery with a free consultation and join our family of satisfied clients.

Conclusion

Sapphires are truly stunning gems that offer a unique combination of beauty, durability, and symbolism.

At Kellerwood Jewellers, we are passionate about sharing our love for these magnificent stones with our customers.

If you're interested in adding a sapphire piece to your collection or have any questions about custom jewellery pieces, we invite you to get in touch with us.

Call us at 020 3713 7757 or email us at [email protected].

We would be delighted to help you find the perfect sapphire jewellery that suits your style and needs.