These different colored sapphires are referred to as “fancy sapphires” and are often less expensive than the blue ones, yet equally as beautiful and a fine alternative to blue. Sapphires also come in violet, dark gray, orange, yellow, pink, green and black, which tends to be relatively inexpensive. Blue is considered Sapphire’s “true” color and the one most often recognized. Except for Red Corundum, which is Ruby, all other colors of Corundum are Sapphires. Sapphires belong to the same mineral species as rubies, called corundum. Sapphire is the birthstone for September and the zodiac gemstone for Taurus. Rulers of ancient Persia believed the sky was painted blue by their reflections and in the antiquity, kings and queens thought that blue sapphires protected their owners from envy and harm. Sapphires are the perfect colored gemstone to wear in an engagement ring or an everyday right hand ring.Blue sapphire is considered a primary color gemstone the purer the primary hue, the more valuable the gemstone. Named from the Greek word sappheiros meaning blue, sapphires have been highly priced gemstones since 800 BC. If it is too light, it is not as fine a quality. If a sapphire is too dark, then it has no sparkle. Our gemstone buyers and Graduate Gemologist look for an intense bright and blue color.

However, the term Sapphire encompasses all other gem varieties and colors of Corundum as well, excluding Ruby, the red variety of Corundum, which has its own name.Īt the Artful Eye, we hand select each and every sapphire by hand. In the gem trade, Sapphire without any color prefix refers to the blue variety of the mineral Corundum. It is a very desirable gemstone due to its excellent color, hardness and luster. Sapphire is the most precious and valuable blue gemstone. Mother Nature is truly amazing! Is this your beautiful birthstone? Sapphires can even be gray, black, or brown. Some stones exhibit the phenomenon known as color change, most often going from blue in daylight or fluorescent lighting to purple under incandescent light. Did you know Sapphires come in all colors of the rainbow? Besides blue sapphire and ruby, the corundum family also includes so-called “fancy sapphires.” They come in violet, green, yellow, orange, pink, purple! There are also “parti-colored” sapphires that show combinations of different colors.

Sapphire stone birthstone