Save Up to 30% |
Terms & Conditions
> SHOP SALE JEWELRY
Blue pear shaped sapphire gemstones featured in a pair of dangly diamond earrings

Sapphire Guide

Known for their signature lapis blue color, sapphires are historically one of the most coveted gemstones. Although sapphire comes from the Greek word for “blue” Sappheiros, sapphires come in a variety of hues.

What is a sapphire?

Sapphires are derived from the mineral corundum. Commonly associated with a regal shade of blue, sapphires inspired the term “royal blue.” But sapphires range in color from green and yellow to orange and even violet.
Marquis cut sapphire gemstones accent an eternity diamond wedding ring
Rob Lavinsky, iRocks.com – CC-BY-SA-3.0, CC BY-SA 3.0,
 via Wikimedia Commons / Cropped from original 

Mineral: Corundum 

Origins: Kasmir, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, 
Australia, Thailand, Cambodia, 
Madagascar, United States (Montana) 

Symbols: Good Fortune, Romance 

Properties: Wisdom, Wealth 

Durability: 9

 

ENHANCEMENTS

Heated and/or infused to improve color and clarity 


CARE

 
Basic Gemstone Care 

SIMILAR GEMSTONES

 

Pink Sapphire 

A sapphire gemstone in unpolished crystal form

What to Look for in Sapphires

 
When we think of sapphires we often think "blue", but sapphire refers to any colored corundum other than red, which qualifies as a ruby. Sapphires can be white, yellow, pink, green or purple.They also come “parti-colored,” which means they shift colors in different lighting. The most common parti-colored sapphires seemingly change from blue in daylight to purple in incandescent light. Sapphires are the traditional September birthstone. Sapphires look gorgeous in any jewelry setting, whether silver, gold or platinum. When choosing a sapphire, keep these characteristics in mind:

COLOR

 
Gemstone Color is often the most important aspect of a gemstone. Sapphires with a true, deep blue color are often the most desirable of these gemstones — and they’re more rare than other sapphire colors. Rubies are also the same mineral, corundum, as Saphpire in a red hue. Sapphires in other hues are known as fancy sapphires. Colorless sapphires offer the look of a diamond at a more budget-friendly price point, but without skimping on beauty and brilliance.

An Illustration of 3 differently colored gemstones from the side

CUT

 
A gemstone cut should highlight its best aspects. Our sapphires are cut to showcase their distinctive combination of color, clarity and brilliance. To maximize reflection, sapphires may have a more shallow cut to allow in more light and sparkle, or they may be cut more deeply to showcase a dark saturation.

An Illustration of a well-cut gemstone from the side

CLARITY

 
When speaking of gemstone clarity, natural gemstones contain inclusions, which are materials like gas bubbles, minerals or liquid that are trapped within the stone while it forms. The fewer visible inclusions in a sapphire, the more desirable it is. However, sapphires occasionally feature an inclusion known as an asterism, or the star effect, in which a dazzling six-ray star pattern appears on its surface.

An Illustration of a gemstone with very few inclusions from the side

SIZE (CARAT)

 
Sapphires are denser than diamonds, so what we consider a carat weight for a sapphire differs from that of a diamond. That’s why the size of gemstones, including sapphires, is measured by their diameter in millimeters. A sapphire measuring six millimeters in diameter is roughly equivalent to one carat.

An illustration of a gemstone from the side with a ruler over the gem's table

ENHANCEMENT

 
Most gemstones on the market today are enhanced with heat treatments or infusions to help improve the color and clarity. Our sapphires undergo rigorous internal inspections and are of the highest quality.

An illustration of a gemstone being treated with oiling enhancement method

HARDNESS & WEARABILITY

Sapphires are very durable, earning a 9 out of 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness. A diamond, the hardest of all gemstones at a rating of 10, is the only natural thing that can scratch a sapphire. This makes sapphire jewelry suitable for everyday wear, whether in a beautiful ring setting, a bold pendant necklace or sparkling earrings.
The Moh's hardness scale showing opal at 5, emerald at 7.5, topaz at 8, ruby at 9, and diamond at 10

Choosing the Right Sapphire Jewelry

 
Ultimately, selecting a piece of sapphire jewelry should come down to what you love. A sapphire that makes you think of the sky, or the ocean, or your favorite person’s eyes brings good feelings and terrific sparkle to your look. Sometimes called the “wisdom stone,” sapphire jewelry makes a meaningful gift for graduates. Green sapphires, known as the “stone of fidelity,” makes them a wonderful choice for a sapphire engagement ring or anniversary gift. Sapphires are associated with spiritual truths and positive thinking.

Famous Sapphire Gemstones

 
Royalty has an enduring love affair with this gemstone, which adorns the Imperial State crown and the engagement rings of Josephine Bonaparte and Lady Diana Spencer—who chose her stunning 12-carat, oval sapphire ring to match her baby blue eyes. That famous ring was recently passed down to Kate Middleton by Diana’s son, Prince William.

How to Care for Your Sapphire Jewelry

Keep your sapphire jewelry sparkling and in good condition with regular cleaning. Soak it in warm, soapy water for a few minutes, then grab a soft-bristled toothbrush to give the stone a gentle scrub. For more information, read our guide on caring for your gemstone jewelry.

LEARN MORE ABOUT GEMSTONES

Sapphires are just one of many gemstones you’ll find at Blue Nile. Learn about other gemstones, and fall in love with all of them.

Only at Blue Nile

When it comes to celebrations we strive to make your experience as
brilliant as our jewelry with the perfect pieces for every occasion.

Meet our personal jewelers, explore bestselling styles, pick up an online order, arrange to preview something from our online collection and so much more.
Book a fun and interactive appointment with a diamond expert and get up-close views of diamond and jewelery options from the comfort of your own home.
Amazing Value
The highest-quality design at a great price.
Peace of Mind
30-day returns, diamond price-match guarantee and more.
Expert Guidance
The original online jeweler since 1999.
Inspiring Assortment
The perfect pieces for every occasion.