A Guide to Sapphire Colours

With a vast and exciting range of options, Australian Sapphires come in almost every colour of the spectrum including blue, pink, green, yellow, orange, purple, colourless and black gemstones. The divine and durable Sapphire has captivated the hearts of many, from Ancient Greek monarchs to the engagement ring of Princess Diana and countless other brides-to-be today. In this guide, we’ll discuss the many different Sapphire colour options available and how they determine the stone’s value.

Blue

Sapphires are generally known as a blue gemstone, and renowned for their colour intensity. Colour is a highly important factor in determining a Sapphire’s value. Blue sapphires generally have a more vivid colour saturation than other shades and usually  command the highest prices per carat. They’re a popular choice for engagement rings, earrings and pendant necklaces as they flatter the complexion of the wearer who adorns them. 

The ‘Riverina’ Ring pictured above features a breathtaking 1.12ct Blue Oval Australia Sapphire, evoking the deep blues of cascading rivers from the bespoke Australian region this stone originated from. The cut and clarity of the Blue Sapphire maximises brilliance and sparkle in every light!

The colour blue has long been associated with royalty and holiness. A blue sapphire is believed to be good for attracting abundance, blessings, serenity and good fortune - hence why it makes a perfect choice for an engagement ring!

Green

Green Sapphires use varying amounts of blue and yellow to form one of the largest range of hues, from olive green to deep emerald, even bright lime! Compared to emerald, green sapphires are far more brilliant and look stunning in every light. As Green Sapphires are lesser known, they’re not as expensive compared to other coloured Sapphire shades but every bit as unique!

As seen in our classic ‘HighWire Trilogy’ style ring above, this super bright, master-cut Rubyvale green sapphire is perfectly balanced with two matching Argyle mine champagne diamonds to highlight the centre stone. 

Green is thought to represent renewal, harmony, and balance. A green sapphire gemstone can be calming for the wearer, promoting feelings of gratitude, faith and an attraction to the richness of life!

Pink

The various shades of pink Sapphire are well known for their femininity and delicacy, complementing almost every skintone. The ultimate symbol of romance, the gemstone can come in every shade imaginable from pale baby pink to vivid, intense magenta. We love the baby pink hues due to the lighter, airy quality about them, that look just divine when paired with rose gold for the perfect balance of sophisticated and sweet in a sentimental engagement ring.

Our ‘Bellini’ ring featured above uses a stunning, rare, unheated peach sapphire and a diamond halo to perfectly capture the celebratory mood of a spring engagement - complete with sweet peaches and sparkling Prosecco!

The pink sapphire is a stunning representation of love, truth and feminine power.

Yellow

There are few things more captivating than the golden hues of a vivid Yellow Sapphire. Yellow Sapphires have fantastic light reflection and look particularly gorgeous set in yellow gold. While Yellow Sapphires can range from greenish-yellows to almost orange, the preferred shade is this vivid canary yellow as pictured above in the Riverina Gold engagement ring. This stunning piece of jewellery features a rare 1.54ct oval Australian gold sapphire, inspired by the liquid sunlight and laidback beauty of the Australian landscape.

Yellow sapphires usually have fewer inclusions than other colors, so clarity is critical if assessing the value of the stone. Well-cut yellow sapphires are often much less costly than blue or other coloured sapphires, and make an entirely unique talking piece. The Yellow Sapphire is very well-regarded in the Vedic Astrology of India, thought to embody divine grace and power. It is considered to be the gemstone of knowledge, auspicious wealth and loving relationships, making it a thoughtful gift!

Orange

Orange Sapphires are very difficult to find in a natural, untreated state, but make a radiant feature gemstone.  Most orange sapphires has a secondary tone of yellow as well, forming a delicious range of apricot and peach shades. 

Orange gemstones symbolize happiness, creativity, and stimulation, thought to spark intense passion and warmth. This unique Sapphire colour is featured in our ‘Spritz’ Ring, highlighting the refreshing beauty of this 1.47ct Electric Orange Apricot Sapphire. Balanced by white round brilliant-cut & marquise diamonds and a pale yellow sapphire in an offset cluster, the ‘Spritz’ makes a perfect alternate Sapphire Engagement Ring for a summer bride.

Black

Black sapphire is a nearly opaque stone whose color is so dark, it appears to absob all light. Varying shades of intensity can make some stones also looks very dark blue or gray. Black Sapphire is becoming a more popular obstitute for Onyx, as the appearances are very similar and sapphire is much more durable with a 9 out of 10 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness.

Black Sapphire is thought to represent strength, power, and protection—as well as good luck and fortune. It makes a fantastic choice as a gift for a woman who enjoys jewellery that suits her personal style.

Intrigued by the ring above? Our ‘Tosca Venetia Ring’ features a cushion-cut 4.62ct Black Australian Sapphire named after the dark-eyed beauty from Puccini’s fabulous opera.

White

White sapphires are becoming something of a phenomenon as the perfect alternative to a diamond, especially with engagement rings. Much less known then their blue counterparts, White Sapphires are a unique choice while still upholding a timeless, classic look. As colour intensity is not a factor in a White Sapphire, value is determined by clarity and must be properly cut to maximise brilliance and sparkle. As  inclusions are easier to spot within a White Sapphire, a transparent white gemstone is highly valuable.

White Sapphires are considered by some to be a spiritual stone, bringing intuition, clarity and self-mastery to the wearer. And nothing is clearer than our love for the 'Polaris' Sapphire & Diamond engagement ring featuring a 2.27ct White oval-cut Sapphire that can change hue in different lights. 

Which colour of Sapphire is the most valuable?

In terms of price, pure blue sapphires are the most highly prized and are the most expensive. The best color for a blue sapphire is an intense, velvety, deep royal blue. The Australian sapphire is extremely valued by gem collectors, jewellers and wearers alike. The crystals can vary in size which may influence value, but the average sapphire measures to be about three carats. Other factors influencing the value of Australian Sapphires include the colour, the patterns, the cut and the clarity. 

However, colour preference is still quite subjective and buyers interested in Australian Sapphire pieces should base their choice on the colours they personally prefer. 

How durable are Sapphires?

Sapphires form from the mineral corundum, which is an exceptionally hard crystal structure. As such, Australian Sapphires are an extremely durable stone with a hardness of nine on Mohs' scale, making them an extremely versatile and high quality piece for everyday wear. They are not prone to scratching, chipping or breaking.

At Jason Ree, we specialise in Australian Sapphires and offer Complimentary Lifetime Cleaning & checking the safety of your gems when your purchase with us to ensure your piece lasts an eternity. 

Fall in love with the colour options in our signature Australian Sapphire pieces here or get started in designing the perfect custom piece by booking a conversation with Jason Ree today.