The Gatsby design, shown with a pale Cornflower blue sapphire surrounded by diamonds.
Cheap vs Expensive Sapphires
Buyers who are familiar with sapphires usually appreciate the enormous difference that one blue sapphire can possess compared to another. A large proportion of sapphires sold in jewellery are lower quality, commercial grade gemstones suitable for cheaper jewellery. You’ve probably seen small blue-black sapphires set into diamond cluster rings lacking any noticeable colour—certainly not the vibrant blue sapphires that make it into fine jewellery collections. Cheaper sapphires typically receive less attention during cutting. Natural inclusions and varying colour distribution within some sapphires can result in visible flaws and uneven colour through the stone. This is less likely to be an issue with better quality sapphires. The dichroic properties of Sapphire can mean a difference in the appearance and colour depending on the angle viewed at.
Intense medium blue round diamond cut sapphire photographed for our client
From Cornflower Blue to Kashmir Blue
The finest colours of blue sapphire range from the paler Cornflower blue sapphires to the intense Kashmir blue sapphires. Darker shades typically originate from Australia. Sapphires deposits are found in many countries including Sri Lanka, Burma, Africa, Thailand, Canada and USA. It is generally the vibrant medium blue sapphires and lighter sapphires with a violet-blue appearance that is more valuable.
Medium Blue Sapphires
Heart shaped diamond and polished heart shaped blue sapphire photographed for a client during a recent two stone ring commission.
Many buyers seek a medium blue colour—with a noticeable intensity. This tends to be the most sought-after shade for blue sapphires. The colour is more pronounced as a result of heat treating natural sapphires which is a standard treatment that most sapphires receive. Untreated natural sapphires with beautifully intense colours are far more valuable especially if accompanied by certification
Pairs of Blue Sapphires
Both single sapphires and matched pairs of sapphires need careful consideration for color. Pairs of blue sapphires are always best cut from the same rough to ensure consistency in both the make of the finished gemstone and consistency in the colour.
Pairs of diamond cut round blue sapphires
Ethical Blue Sapphires
Wherever possible, we do our best to source sapphires from ethical suppliers. There are many specialist ethical gemstone suppliers within the UK, working closely with other ethical jewellers. A great example is the ethical gemstone specialist Nineteen48 experts in responsible sourcing for gemstones. Just one of many jewellers in the UK, dedicated to educating and ethically sourcing gemstones.
Buying Sapphires Online
Buying a blue sapphire or piece of jewellery online can be very tricky if you’re not in a position to look at the stone in the flesh. Over the last few years, we’ve worked around this issue for clients ordering commissions online. Using high-resolution photography with colour balancing, we’re able to send clients to close up photography with accurately showing true colours. Photographs reveal the distribution of colour and choices can be included. In many ways, the photographs are more revealing than seeing the sapphires in person. For us, this works wonderfully. Clients feel more reassured having seen their stone ahead of manufacture and we are less likely to receive items back as a result.
Finished commission – an engagement ring and shaped wedding ring featuring Royal blue diamond cut sapphires.
Final Word
In conclusion, if you are considering either purchasing a diamond, sapphire or another gemstone, it is always worth getting in touch with us to see how we can help. With many years experience and a track record of great customer service, we would love to be put to the test!
For most clients, we provide colour corrected photography to make a choice of stone before committing to any order. Enquire today about your perfect commission.
Speak to you soon 😉
About Mark Johnson
My name is Mark and I'm founder at Serendipity Diamonds. By day you'll find me working in our showroom—in a variety of roles. My work (which I love) ranges from photographing jewellery, to writing blog posts and helping clients with my colleagues Drina, Emily and Debbie.
