27 okt Fancy coloured sapphires

When you think of a sapphire you may think of the rich blue color that sapphires are famous for. But did you know that besides blue sapphires and red rubies, the corundum family also has ‘fancy sapphires’?

These sapphires come in shades of green, yellow, orange, pink, purple and violet. A rare and valuable pinkish-orange sapphire is named Padparadscha, the Sinhalese word for lotus blossom. Sapphires are also found in grey, black and brown. Fancy colored sapphires are less accessible compared to the popular blue sapphires.

It’s an admired gemstone amongst kings and queens, which has been associated with royalty and romance for centuries. The world’s most famous engagement ring is the sapphire ring Prince Charles gave Princess Diana, which is now worn by Kate Middleton.

Bonebakker has created many bespoke pieces with the most valuable blue gemstone, like this ring set with three marquise cut sapphires and diamonds set in 18kt white gold.

In addition to fancy sapphires, color-change sapphires are another fascinating variety. These stones show a different shade of color under different light sources; going from blue in daylight to purple under incandescent light.

These blue and fancy beauties are found in Tanzania, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Australia and Madagascar.