Sapphires, with their captivating beauty and remarkable durability, have held a special place in the world of gemstones for centuries. As the birthstone for September, they are cherished by those born in this month and coveted by gemstone enthusiasts worldwide. In this blog post, we'll explore the fascinating world of sapphires, including their history, high durability, stunning array of colours, and the virtues of lab-grown and natural sapphires.
A September Treasure
Sapphires have been associated with September for centuries, and their deep blue hues are said to symbolize wisdom, loyalty, and nobility. Those born in this month are fortunate to have sapphires as their birthstone, as they are truly a symbol of strength and beauty.
Durability Beyond Compare
One of the most appealing aspects of sapphires is their exceptional durability. On the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, which ranks minerals from 1 (softest) to 10 (hardest), sapphires score an impressive 9. This places them just one step below diamonds, which top the scale at 10. This outstanding hardness makes sapphires an ideal choice for various types of jewelry, including engagement rings, as they can withstand the rigors of daily wear.
A Kaleidoscope of Colors
While sapphires are often associated with the classic deep blue color, they are not limited to this shade. Sapphires come in a stunning array of colors, including pink, yellow, green, orange, and even colorless. The variety of colors allows for endless creative possibilities in jewelry design.
I can't wait to create something spectacular with these rainbows of natural sapphires
The iconic sapphire colour for September is blue and it remains the most popular sapphire colour in the engagement rings and bespoke jewellery we create. Time and again, we find that blue sapphires compliment just about all skin tones and outfits. After all, the sky and ocean are both primarily blue
With so many colour alternatives, however, our clients are eager to embrace other sapphire colours to create something truly unique that best reflects their style and personality.
We can source the perfect sapphire in your favourite colour and cut. A key part of our creative collaboration includes viewing the gemstone options in person at our studio to help you select the perfect sapphire for your custom design.
When our clients asked me to create a unique engagement ring, we sourced a mesmerizing pear-cut Montana green sapphire sparkling with life
And speaking of colour, did you know rubies are actually red sapphires? Sapphires belong to the gemstone family known as ‘corundum’. The name ‘corundum’ is derived from the Tamil-Dravidian word 'kurundam' which means ruby-sapphire.
Pink sapphires are the perfect gem for our rose-inspired Rosette stud earrings
While all colour varieties of sapphires share the same base minerals, a gem's colour is determined by small percentages of trace elements. Blue sapphires contain traces of titanium. Iron traces yield yellow and green varieties. Rubies or red sapphires contain traces of chromium.
Rubies remain July’s birthstone and we’ll explore more details about 'red sapphires' in a summer post.
Natural vs. Lab-Grown Sapphires
In recent years, the gemstone market has seen the rise of lab-grown sapphires. These sapphires, created in controlled laboratory environments, have gained popularity due to their ethical and environmental advantages. However, the debate between natural and lab-grown sapphires continues to divide enthusiasts.
Natural sapphires, formed deep within the Earth's crust over millions of years, carry a sense of history and rarity. Each natural sapphire is unique, bearing its own distinct characteristics and inclusions that tell a story of its formation. A much wider colour selection is found among natural sapphires than their lab-grown counterparts. After all, Mother Nature cannot be fully replicated.
On the other hand, lab-grown sapphires, also known as synthetic sapphires, offer an environmentally-friendly alternative. High-quality lab-grown sapphires are virtually indistinguishable from their natural counterparts and often come at a more affordable price point.
If you are considering lab-grown sapphires for your custom design, we can source sparkling sapphires in beautiful cuts and colours matching those of natural sapphires.
We brightened our client's diamond ring with spectacular lab grown sapphires
Most importantly, both natural and lab-grown sapphires share the same chemical, molecular composition and high durability. The choice between natural and lab-grown sapphires is driven by budget, ethics, colour preference and sentimental value.
Sapphires are truly a gemstone of unparalleled beauty and endurance – and not just for September babies. Their diverse colours and remarkable durability make them the gem of choice when creating colourful wedding rings and special jewellery meant to endure a busy and happy life.
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