A rainbow of sapphires

Sapphire is so varied it comes in literally every colour of the spectrum, it even comes in the non-spectral colours of black and grey! Even though we think of it as traditionally being blue, it is the most varied of all gemstones. 

The corundum family includes Ruby and Padparadscha amongst its members. They are found all over the world in varying qualities, the most valuable stones traditionally come from Kashmir, Myanmar (Burma) and Sri Lanka (Ceylon). Most modern sapphires are treated to achieve a better colour or clarity, this is where antique pieces differ. Modern treatments such as diffusion and multiple colour producing heat, cannot have been applied to pieces of a certain age, they just didn't exist. Which means that you can buy in confidence with antique items, knowing that you are buying a natural stone. The brilliant pinks, yellows, greys and blues are all untreated, just the way nature intended them!

Have a look at the star sapphires in particular and learn about 'Asterism' in our glossary!