Burmese sapphire rings are among the most sought-after gemstones, prized for their rich colour and exceptional quality. Originating from the historic mines of Burma, now Myanmar, they are renowned for their depth, tone and saturation, exhibiting a blue that is almost infinite.
Our collection contains exclusively natural unheated examples of Burmese sapphire rings, set in original period pieces. View our entire collection below.
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Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, is renowned for producing the world's finest rubies. In contrast, sapphires are considerably rarer, accounting for fewer than 10% of the country's gemstone discoveries. Burmese sapphires have a much deeper, richer colouration when compared with Ceylon sapphires or Kashmir sapphires, often referred to as a midnight blue.
Every Burmese sapphire in our collection is natural and untreated, allowing the stone to retain the colour and character it developed naturally. Many of these sapphires were cut and set before heat treatment became commonplace, preserving the exceptional quality of the original material alongside the craftsmanship of the period. This combination of natural beauty, rarity and history gives our Burmese sapphire rings a lasting appeal, making them jewels to be treasured and passed down through generations.
When choosing a Burmese sapphire ring, there are a few important details to consider. Natural, unenhanced stones will generally command a premium when compared with imitation, lab-grown, or treated material; this is due to the natural rarity of untreated Burmese sapphires. While lower-grade material can be treated to exhibit a similar intense blue tone, a manufactured hue cannot recreate the extremely uncommon geological conditions required for Burmese sapphire to form naturally.
The most highly sought-after stones exhibit a colour called ‘Royal Blue’; this is considered the pinnacle for fine quality sapphires, a few examples of which can be seen in our collection today.
| Consideration | What to look for | At Berganza | What to avoid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colour | A rich and intense blue colour with a medium to medium-dark tone, slight violet undertone and exceptional transparency. |
Each Burmese sapphire ring within our collection is acquired for its exquisite midnight blue colour. |
Sapphires that appear overly dark or inky with uneven colour zoning render the stone lifeless. Stones with grey or green undertones. |
| Treatments | An untreated natural Burmese sapphire with clearly displayed treatment status. |
We specialise in natural, no-heat Burmese sapphires; this is confirmed at the time of acquisition by our in-house gemmological team. |
Treated Sapphires or stones with undisclosed treatment status. |
| Certification | Certification from a reputable laboratory confirming Burmese origin and a natural untreated sapphire. |
Every Burmese sapphire ring in our collection is assessed by our in-house gemmological team and, where appropriate, accompanied by an independent laboratory report from SSEF, Gübelin or GCS. |
Unsupported claims about origin, report details which do not match the stone. Reports from unknown labs |
| Authenticity & Provenance | Original antique or vintage mount supported by appropriate handcraftsmanship, wear, materials and marks. Provenance supported by documented evidence. |
Each piece is examined and researched to assess its originality, condition, period, materials and construction. We distinguish documented provenance from attribution based on the piece's physical and innate characteristics. |
Reproduction, or ‘in the style of’, heavily altered settings presented as original, undisclosed replacements and unsupportable claims about known ownership, age, materials, maker or historical importance. |
Burmese Sapphire Guides
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Burmese Sapphires are members of the corundum family. Corundum has a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, making sapphires highly durable and suitable for everyday wear.
To clean your Burmese Sapphire ring, soak it in warm water with a small amount of mild soap. Gently brush the stone with a soft-bristled toothbrush to remove any dirt or oils, then rinse thoroughly and dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.
Burmese Sapphires exhibit a few key characteristics, the most significant of which is their colour. They are known for a rich and deep blue, comparable to the midnight sky. This colour is closer to a true blue than a Ceylon stone and is comparatively darker and more intense.
While these visual traits are a useful indicator, the exact origin of a sapphire can only be confirmed by gemmological certification. If you are looking for a Burmese Sapphire ring, we recommend purchasing through a reputable and respected retailer.
At Berganza, our Burmese sapphire rings begin at around £4,000. Of all gem deposits mined in Burma (now Myanmar), fewer than 10% yield sapphires, making them markedly rarer than the region's celebrated rubies and materially scarcer than Ceylon or Australian stones.
Price is determined principally by colour: the finest exhibit the highly coveted "Royal Blue" hue, a pure, vivid, slightly violetish blue of strong saturation, a grade achieved by only a small fraction of sapphires worldwide. Provenance, carat weight and clarity also influence value.
The best colour for a Burmese sapphire is referred to as “Royal Blue”. This colour can be described as a rich, vivid blue with exceptional depth and intensity, often compared to deep twilight.
It is characterised by a pure, saturated blue tone with minimal secondary hues, meaning it is neither too dark nor too light. The finest examples display a lively brilliance while maintaining their depth of colour, giving the stone a luxurious, almost glowing appearance.
