What is a fancy sapphire?

Sapphires that are not blue are known as fancy sapphires, and may be any colour—except red (which is a ruby), including pink, orange, yellow, green, purple, and violet. Each colour variation within the fancy sapphire category has its own unique appeal and can be valued based on factors such as colour intensity, hue, and clarity. Sapphires can also feature rare optical effects such as colour change and asterism (star stones) .

How durable is a fancy sapphire?

Sapphires, and fancy sapphires, in general, are durable and suitable for everyday wear. They are second in hardness only to diamonds, scoring a 9 on the Mohs scale. We do also have an annual aftercare service, whereby we invite you to come in every year and one of our jewellery specialists will look over your jewellery and give it a professional clean. This is a complimentary service for life.

What is the rarest colour of fancy sapphire?

One of the rarest types of fancy sapphires is the Padparadscha Sapphire. Padparadscha’s are a unique and highly prized variety of sapphire that exhibits a delicate and beautiful blend of pink and orange hues. The name "Padparadscha" is derived from the Sinhalese word for lotus flower, which is a reference to the colour resembling the petals of the lotus.

Where do fancy sapphires come from?

Fancy sapphires, like their blue counterparts, are found in various locations around the world, but the old mines of Ceylon have a long history of producing the finest fancy sapphires, and is known as the ‘jewel box of the Indian Ocean’.

What does it mean when a sapphire is natural and unenhanced?

When a sapphire is described as "natural and unenhanced," it signifies that the gemstone's colour is entirely the result of natural geological processes, and no artificial methods have been applied to modify or improve its appearance. Natural and unenhanced sapphires account for less than 5% of material on the market, and are considered more valuable and desirable by collectors and individuals thus making them exceptionally good investments.

Vintage Fancy Sapphire Rings

...padparadscha sapphire, with its unusual fiery salmon colour. Fancy sapphires can also feature a rare gemmological phenomenon, and encompasses colour change and star sapphires.

The finest fancy sapphires often hail from the old mines of Ceylon, known as the jewel box of the Indian Ocean BUt can sometimes come from the mines of Burma and Madagascar and there truly is a different colour of sapphire to suit anyone's taste!

All the fancy sapphires in our collection are natural and unenhanced, making them an exceptionally good investment, in a world where the majority of stones have been heated in an attempt to compete with their natural counterparts.

We have a broad range of vintage fancy sapphire rings from eras spanning as far back as the Victorian and Georgian eras, and with designs including coronet clusters, flanked solitaires, three stone designs and many more. A stunning option as an engagement ring or dress ring, each piece features exquisite details and craftsmanship from a bygone era!

Explore the world of exquisite antique sapphire rings in various enchanting hues, including vintage pink sapphire rings, yellow sapphire rings, and more. Whether chosen as an engagement ring or a stylish dress ring, each piece embodies the exquisite craftsmanship of a bygone era, making it a timeless and unique choice.

For those seeking a touch of antique elegance, our collection also includes a captivating array of antique yellow sapphire rings as well as Art Deco sapphire rings, each boasting its unique charm and character. From ornate Victorian designs to elegant Georgian styles, these antique yellow sapphire engagement rings offer a glimpse into the romanticism of bygone eras. With their warm, golden hues and timeless appeal, these rings are not only a symbol of love but also a testament to the enduring craftsmanship of the past. Discover the allure of vintage yellow fancy sapphire rings, where history and beauty intertwine to create truly unforgettable pieces.

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Learning Guide: Ceylon Sapphires | Burmese Sapphires