Sapphire Season

One of the ‘big three’ of coloured gemstones is the versatile, durable and endlessly beautiful sapphire. Known in the gem world as corundum, ruby and sapphire are actually formed from the same mineral structure, with sapphire the term ascribed to all non-red corundum. The chemical formula for corundum is Aluminium Oxide, or Al₂O₃.

Depending on the presence of colouring elements, sapphires can range from the classic blue (thanks to iron and titanium), orange, yellow (due to iron), pink (due to the presence of chromium), green (with the presence of vanadium), colourless (a pure sapphire) and even colour-change! Sapphires can also exhibit asterism, or a ‘star’ effect caused by needles of rutile within the crystal reflecting a star-like glow upon the surface of the stone.

The birthstone for September, as well as the gemstone for 5^th and 45^th wedding anniversaries, sapphires make fantastic presents that can be worn and cherished for a lifetime. Many couples choose to go with a sapphire and diamond engagement ring. With a Moh’s hardness rating of 9, these wonderful gemstones make ideal alternative options to traditional diamonds. Whether you opt for a classic blue sapphire and diamond cluster like Kate Middleton, or choose a fantastic coloured sapphire for a statement like Princess Eugenie’s Padparadscha sapphire and diamond ring, these wonderful gemstones have a shade to suit every preference.

One of the most famous locations for sapphire is Sri Lanka or ‘Ceylon’. Sapphires from this origin tend to exhibit a fantastic colour saturation and quality that is unsurpassed by any other location. Sapphires are sourced naturally from all over the world, but the quality of the stones varies according to the geological occurrence of the gemstone and its growth conditions. For example, Australian sapphires tend to have a dark inky blue colour, whereas Kashmir sapphires often have silk-like inclusions.

Here are some recently sold sumptuous sapphires, perfect to suit every taste and any occasion.

A pair of Sri Lankan Sapphire Drop Earrings Sold £1,450

This wonderful pair of earrings has that magic duo, a fantastic origin and no treatment. Natural and absolutely beautiful, these mid-tone blue sapphire drop earrings are set in delicate yellow gold settings typical of the early 20th Century, with simple knife bar spacers and spherical surmounts. This eye-catching pair would make a wonderfully stylish addition to any outfit and a fantastic piece to wear again and again. This lot is accompanied by a certificate from GCS stating that the principal sapphires are Sri Lankan, with no evidence of heat treatment. 

A Sri Lankan Sapphire and Diamond Three Stone Ring, Sold £3,600

A firm favourite of ours is this beautiful Sri Lankan sapphire and diamond trilogy ring, featuring the most gorgeous cushion shape principal stone. With a luxurious, rich blue colouring and fantastic clarity, this sapphire is definitely a head-turner, with a GCS report confirming that the sapphire is of Sri Lankan origin with no evidence of treatment. Accented with round brilliant cut diamonds on either side, this classic ring setting would make a fantastic engagement ring, dress ring or anniversary gift.

A Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring, Sold £550

What a sweet cluster ring, set in platinum and accented with both brilliant and baguette cut diamonds totalling 0.60ct in a delicate millegrain surround. The eye-catching central sapphire is a generous size as well as a fantastic medium blue and cut in a stylish cushion shape, giving the stone that opulent feel. 

A Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring, Sold £480

Another superb cluster ring in our sale, very reminiscent of Kate Middleton's engagement ring, with an oval shape sapphire and brilliant cut diamond floral surround, set in traditional 18ct yellow gold and boasting 0.80ct of diamond weight. 

If you wish to find out how much your items of jewellery and watches may be worth, or for further information on any of our forthcoming lots, contact our specialist Ian Ierston FGA at ian.ierston@wilson55.com