SAPPHIRE BEYOND THE BLUE
THE SAPPHIRE:
BEYOND THE BLUE
GIA Staff,
November 17, 2025
What is Sapphire?
What is Sapphire
Sapphire is a variety of the mineral corundum, composed of aluminum oxide. Remarkably, all colors of gem-quality corundum are considered sapphires — except red, which is classified as ruby. The wide range of colors in sapphire is a result of trace elements such as iron, titanium, and chromium. With a rating of 9 on the Mohs scale of hardness, sapphire is one of the most durable natural gemstones in existence, making it ideal for everyday wear and long-lasting pieces.
Sapphire is a variety of the mineral corundum, composed of aluminum oxide. Remarkably, all colors of gem-quality corundum are considered sapphires — except red, which is classified as ruby. The wide range of colors in sapphire is a result of trace elements such as iron, titanium, and chromium. With a rating of 9 on the Mohs scale of hardness, sapphire is one of the most durable natural gemstones in existence, making it ideal for everyday wear and long-lasting pieces.
The Colours of Sapphire
Though best known for its classic blue, sapphire occurs in a stunning spectrum of hues known as “fancy sapphires.” Each color expresses a distinct personality, making sapphire one of the most versatile and expressive gemstones.
Though best known for its classic blue, sapphire occurs in a stunning spectrum of hues known as “fancy sapphires.” Each color expresses a distinct personality, making sapphire one of the most versatile and expressive gemstones.
Blue – From velvety royal blue to soft cornflower and modern teal tones
Pink – Ranging from delicate blush to vibrant fuchsia
Yellow – From gentle pastel shades to rich, golden hues
Orange – Including the highly coveted Padparadscha, a rare blend of pink and orange
Green – Subtle and earthy to bright and vivid
Violet & Purple – Romantic, mysterious, and deeply expressive
White (Colorless) – A refined and distinctive alternative to diamonds
Blue – From velvety royal blue to soft cornflower and modern teal tones
Pink – Ranging from delicate blush to vibrant fuchsia
Yellow – From gentle pastel shades to rich, golden hues
Orange – Including the highly coveted Padparadscha, a rare blend of pink and orange
Green – Subtle and earthy to bright and vivid
Violet & Purple – Romantic, mysterious, and deeply expressive
White (Colorless) – A refined and distinctive alternative to diamonds
There are also parti sapphires, which display multiple colors within a single stone, making each gem entirely unique.
There are also parti sapphires, which display multiple colors within a single stone, making each gem entirely unique.
Origins and Global Sources
Sapphires are found in select regions around the world, with each origin imparting distinctive characteristics in color, tone, and clarity. These geographic nuances give every sapphire a unique identity.
Sapphires are found in select regions around the world, with each origin imparting distinctive characteristics in color, tone, and clarity. These geographic nuances give every sapphire a unique identity.
Sri Lanka (Ceylon) – Renowned for luminous pastel hues and bright cornflower blues
Myanmar (Burma) – Known for rich royal blues and vivid pink sapphires
Kashmir (India) – Home to the legendary velvety blue sapphires, among the most prized in the world
Madagascar – A leading modern source offering an exceptional diversity of colors
Thailand & Cambodia – Typically produce deep, inky blue sapphires with strong saturation
Australia – Recognized for dark blue sapphires and distinctive parti-colored stones
Montana, USA – Produces sapphires in steely blues, greens, and earthy, rustic tones
Sri Lanka (Ceylon) – Renowned for luminous pastel hues and bright cornflower blues
Myanmar (Burma) – Known for rich royal blues and vivid pink sapphires
Kashmir (India) – Home to the legendary velvety blue sapphires, among the most prized in the world
Madagascar – A leading modern source offering an exceptional diversity of colors
Thailand & Cambodia – Typically produce deep, inky blue sapphires with strong saturation
Australia – Recognized for dark blue sapphires and distinctive parti-colored stones
Montana, USA – Produces sapphires in steely blues, greens, and earthy, rustic tones
Each origin leaves its own subtle fingerprint on the stone—shaping its hue, saturation, and crystal clarity, and contributing to the individuality of every sapphire.
Each origin leaves its own subtle fingerprint on the stone—shaping its hue, saturation, and crystal clarity, and contributing to the individuality of every sapphire.
Sapphire in History and Culture
Sapphire is a variety of the mineral corundum, composed of aluminum oxide. Remarkably, all colors of gem-quality corundum are considered sapphires — except red, which is classified as ruby. The wide range of colors in sapphire is a result of trace elements such as iron, titanium, and chromium. With a rating of 9 on the Mohs scale of hardness, sapphire is one of the most durable natural gemstones in existence, making it ideal for everyday wear and long-lasting pieces.
Sapphire is a variety of the mineral corundum, composed of aluminum oxide. Remarkably, all colors of gem-quality corundum are considered sapphires — except red, which is classified as ruby. The wide range of colors in sapphire is a result of trace elements such as iron, titanium, and chromium. With a rating of 9 on the Mohs scale of hardness, sapphire is one of the most durable natural gemstones in existence, making it ideal for everyday wear and long-lasting pieces.
Treatments and Transparency
Many sapphires on the market are heat-treated to enhance their color and clarity. This is a widely accepted and stable process. However, unheated sapphires — those displaying their beauty in natural form — are significantly rarer and more valuable. At Jiun, we are committed to transparency, and we ensure that all our gemstones, whether heated or unheated, are clearly disclosed.
Many sapphires on the market are heat-treated to enhance their color and clarity. This is a widely accepted and stable process. However, unheated sapphires — those displaying their beauty in natural form — are significantly rarer and more valuable. At Jiun, we are committed to transparency, and we ensure that all our gemstones, whether heated or unheated, are clearly disclosed.
Why Choose Sapphire?
Durability – With a hardness of 9, sapphire is built to last, making it suitable for daily wear and heirloom creations.
Color Diversity – Sapphires offer a wide range of personal expression through color.
Symbolism – Traditionally associated with loyalty, wisdom, and spiritual insight.
Rarity and Prestige – High-quality sapphires, especially in unique colors or unheated forms, are treasured by collectors and connoisseurs alike.
Durability – With a hardness of 9, sapphire is built to last, making it suitable for daily wear and heirloom creations.
Color Diversity – Sapphires offer a wide range of personal expression through color.
Symbolism – Traditionally associated with loyalty, wisdom, and spiritual insight.
Rarity and Prestige – High-quality sapphires, especially in unique colors or unheated forms, are treasured by collectors and connoisseurs alike.
Conclusion
Sapphire is a gemstone of enduring elegance and depth — one that transcends trends while offering both beauty and significance. Whether you are drawn to a classic blue or an unexpected hue, sapphire invites personal connection and timeless style. To explore sapphires in our designs, discover more through our curated collection or contact us for a private consultation.
Sapphire is a gemstone of enduring elegance and depth — one that transcends trends while offering both beauty and significance. Whether you are drawn to a classic blue or an unexpected hue, sapphire invites personal connection and timeless style. To explore sapphires in our designs, discover more through our curated collection or contact us for a private consultation.
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Discover the excellence of our creations, born from passion,
tradition, and respect for artistry. We invite you to experience
our story and the timeless elegance of our collections.
credits @ 2025
GEMS BY TANG SDN BHD — 202301001308 ( 1495227 - P )
12-13-3, Persiaran Raja Chulan
Bukit Bintang Kuala Lumpur,
50200, Malaysia
T. +60 11-2377 6592
M. brandon.tang@gemsbytang.com
W. www.jiunjewelry.com
Discover the excellence of our creations, born from passion,
tradition, and respect for artistry. We invite you to experience
our story and the timeless elegance of our collections.
credits @ 2025
GEMS BY TANG SDN BHD —
202301001308 ( 1495227 - P )
12-13-3, Persiaran Raja Chulan
Bukit Bintang Kuala Lumpur,
50200, Malaysia
T. +60 11-2377 6592
M. brandon.tang@gemsbytang.com
W. www.jiunjewelry.com
Discover the excellence of our creations, born from passion,
tradition, and respect for artistry. We invite you to experience
our story and the timeless elegance of our collections.
credits @ 2025
GEMS BY TANG SDN BHD
202301001308 ( 1495227 - P )
12-13-3, Persiaran Raja Chulan
Bukit Bintang Kuala Lumpur, 50200, Malaysia
T. +60 11-2377 6592
M. brandon.tang@gemsbytang.com
W. www.jiunjewelry.com
JIUN
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