Sapphire Colours: A World of Hues and Origins
Sapphires are often imagined as a deep royal blue, classic and timeless. But in truth, they exist in an incredible spectrum of colours, each shaped by its landscape and the minerals that formed it. From soft sky blues to vivid teals and mossy greens, every sapphire carries its own character and is a reflection of the earth it came from.
In my work, I love helping clients discover the shade that feels right for them. Colour is deeply personal and sapphires offer a world of possibility for those who want something distinctive and full of expression.
Montana Sapphires - Teal, Green and Oceanic Blues
If you’re drawn to the sea, you might find yourself falling in love with Montana sapphires. They’re known for their beautiful teal tones, a perfect balance between blue and green, often with a shifting quality that catches the light like the ocean itself.
Sourced from the rivers and alluvial deposits of Montana, USA, these sapphires are mined on a small scale with great care for the environment. Their colours range from soft mint greens to deep peacock blues, often appearing to change tone depending on the light.
For me, Montana sapphires are the most evocative of my coastal surroundings here in Cornwall. They hold that same depth and calm energy, vibrant, yet understated.
Sri Lankan Sapphires - Sky Blue and Classic Elegance
Sri Lanka, formerly known as Ceylon, has been celebrated for its sapphires for centuries. The stones from this region tend to be lighter in tone, clear, bright blues that feel fresh and luminous.
Sri Lankan sapphires have a refined quality. Their brightness catches light beautifully, giving them a glow that feels classic and timeless. They’re a wonderful choice for anyone who loves that traditional blue sapphire tone but with a touch of softness.
Australian Sapphires - Parti Tones and Unusual Colour Mixes
Australian sapphires are some of the most unique and expressive I work with. Many of them are parti sapphires, natural gems that display more than one colour at once.
You might see a mix of blue, green and yellow flowing through the same stone, a natural phenomenon that makes every sapphire truly individual. Many of my freeform sapphires come from Australian cutters who hand-shape each gem to celebrate its natural zoning rather than hide it. These stones feel alive, full of character and depth.
Other Beautiful Variations
Sapphires are found in many places, Madagascar, Thailand and East Africa among them. They can appear in almost every colour imaginable including blush pinks, golden yellows, mossy greens and deep inky greys.
Some people are drawn to the traditional blue, while others fall in love with something unexpected, maybe a muted green-grey, a dusky lavender or a soft champagne hue. There’s no right choice, only what feels right for you.
Choosing Your Sapphire
When I source sapphires, I look not just at colour but at how each stone feels. I work closely with trusted suppliers, particularly small-scale cutters in Australia, to hand-select gems that have both beauty and integrity.
Once we find the right stone, we design the ring around it. The setting, the metal and the form are all shaped to complement the sapphire’s tone and natural personality, whether it’s an ocean-toned Montana sapphire or a vivid Australian parti stone.
Sapphires have this wonderful ability to feel both grounded and luminous, ancient yet completely alive. That’s why I love them and why they’ve become such a meaningful part of my work.
If you’d like to explore sapphires for your bespoke piece, I’d love to help. I can share examples from my colour spectrum and help you find the shade that feels like yours.
Naomi x
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