Value, characteristics and significance of Sapphire

Where sapphire comes from
‍Thecolors of sapphire
‍Theshades of blue in sapphire
‍Theother main colors of sapphire
‍Thevalue of sapphire
‍Themeaning of sapphire
‍Choosing a sapphire ring
Discover an exclusive selection of sapphires.

Where Sapphire comes from

We should say "sapphire sources", because sapphires are mined in many countries around the world.

For hundreds of years, Sri Lanka has been the world's leading producer of sapphires, and this has even given rise to the name "Ceylon Sapphire", which expresses a blue sapphire color typical of Sri Lanka. A number of rare, high-quality stones can be found here, including padparadscha sapphire.

Madagascar is the second most important country for sapphires. In fact, Madagascar is home to some of the most beautiful teal sapphires.

Nevertheless, the most sought-after sapphires on the market are those from Kashmir, whose mines are now depleted, and those from Burma. The finest specimens are collector's items.

Sapphires can also be found in Nigeria, Australia and even France , but the quality is not always up to scratch. Also read on our site: how to recognize a sapphire?

The colors of sapphire

Contrary to popular belief, sapphires are not always blue. It comes in all colors, except red, since red sapphires are called "rubies".

The color of sapphire is due to the presence of various elements in the crystalline structure of corundum, the mineral that makes up sapphire. Here are some of the elements that influence the color of sapphires:

1. Iron and titanium: These elements give sapphire its characteristic blue color. The quantity and arrangement of these elements in the crystal structure determine the intensity of the blue color.
   
2. Chromium: The presence of chromium gives sapphire a pink color. When the chromium concentration is high, sapphire can even turn red, making it technically a ruby.
   
3. Vanadium: This element gives sapphire a violet hue.
   
4. Iron: In the absence of titanium, but with iron, sapphire can take on a yellow or green color.

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Shades of sapphire blue

The"Cornflower" sapphire color is a particularly popular shade of blue, often described as a medium to intense blue with hints of lavender. This color is compared to that of the petals of the cornflower, hence the name "Cornflower". This type of sapphire is renowned for its saturated, brilliant color that veers neither towards green nor violet. The purity and clarity of this shade of blue make it one of the most sought-after and valuable sapphires on the market.

Here an exceptional 14.10ct Cornflower Sapphire for a Bonnot Paris customer project.

The"Royal Blue" color in sapphires is considered one of the most prestigious and desirable shades of blue. It is characterized by a deep, intense blue, often with a slight hint of violet. The color is rich and saturated, but not so dark as to be opaque or black to the eye. The term "Royal Blue" is often associated with stones of the highest quality, and is commonly used to describe sapphires that are considered to be of exceptional caliber.

8.2ct Royal Blue Sapphire for a Bonnot Paris customer project.

The color"Ceylon Blue" in sapphires refers to a light to medium shade of blue, often with pastel tones. These sapphires take their name from their place of origin, Sri Lanka, formerly known as Ceylon. Ceylon sapphires are renowned for their soft, luminous blue color, which can vary from very light to medium. They are often less saturated in color than "Royal Blue" sapphires, but are still highly prized for their brilliance and clarity.

Discover our blue sapphires here.

5.45ct Ceylon Blue sapphire for a Bonnot Paris customer project.

Other main sapphire colors

The yellow color in sapphires can vary considerably, offering a range of choices for all tastes and occasions. Ranging from pale, almost pastel yellow to intense golden yellow, each shade has its own personality and appeal. Yellow sapphires can also feature shades of green or orange, adding further complexity to their appearance. Lemon yellow sapphires offer a lighter, fresher hue, while golden yellow or canary yellow sapphires present a deeper, richer color.

Discover our yellow sapphires here.

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5.45ct yellow sapphire for a Bonnot Paris customer project.

Teal sapphire is an exquisite variety featuring a unique combination of blue and green, evoking the color of a mallard duck's tail feathers. This particular shade offers an intriguing alternative to traditional blue or green sapphires. Teal sapphires can vary in intensity, from lighter hues to deeply saturated colors, and can show variations in blue and green depending on the angle from which they are viewed.

Discover our Teal sapphires here.

2.24ct Teal sapphire for a Bonnot Paris customer project.

The color of pink sapphire ranges from pale to vivid pink, and can even tend towards a deep magenta pink. This range of hues is due to the presence of traces of chromium in the crystalline structure of the mineral corundum, the basis of all sapphires. High-quality pink sapphires are those with a rich, saturated pink color and no visible inclusions.

Discover our pink sapphires here.

3.02ct Pink Sapphire for a Bonnot Paris customer project.

The value of sapphire

The value of sapphire depends on a number of factors that can be difficult to grasp when looking for a stone. Here are some of the main factors that contribute to sapphire prices:

1. Clarity:
   A sapphire, like other stones, may contain inclusions. Inclusions are internal or external imperfections that may appear as cracks, bubbles or foreign minerals inside the stone. Generally speaking, the fewer the inclusions, the greater the value of the stone.
   
   However, the most important thing is to identify where these inclusions are located: an inclusion visible from the table greatly devalues its price, as does an inclusion close to the foil (which can weaken the stone if it is mounted as jewelry). Conversely, if the inclusion is neither visible from the table nor located towards the pavilion of the stone, the impact on price will be minimal.
   
2. Color:
   Color is a key factor in determining the price of a stone. There are several components to evaluate:
   
   1. Hue: This is the basic color of the sapphire, which can vary from blue, green, yellow, pink, etc. The hue is often the first thing noticed and plays a crucial role in determining the stone's value. Hue is often the first thing you notice, and plays a crucial role in determining the stone's value.
   2. Saturation: Saturation refers to the vividness or intensity of color. A sapphire with a highly saturated color will be considered more valuable than one with a weak or washed-out color.
   3. Tone: Tone describes the brightness or darkness of color. Sapphires are generally more valuable if they have a medium to medium-dark tonality, as they show the color in the richest way.
   4. Uniformity: Color should be evenly distributed throughout the stone. Uneven areas of color can diminish a sapphire's value.
   5. Luster: Although not strictly a component of color, a stone's luster can affect the perception of its color. A good luster can make the color more dynamic and attractive.
   6. Color Zoning: Some sapphires may have areas of more intense or paler color. Color zoning is generally considered a defect and can reduce the stone's value.
   7. Optical phenomena: Some sapphires exhibit phenomena such as star effect or color change, which can add to their value and appeal.
      
3. Cut
   
   By cut, we mean the quality of the stone's faceting. Indeed, this element can be decisive when it comes to assessing the price of a stone. A beautiful stone is first and foremost a well-cut stone, with uniform proportions, good symmetry and polish. The most common shape is the oval sapphire.
   
   It is not uncommon on the gem market, especially closer to mining areas, to see stones with a large breech, which artificially increases their weight and therefore their overall price. This is a criterion to which we must pay close attention. At Bonnot Paris, we cut or re-cut our own stones.
   
4. Mass
   Weight is, of course, a decisive factor in assessing the value of a sapphire. The price per carat of a sapphire increases exponentially as its mass increases. This is because 1ct stones are far more common than 10ct stones. Depending on the rarity of certain colors, this increase will be greater or lesser.
   
5. Treatments:
   The vast majority of sapphires on the market are heated, i.e. the action of the earth on the stone is imitated to make it more desirable. This heating treatment has no impact on the quality of the stone, but it does have a definite impact on its price. As unheated sapphires are rarer, they are obviously more expensive. This can even be doubled, depending on the variety of sapphire.
   
   
   There are many factors that determine the price of a sapphire. At Bonnot Paris, we are both dealers and jewellers, helping our customers to find the ideal stone for their sapphire ring.
   

The meaning of sapphire

Sapphire is much more than just a precious stone. It embodies wisdom, dignity and loyalty, qualities that resonate deeply with the essence of Bonnot Paris. In various cultures, the sapphire's significance is essentially that of a symbol of divine protection and spiritual guidance. Its color, reminiscent of the starry sky, evokes a sense of infinity and opens the door to contemplation and meditation. It is also the birthstone of the month of September.

At Bonnot Paris, we select sapphires of exceptional quality, enabling this majestic stone to find its place in bespoke creations that transcend time and trends.

Choosing a sapphire ring

Choosing a sapphire for a ring or jewelry project means embracing a much wider palette of colors than the traditional blue. From romantic pink to sunny yellow, to rarer hues like green or violet, sapphire offers a diversity that can suit any personality or occasion. This versatility makes it an ideal choice for an engagement ring, anniversary jewelry, or any other bespoke creation. At Bonnot Paris, we help you find the sapphire that not only suits your taste, but also conveys the meaning or emotion you wish to express. It's more than an aesthetic choice; it's a decision that can transform a piece of jewelry into a lasting legacy. La maison Bonnot accompanies you from start to finish in your sapphire ring project. Don't hesitate to make an appointment in one of our showrooms in Paris or Angers.  

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Discover an exclusive selection of sapphires

Pink Sapphire :

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Teal sapphire :

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Blue Sapphire

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