Gem Index Sapphire blue background

Sapphire

Gem Index - Sapphire

"If I had to pick a favourite gemstone (and it would be a very tough choice), it would probably be Sapphire. They come in so many colours and cuts you're completely spoilt for choice and way they handle colour and light always delights and surprises me."

MOIRA PATIENCE

gem index sapphire

What is a Sapphire?

Just like ruby, sapphire is a type of corundum, one of the hardest minerals on Earth. Any corundum that is not ruby red can be referred to as 'sapphire'.


If you’re looking for a super sparkly coloured gemstone that’s hardwearing, and comes in a range of different colours, then Sapphire is the perfect gemstone to go for.

Corundum

Mineral

9

Hardness (out of 10)

September

Birthstone

5th & 45th

Anniversary

Moira patience sapphire and diamond engagement ring

Where are Sapphires Found?

Sapphires come from all over the world; most notably Sri Lanka, Kashmir and Myanmar. Some of the more blue/green colours come from Australia and significant quantities have also been found in Thailand, Cambodia, Madagascar and the United States, among other countries in Asia and Africa.

Moira Patience sapphire and diamond engagement ring

Hardness

Sapphires are super durable, 9/10 on the Mohs scale of hardness so second only to diamonds (which are still much harder than anything else). It’s relatively hardwearing compared to other gemstones making it ideal for jewellery that you wear every day.

Moira Patience bespoke sapphire pendant

Myths & Legends

Sapphire has been known as a stone of wisdom, royalty, prophecy, and divine favour. Interestingly, sapphires were also believed to be popular among witches for their unique ability to tap into the 'third eye' and connect with the spirit world.

Moira Patience yellow sapphire and diamond ring

Colour

A lot of people don’t realise that Sapphires come in a wide range of different colours. In general, the most desirable and valuable are the bright vivid cornflower blue varieties, but they also come in hues of green, pink, yellow, orange, purple and even white.

Moira Patience sapphire and diamond engagement ring

My First Bespoke Commission

Over a decade ago, one of my first bespoke commissions as a new independent business was this Art Deco style sapphire and diamond engagement ring. Since then this style has been refined into my signature Deco setting.

Moira Patience Padparadscha sapphire engagement ring

Padparadscha Sapphires

Padparadscha sapphires are one of the rarest sapphires with unique tones of orange, pink, and yellow. The name 'Padparadscha' is an ancient Sanskrit word used to describe the colour of a tropical lotus flower.

Any questions about Sapphires?

Moira's Bespoke Sapphire Jewellery Commissions

Teal Sapphire & Diamond Petal Setting Lotus Flower Engagement Ring
Teal Sapphire & Diamond Petal Setting Lotus Flower Engagement Ring

Teal Sapphire & Diamond Engagement Ring

This octagon teal sapphire is a knock-out; It’s the perfect hue and brightness. We set it in 18ct yellow gold with two rows of baguettes diamonds...

Yellow Sapphire & Diamond Engagement Ring
Yellow Sapphire & Diamond Engagement Ring

Yellow Sapphire & Diamond Engagement Ring

My client came to us at the start of the year with an heirloom cluster ring that she wanted to remodel. The baguette diamonds in the centre of the ring...

Ceylon Sapphire & Diamond Engagement Ring
Ceylon Sapphire & Diamond Engagement Ring

Ceylon Sapphire & Diamond Engagement Ring

"The right stone will sing to you"... That's the advice I gave my client when we were choosing a Ceylon sapphire for her engagement ring...

Padparadscha Sapphire & Diamond Engagement Ring
Padparadscha Sapphire & Diamond Engagement Ring

Padparadscha Sapphire & Diamond Engagement Ring

This might be the perfect Padparadscha sapphire... An unheated and certificated beauty of a gem that just came along at the right time...

Sapphire & Diamond Halo Engagement Ring
Sapphire & Diamond Halo Engagement Ring

Sapphire & Diamond Halo Engagement Ring

Wow! I'm not sure where to start with this ring as it was such a special one for me. Firstly, the central sapphire was just insane...

Montana Sapphire & Diamond Engagement Ring
Montana Sapphire & Diamond Engagement Ring

Montana Sapphire & Diamond Engagement Ring

Many people don’t realise Montana is a source for teal-y coloured gems. We set this gorgeous bright gem in my signature Arc setting...

Sapphire Jewellery in Stock


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craftsmanship ruby and diamond ring in the workshop in Scotland

Craftsmanship

Moira Patience gemstones in the workshop

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