As we head into fall, the leaves change color and we are drawn to all things colorful. The world seems more vibrant and alive. This is also true of sapphire. Emily Gill at EG Bespoke Jewellers Toronto creates stunning heirloom quality designs in sapphire rings, earrings, and necklaces, in a rainbow of colors, that will make you fall in love with this beautiful gemstone all over again.
In this blog post, we discuss the meaning of sapphire, we'll take a look at the many colors of sapphire and preview some of the amazing designs Emily has created using these stones. We'll also give you some tips on where to buy gemstones Toronto so you can create your own one-of-a-kind pieces!
The Romance of Sapphires
Sapphires are beautiful gemstones that come in a wide variety of colors. They have been treasured for centuries for their beauty and durability.
Sapphires are the birthstone for September, it's also the birthstone for the Zodiac sign of Virgo. It was 2002 when the American Gem Trade Association chose Sapphire as the official September birthstone.
Sapphires are also associated with the 45th and 5th anniversaries and for some time now, engagement rings with sapphires have been growing in popularity.
How Did Sapphires Become A Sapphire Anniversary Stone?
SAPPHIRE RINGS
The tradition of giving gemstones as anniversary gifts began in medieval Europe. The word "sapphire" comes from the ancient Greek word for blue, "sappheiros." In the Middle Ages, Sapphire was believed to protect those who wore it from evil and harm.
The rich blue color of Sapphire was said to represent heaven, and the gemstone was associated with faith, truth, and sincerity. A sapphire anniversary is a couple's 5th or 45th wedding anniversary. Sapphire is the gemstone associated with the 5th and 45th anniversary because it symbolizes faithfulness and sincerity.
Why are Engagement Rings with Sapphires Growing in Popularity?
SAPPHIRE ENGAGEMENT RINGS
Sapphire engagement rings are growing in popularity because they are unique, beautiful and durable.
Sapphire is often associated with love and romance. Sapphires are said to represent faithfulness, sincerity, and loyalty, all important qualities for a lasting relationship making them a perfect gift, especially for engagement or to show one's love.
Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales wears the stunning sapphire engagement ring, a 12-carat oval blue sapphire set in 18-karat white gold, which was once worn by William's mother Princess Diana. Custom sapphire rings, like this one now worn by two generations of Royals, will forever be cherished as heirloom pieces.
Sapphires come in a wide variety of colors, so you can find the perfect ring to match your personality or your fiancee's personality. They're a slightly more affordable alternative to diamonds and are equally beautiful.
What sapphire color is trending in popularity right now, you ask?
Without question Teal Sapphire Engagement Rings are trending hot. Why? Their blue green hues combined to make the beautiful teal color is reminiscent of a shiny mermaids tail. Nature lovers make the connection between blue water and the green forest. Lake lovers make the connection to the 'bluewater' or teal color of our Great Lakes. Read more below about what a teal sapphire ring, like this one, means to romantics. See some of Emily's loose teal sapphires here.
Sapphire is one of the hardest natural materials on Earth; only diamonds are harder. This hardness makes Sapphire an ideal and durable choice for jewelry that will be worn every day. They're also resistant to heat damage, making them a good choice for rings and other pieces that may need to withstand high temperatures (such as when setting with fire during repairs). Because Sapphires are so hard, they can be difficult to cut and polish; only experienced gem cutters should attempt to facet them into shape.
> Read More About Custom Engagement Rings with Sapphires here.
A Rainbow of Colors for Sapphire Jewelry
As you set out on your journey to create a beautiful bespoke piece of custom jewelry give some consideration to the rainbow of colors available in loose sapphires Canada for engagement rings Toronto.
Sapphire is one of the few gemstones that come in every color of the rainbow.
- The most prized sapphires are a deep blue color known as "cornflower blue."
- The most common colors are blue and pink, but they can also be found in yellow, green, orange, purple, and white.
- White sapphires are actually more common than blue sapphire, especially for sapphire engagement rings.
- The different colors of Sapphire are caused by different trace elements in the stones; for example, iron causes a yellow Sapphire while titanium creates a pink Sapphire.
Sapphires can be found all over the world
Sapphire jewelry is prized by everyone who wears it.
Emily, EG Bespoke Ltd, features sapphires from:
- Montana Sapphires - see loose Montana sapphires here!
- Australian Sapphire - see some beautiful Australian sapphires here!
- Sri Lanka Sapphire - see some beautiful Sri Lanka sapphires here!
- Moyo Gems, Tanzania and Kenya Sapphires - see these beauties here!
Fancy Sapphires
Fancy sapphires are all sapphires that are not blue sapphire, think of them as all of the other fancy colors. The most common colors of fancy sapphires are yellow, pink, green and others like violetish blue and other natural colors.
Yellow Sapphires range in color from pale lemon to a deep golden yellow.
Pink Sapphires can be found in a wide range of pink shades, from pale pink to hot pink. Green sapphires can take on different colors depending on the light, from blue-green sapphire to more earth tones of green.
The trending Teal Sapphires vary in color from shades of a glistening light blue green to deepest shades of blue-green just like our Great Lakes.
Let's take a look at the rainbow of colors of these fancy sapphires you will find in sapphire jewelry, so you can choose the perfect gemstone for yourself or your loved one:
Peach Sapphire
Peach sapphire is a type of pink sapphire that has an orange hue to it. Peach pink sapphires are a lovely soft pink-orange color. They are said to represent kindness and compassion.
Mint Green Sapphire
Mint green sapphires are a refreshing and fun color. They are said to represent hope and new beginnings. With lighter paler colors on trend, these beauties are harder to find and represent only a fraction of mined gems faceted for jewellery.
Green Sapphire
Sapphire green is a classic color. They are said to represent growth and abundance. Color change sapphires often start with a green or hazel sapphire color and then take on a different color in different types of light. [Did you read our article on the unique color change sapphire custom ring Emily created - Check it out here!]
Teal Sapphire Engagement Rings
Teal sapphire rings are one of the hottest sapphire colors right now. They are a beautiful and unique choice and are said to represent fidelity and commitment.
Jewelry trendsetters are loving the mermaid vibe that comes from the blue-green sapphire to make these parti teal sapphire gems. Nature lovers often choose teal sapphire rings because they marry colors from both the sea and the forest, or the natural teal color of our Great Lakes.
Light Blue Sapphire Rings
Light blue sapphires are a popular choice for sapphire engagement rings. They are said to represent purity and innocence.
Blue Sapphires
Blue sapphire is the most traditional of sapphire colors. It's the color we think of most often when we think of sapphires. Blue sapphires are said to represent truth and wisdom. See our selection of over 100 beautiful blue sapphires!
Purple Sapphire
Purple sapphires are a regal and luxurious color. They are said to represent royalty and power. How many different shades of purple sapphire would you like to see? Check out our loose purple sapphires here.
[See our Wild Indigo Purple Sapphire Ring] A timeless three setting featuring a juicy sapphire the colour of one of my favourite abundant perennial flowers, wild indigo! This super low profile ring is accented with Canadian diamonds and set in yellow gold that makes the violet gem colour pop on the hand.
White Sapphire
White sapphires are a beautiful and elegant color. Colorless sapphires are said to represent purity and innocence. [Read more about White Sapphire vs Diamond HERE] See our wide collection of white sapphires as loose gemstones.
Meet Isabella (above) our lab created white sapphire set in a 14k white gold setting with a sparkly diamond halo with dainty miligrain accents make this a timeless modern day heirloom. SHOP for her here
Pink Sapphires
Pink sapphire engagement rings are a popular choice for rings or other gifts like earrings or necklaces. They are said to represent love and romance.
Padparadscha Sapphires
Isn't that a mouthful? Padparadscha sapphires are a mix of pink orange and yellow and are considered to be very rare and valuable. Pink orange sapphires are said to represent happiness and love. Yellow sapphires are said to bring good fortune and wisdom. So a padparadscha sapphire is said to be a stone of good fortune, happiness and love.
Here is an example of a custom Padaparadscha sapphire we pulled up from the archives for the blog. Isn't it stunning?
Red Sapphire
Red sapphires are rare and considered to be very valuable. They are said to represent love and passion. Star rubies are actually a type of red sapphire. They get their name from the asterism, or star-like effect, that is created when light reflects off of the stone. The star sapphire effect is caused by rutile fine needles that are embedded in the stone.
Star rubies are considered to be very valuable and are often used in high-end jewelry. They can be found in a variety of colors, but the most sought-after color is red.
Orange Sapphire
Orange sapphires, also called Padparadscha Sapphires, are a mix of pink and yellow and are considered to be very rare and valuable. Orange sapphires are said to represent joy and creativity. See our full range of loose orange sapphires here.
Yellow Sapphires
Yellow sapphires come in a variety of shades of yellow, from a pale yellow to a deep golden yellow. They are said to bring good fortune and wisdom. See a variety of shades of yellow sapphires we have in our loose gemstone collection.
Other sapphires can be described as:
Color Change Sapphires
Color change sapphires are unique and beautiful gemstones. They change color in different types of light, from green sapphires to a hazel color or blue sapphire color. It makes sense that color change sapphires are said to represent transformation and new beginnings. [Did you read our article on the unique color change sapphire custom ring Emily created - Check it out here!]
Check out another unusual Color Change sapphire that sold from our collection recently in our Meadow Ring Design. 
Star sapphires
Star sapphires are a type of sapphire that has a star-like pattern on the surface of the stone. The most common colors for star sapphires are blue and black. A black sapphire engagement ring that's a star sapphire is said to represent hope and guidance. Blue sapphires that are star sapphires are said to represent good fortune and protection. Which star sapphire is your favorite?
Natural sapphires
Natural sapphire stones, or raw sapphires, are beautiful gemstones in their natural state as they were mined. Sapphires come in a wide range of colors, from blue to green to yellow and pink. A natural sapphire is said to represent healing and protection.
Natural Unheated Sapphires vs Natural Heated Sapphires
The majority of sapphires on the market today are natural heated sapphires. Heating sapphires is a common and accepted practice in the jewelry industry. It enhances the color and clarity of the stone.
A natural unheated sapphire is a rarer find, and therefore more valuable. They are natural as they were mined, faceted by a human but their natural beauty nor characteristics are altered in any way. Unheated sapphires are said to represent wisdom and knowledge.
Check out this beautify Moyo Gem Natural Unheated Sapphire - Blue Sapphire from Mines in Tanzania.
Lab Created Sapphires
Lab created sapphires, or man-made sapphires, have the same chemical makeup as natural sapphires but are grown in a lab rather than being mined from the earth. Lab created blue sapphire is a popular choice because it is less expensive than a natural blue sapphire.
Synthetic Sapphires
Synthetic sapphires are man-made gems that have the same chemical makeup as natural sapphires. However, they are not considered to be "real" gemstones by the gemstone industry.
So there you have it!
A rainbow of colors to choose from when shopping for your perfect piece of jewelry or gems.
No matter what color sapphire you choose, they are all said to represent strength, wisdom, and good fortune. More sapphires more wisdom.
With so many sapphire colors, which will you choose for your next piece of jewelry?
Sapphire is a beautiful gemstone that comes in a wide variety of colors. They make great gifts because of the variety of sentiments behind the rainbow of colors. No matter what your favorite color is, you can find a sapphire to suit your taste.
Where to Buy Gemstones Toronto
Your search is over. Ready to make your purchase?
No custom jeweller can claim to do it all. Like all custom designers, Emily Gill has a team of professionals from the style shop, metal shop to shape shop, working with her to master the perfect heirloom piece from creative to finished product.
"Several of my gems are expertly cut and faceted for the best sparkle and color play by our local lapidarist in downtown Toronto. I have a close-knit group of professionals I work with, they are extensions of my own hand and mind"
... and it clearly shows in the quality of custom jewelry Toronto that you'll come to love from EG Bespoke Ltd.
If you're looking for somewhere to buy gemstones in Toronto, we recommend you shop EG Bespoke Jewellers online store. Emily Gill is a talented and experienced jeweller who can help you create the perfect piece of jewelry for yourself or your gifts.
Whether you're looking to shop for loose sapphires, earrings or a custom engagement ring, EG Bespoke Jewellers offers a complete service to help you find or create the perfect gemstone gifts for your needs.
Contact Emily today to learn more about their custom process, and product availability or browse their selection of beautiful loose gemstones, and special offers or get access to her ready-to-wear jewelry in her online store.
P.S. - Have you joined Emily Gill's Newsletter "Gold, Glass and Gems" yet? Confirm your email and get more details here.
FAQs About Sapphires
What does wearing a sapphire ring mean?
Wearing a sapphire ring is said to represent truth and wisdom. Sapphires come in a variety of colors. See what each color of sapphire represents in detail in our article.
Are sapphire rings worth it?
Yes, sapphire rings are definitely worth it. Sapphires are one of the most durable gemstones and will last a lifetime with proper care.
How much should I spend on a sapphire ring?
This depends on your budget. Sapphires can range in price from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands of dollars. It is important to consult with a professional jeweler to find the best value for your money.
What is the difference between a white sapphire and a diamond?
A white sapphire is a different gemstone than a diamond. Sapphires are made of corundum, while diamonds are made of carbon. Sapphires can come in a variety of colors, while diamonds are only found in white or clear.
Sapphires have a hardness of nine on the Mohs Scale, while diamonds have a hardness of ten. Colorless sapphires are less expensive than diamonds, but both gemstones are considered to be valuable.
What is the most rare color of sapphire?
The rarest color of sapphire is red. Red sapphires are said to represent passion and love. Red sapphires are so rare that they are often confused with rubies. But, red sapphires and rubies are not the same things.
Rubies are a type of corundum that is red in color. Sapphires come in a wide range of colors, from blue to green to yellow and pink sapphires. While all rubies are red, not all corundums are rubies!
Rubies are the most valuable type of corundum, followed by sapphires. Vivid color saturation is what makes a ruby more valuable than a sapphire. Sapphires are more common than rubies, but red sapphires are still quite rare.
How do I care for my sapphire ring?
Sapphire rings should be cleaned with warm water, soap, and a soft toothbrush. Pat dry with a soft cloth or papertowel. Avoid using harsh chemicals or cleaners on your ring. Sapphires are safe to clean and steam with an at home ultra-sonic if you invest in one. Here is Emily's recommendation. Make sure to check that any other stones in your sapphire ring are also safe if using an ultrasonic or steamer. Diamond accents are safe. Happy cleaning!
Is sapphire stone expensive?
Sapphire stone can be expensive, depending on the quality of the stone. Sapphires are graded on a scale from A to Z, with A being the most expensive. The price of sapphire also depends on the color of the stone. Blue sapphires are typically more expensive than other colors. To obtain more information on pricing, please get in touch.
How can you tell if it's a real sapphire?
The easiest way to tell if a sapphire is real is to consult with a professional jeweler. Sapphires are typically graded on a scale from A to Z, with A being the highest quality. Sapphires of lower quality may have flaws or inclusions that can be seen with the naked eye.
Is sapphire OK for an engagement ring?
Sapphire is a popular choice for an engagement ring. Sapphires are durable and come in a variety of colors. They are 9 out of 10 hardness on the Mohs scale. Blue sapphire is traditionally the most popular color for an engagement ring, but other colors such as teal, peach, pastel and light blues, purples, pinks, greens, white and colorless sapphires are also becoming more popular. Taste is very personal and we recommend picking something that you love!
How can I tell if my sapphire is real?
The easiest way to tell if a sapphire is real is to consult with a professional jeweler. Sapphires are typically graded on a scale from A to Z, with A being the highest quality. Sapphires of lower quality may have flaws or inclusions that can be seen with the naked eye.
Are sapphires worth as much as diamonds?
Sapphires are typically less expensive than traditional white or colorless diamonds, but both gemstones are considered to be valuable. Some sapphires may be considered more rare and irreplaceable than diamonds because of their color and yield a higher replacement value. There are complex factors that contribute to evaluating a gem including size, origins, clarity, color and therefore comparing the worth of sapphires to diamonds can be akin to comparing apples to oranges. We always recommend purchasing a gem because you love it, it's worth is more sentimental than one of monetary value. The uniqueness of your sapphire, it's story and your experience choosing it for a special piece of jewellery is invaluable.
VISIT EmilyGill.ca to see our ready-made heirloom quality rings.