Explore the royalty and romance of one of the most popular colored gemstones in the industry.
Sapphires — prized gems with a rich history, enduring popularity, and vivid, saturated color in every shade possible. Often recognized for its mesmerizing, deep blue color, this gemstone has remained a source of inspiration and creativity in the jewelry world. But is there more than meets the eye when it comes to this highly treasured gemstone?
From adorning iconic figures (see: Princess Diana’s unforgettable and still replicated, blue sapphire engagement ring) to symbolizing the birth month of September, sapphire has a much larger story to tell. Available in nearly every shade of the rainbow, it is important to consider what sets this gemstone apart for your customers when creating the piece of their dreams.
Let’s briefly dive into a few selling points for both natural and lab-grown sapphires through historical significance, color variations, gemstone care tips, and more. With this knowledge and the support of Stuller’s vast sapphire selection, you can confidently meet any request with a complete understanding of what this colored gemstone has to offer.
A Rich History of Sapphires in Jewelry
Historically associated with the color blue, sapphires have symbolized virtues of truth, faithfulness, and peace. Looking back, members of ancient Greek and Roman royalty wore the captivating gemstone for protection against enemies while the Middle Ages saw sapphire as a connection to religious significance.
Today, sapphires hold dual significance as the September birthstone and a symbol of strength thanks to their remarkable toughness. Their association with royalty and wisdom through history adds depth to their allure. Furthermore, sapphire still caters to the spiritual by representing Capricorn zodiac signs.
Colors of Corundum
Serene blues, romantic pinks, cheerful yellows — famed for their deep blue charm, many forget that sapphires come in a stunning array of colors. Known as “fancy colored” sapphires, these colors are considered any shades that don’t fall within blue, black, or colorless.
Sapphire’s rainbow of options can be attributed to its mineral variety, corundum. Composed of only aluminum and oxygen, gemstones of the corundum family begin as colorless in their purest state but then form their signature shade due to color-causing trace elements such as iron, titanium, and chromium. Let’s take a look at a few differentiating factors for both natural and lab-grown sapphires that will help you guide your next gemstone or bridal customer in the right direction.
Did You Know?
While sapphires come in a range of hues beyond classic blue, any “red sapphires” are considered Rubies. Despite both being of the corundum species, Rubies contain a chromium content that creates its passionate shade. Blue sapphires only contain trace elements of iron and titanium.
Knowing Your Options: Natural and Lab-Grown
Second to diamonds in their hardness and known as one of the most sought-after gemstones in history, sapphires make an ideal choice for any piece and knowing the difference between natural and lab-grown options can give you the right guidance when knowing which option to offer your customer.
Natural sapphires are, of course, naturally formed from the Earth under extreme heat and pressure and form their color from the trace element or chromium content within their structure.
Lab-grown sapphires are created from natural sapphire and are placed in what is called “hydrothermal synthesis” to replicate the heat and pressure of natural formation. They also possess nearly identical physical, chemical, and optical properties to their mined counterparts — the same captivating gemstone at a more attainable cost to fit your customer’s budget.
Follow the Rainbow
Available in a range of pinks, purples, greens, and blues, the opportunities for creating rainbow-like pieces can be endless with both natural and lab-grown sapphires. Thanks to Stuller’s vast sapphire assortment in an exceptional range of shapes, sizes, and shades, you can have everything you need to design a one-of-a-kind gemstone piece that will be treasured for years to come.
Our natural and lab-grown sapphire melee selection offers classic blue and fancy color sapphires such as yellow, berry, aqua, green, teal, pink, champagne, and orange. Explore interesting, unique ways to display these bright, alluring colors with up to 16 different shapes — including kite, hexagon, and shield shapes. Find your choice in melee sizes ranging from 0.010 carats (one millimeter) to 14-millimeter gemstones.
Notable Gems®: Stuller's Sapphire Variety
Looking for a more striking complement to add to your offering? Stuller’s Notable Gems assortment takes sapphire to the next level with padparadscha pink and peach tones, while phenomenal bi-color sapphire demands a double-take. Or go timeless with deep, rich, gradient shades of blue in classic blue sapphire with new additions in larger carat weights — the perfect center stone for a gemstone or bridal jewelry piece that will have them feeling like royalty.
Special Order Gemstone Services
Expanding your lab-grown offering but still not seeing what you need in stock? Our team can source it for you, and we are constantly on the lookout for new additions based on your business or customer requests.
Gemstone Care Tips for Sapphires
Thanks to its hardness and durability, sapphire makes a great gemstone choice for jewelry pieces that are subject to daily wear. It also lends itself well to heat, light, and common chemicals due to its corundum structure.
Here are a few top tips to keep in mind when cleaning or caring for any sapphire or sapphire-set piece.
- Inspect your gemstone or gemstone piece carefully for any fractures or treatments.
- Warm, soapy water works best, but most sapphires can withstand ultrasonic and steam cleaners without any issue.
- A damp cloth can be used to remove most surface-level debris, while a soft cloth can be used for drying after any cleaning process.
More Than a Birthstone
In the world of jewelry, sapphires have stood the test of time due to their beauty and versatility. With the insights and tips we’ve shared, you can now inspire your customers with endless ways to commemorate their milestones and life’s many chapters.
Remember, Stuller is here to support you with gemstone education, resources, and an unparalleled variety. Explore our gemstone education center on Stuller.com to enhance your expertise and create lasting stories with the captivating sapphire gemstones.
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