In ancient Greece, lovers believed that sapphires protected the bond between partners. In the middle ages, clergy wore sapphires to symbolize inner wisdom and clarity of spirit. Centuries later, sapphires became the stone of devotion, chosen for its unique hues, moving away from the traditional diamond solitaire.
a spectrum of sapphire colours
Sapphire is a gemstone that seems to hold movement inside it. Like deep lakes, quiet twilight skies, the ocean at first light — it feels alive. No two sapphires are ever the same.
The colour shifts and expands depending on how the stone was formed: midnight, cornflower, storm-blue, teal that slips toward green or grey. This is part of the magic your sapphire will belong only to you.
Long before it finds its way to your engagement ring, a sapphire begins its story deep within the earth’s crust. Sapphires belong to the corundum family, the same mineral group as rubies, and form slowly under immense pressure and heat.
Pure corundum is colourless. what gives sapphires their extraordinary spectrum of hues are trace elements — iron, titanium, chromium, and vanadium, folded into the crystal structure as the stone grows over thousands or millions, of years.
iron + titanium — create the classic royal blue
chromium — gives rise to delicate pink
iron — can create warm golden yellows
iron and vanadium — gives us oceanic teals and greenish-blues
These tiny differences in chemistry are what make every sapphire one of a kind.
where sapphires are found
The earth has a quiet way of keeping its treasures scattered. Sapphires are mined all around the world, each origin carrying its own character:
Sri Lanka — known for luminous pastel blues and fine padparadscha sapphires
Kashmir — famed for its soft, velvety cornflower blue sapphires, now exceptionally rare
Madagascar — one of today’s leading sources, known for vibrant blues, teals, and pinks
Australia — home to unique parti sapphires and earthy green-blues
Montana — producing soft, misty-toned sapphires beloved for their natural, organic beauty
how to select the perfect sapphire
When shopping for a sapphire engagement ring, there are a few key elements to keep in mind:
Color — Rich, saturated hues are most sought after, but soft pastel tones are equally romantic and unique.
Cut — Oval, round, pear, and emerald cuts enhance a sapphire’s natural brilliance.
Clarity — Natural sapphires almost always have some sort of inclusions such as colour zoning, fine needle-like lines, small mineral crystals, or feathery wisps.
Treatment — Many sapphires on the market are heat-treated, a traditional and accepted practice that enhances colour and clarity. Heat treated sapphires are generally more affordable. Unheated sapphires are more rare and valuable.
custom sapphire engagement ring
Choosing a sapphire engagement ring is deeply personal. Our custom jewelry process allows couples to select their ideal sapphire — considering colour, cut, and origin, and collaborate directly with our designer to create a one-of-a-kind piece.
If you’re searching for custom sapphire engagement ring in Toronto, book a design consultation with Anastassia Sel to explore sapphire options, settings, and design possibilities.
