Sapphire, which in Greek translates as blue stone, is a gemstone variety of the the mineral corundum, which is an aluminium oxide.
Sapphire and diamond ring (FS18/243)
Small trace amounts of other elements such as copper, iron, titanium and chromium gives the corundum a blue, purple, yellow, orange or green colour to the sapphire. Sapphires may be found naturally. They can also be manufactured. Sapphires are incredibly hard, measuring 9 on the Mohs scale and because of this they are used for many applications, such as components in scientific instruments and synthetic sapphires are used for shatter resistant windows in armoured vehicles!
The cost of natural sapphires varies depending on their colour, cut, general overall quality and size and although sapphires have many practical uses they are also commonly used for jewellery and decoration and we see them regularly in our fine jewellery auctions.
Sapphires can be found in all types of jewellery and vary in colour and size. This brooch illustrated below in particular is mounted with a pink sapphire and is included in the next fine jewellery auction on 3rd July 2013.
A pink sapphire and diamond bar brooch (FS19)
Pink sapphires deepen in colour as the quantity of chromium increases, the deeper the pink colour, the higher the value. Pink Sapphires over one carat are extremely rare and are subsequently quite expensive. A sapphire which is pink can sometimes be so pink that it can be a ruby.
Pink gem set jewellery is currently very saleable in fine jewellery auctions. Pink topaz and pink sapphires being the most sought after at auction.
This beautiful example is being offered for sale in the quarterly fine jewellery sale on 3rd July 2013.
