All the sapphires

Beyond Blue: The Many Colours of Sapphire

When most people think of sapphires, they think blue. Deep, velvety, regal blue. But
sapphires—like the people who love them—are far more varied and surprising. In fact,
sapphire comes in nearly every colour of the rainbow, and each hue tells its own story of geology, geography, and time.

Sapphire is a variety of the mineral corundum. When it's red, we call it ruby. Every other colour? Still a sapphire. The presence of different trace elements during the crystal’s formation gives each stone its unique shade, from soft pastels to rich, saturated tones.

Blue sapphires, the most iconic, are found in Sri Lanka (Ceylon), Madagascar, Thailand, and the storied region of Kashmir. Ceylon blues are known for their brilliance, while Kashmir sapphires—rare and no longer mined—are famed for their velvety, cornflower tone. Pink sapphires range from delicate blush to vibrant magenta, most commonly sourced from Madagascar, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar. Their colour is due to traces of chromium—just like ruby, but in smaller amounts.

Yellow and orange sapphires add warmth to the palette, with golden hues that feel sunny and elegant. Sri Lanka, Tanzania, and Madagascar produce many of these stones. The rare and coveted padparadscha sapphire—a soft blend of pink and orange—takes its name from the colour of a lotus blossom and is almost exclusively found in Sri Lanka.

Green sapphires tend to be more understated, with earthy, mossy tones. Many come from Australia and Africa. Then there are white sapphires, which offer a clear, uncoloured alternative to diamonds. And then there’s a uniquely Australian gem: the parti sapphire. Found primarily in Queensland and New South Wales, these stones display two or more colours in a single gem—often a mix of blue, green, and yellow. Every parti sapphire is one-of-a-kind, a natural blend of colour that can’t be replicated or predicted. Their individuality and wild, organic beauty have made them a favourite among modern collectors and those looking for something truly personal.

At Hope diamonds & gemstones, we love sapphires for their strength, their soul, and their extraordinary spectrum. Whether you’re drawn to a timeless blue or the untamed beauty of a parti sapphire, there’s a stone to match your story—and we’re here to help you find it. Explore our available sapphires here.