When I say I like working with corundum, I often see a frown appear. But when I mention “sapphire” or “ruby,” the penny drops. After all, corundum is the mineral group, and sapphire and ruby are simply the names for the different colours within this group.
Briefly, ruby is the red variety of corundum, and sapphire is all other colours of corundum.
And no, that doesn’t mean I incorporate the classic dark blue sapphires or bright red rubies into all my jewellery-stronger still; I rarely choose them. Why? Because I love colour, shades that are just a little different, and gemstones that you don’t find everywhere, that makes a piece of jewellery truly unique.
Corundum is one of the hardest gemstones in the world, making it perfect for jewellery. But what makes it unique is that it comes in so many colours. My favourites are yellow, green, pink, purple, colourless, and Ceylon and teal sapphires.
Fancy sapphires – the colourful side of corundum
Many people think that sapphires are only blue, but that is a misconception. In addition to blue, there are “fancy sapphires”-the collective name for sapphires of all other colors.
Fancy sapphires can be yellow, orange, pink, violet, green, or purple, but bi-colour or particoloured sapphires combine multiple colours in one stone. Some sapphires even have a colour-changing effect, appearing blue in daylight but turning purple in artificial light.
This makes sapphire one of the hardest gemstones and one of the most versatile.
Ceylon sapphires – airy, bright and sparkling
One of my favourite sapphire colours is Ceylon sapphire, which is from Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon). These sapphires have a lighter, brighter blue hue than the classic dark blue sapphires you often see at jewellers.
Why do I like them better?
– They are open, bubbly and airy rather than dark and heavy.
– The colour sometimes resembles a summer sky just after a rain – fresh, bright and full of life.
– They pair fantastically with gold and with other gemstones.
The legend of the blue sapphire
In Sri Lanka, the mystical powers of the blue sapphire have been spoken of for centuries. According to an ancient legend, the first sapphire was formed from a drop of moonlight that fell to earth. The stone offers protection to the wearer and ward off evil.
For centuries, kings and spiritual leaders wore blue sapphires, believing the stone brought wisdom, clarity, and divine protection. In some cultures, it is said that those who wear a blue sapphire recognize the truth more quickly and find inner peace.
Whether you believe in the mystique or not, there is something special about a Ceylon sapphire. The colour has a certain freshness and depth that continues to fascinate me.
Teal sapphires – an ocean captured in a stone
Then you have teal sapphires. It is one of my favourite discoveries in the world of gemstones.
These sapphires are a magical mix of blue and green. What makes them so special is that their colour changes depending on the light. Sometimes, they are deep blue, and sometimes, they tend toward emerald green. Often, there is an outstanding balance in between.
They come mainly from Madagascar and Australia, and you don’t see them in jewellery very often yet. And that’s precisely why I love working with them.
A teal sapphire almost feels like a piece of ocean or a Scandinavian fjord captured in a stone. It is a colour you keep looking at because it is never quite the same.
Why I choose sapphire (and not ruby or classic blue)
Although ruby and the classic dark blue sapphire are beautiful, they attract me less. Ruby has its iconic deep red colour, and the deep blue sapphire has been loved for centuries, but in my work, I look for hues that are just a little different.
What appeals to me are the fancy sapphires—the name for all sapphires that are not red or classic blue. These gemstones have unprecedented versatility and come in colours you rarely see. Ceylon sapphires have fresh, airy blue, teal sapphires balance green and blue, and warm yellow sapphires shine like sunshine in jewellery. The play of light and colour in these sapphires makes them so special and perfect for my designs.
Corundum: one of the hardest gemstones
One of the reasons sapphire and ruby are perfect for jewellery is their exceptional hardness.
– Corundum scores a nine on the Mohs-net scale below diamond (10).
– This means they are highly resistant to scratches and abrasion.
– This makes them perfect for everyday wearable jewellery like rings and bracelets.
Corundum: infinite possibilities
What I love about corundum is that it lets you go in all directions.
– A classic ring? Choose a (dark blue) sapphire.
– A playful design? Get a teal sapphire.
– Something special? Go for a yellow sapphire and carry the sun with you.
Corundum may be an unfamiliar name, but it is a treasure chest full of colour and possibilities. It’s much more than just ruby red or classic dark blue.
Are you curious about these exceptional gemstones? I have a beautiful collection of colourful sapphires in my studio. You are welcome to come and admire them in person.
