A Colour Medley of Sapphires: Nature’s Art in Every Hue

B.P. de Silva’s hallmark gemstone, Sapphires, have long been cherished for their quiet brilliance and enduring strength. As one of the world’s most storied gemstones — alongside Diamonds, Rubies, and Emeralds —Sapphires have adorned generations, carrying with them tales of wisdom, devotion, and legacy. Whilst the colour blue is usually what comes to mind first when we talk about Sapphires, this remarkable gem is found in a spectrum of colours, each bringing its own unique charm and beauty.

B.P. de Silva Sapphires in stunning colours and different cuts.

Sapphires belong to the corundum family, and their colour is determined by trace elements within the mineral. The presence of iron, titanium, chromium, or vanadium influences the final shade, resulting in a breathtaking spectrum of colours.

Sunset in a Jewel: The Padparadscha Sapphire

A Padparadscha gemstone, symbolising harmony and balance, with its mesmerising blend of pink and orange or “sunset” hues that evoke love, compassion, and inner peace.

From left to right: B.P.’s Bespoke Padparadscha Sapphire and Diamond Ring, and our Jazz Age Monument Padparadscha Sapphire Ring.

Among the rarest and most coveted Sapphires, and also one of the most requested types of Sapphires here at B.P. de Silva, Padparadscha Sapphires are known for their unique blend of pink and orange hues, reminiscent of a tropical sunset. Originating from Sri Lanka, their name comes from the Sinhalese word for "lotus blossom," a fitting tribute to their delicate, magnetic beauty.

A Famed Hue: Blue Sapphires

A classic Blue Sapphire—timeless, luminous, and deeply treasured. Here, we feature a custom Hexagon-cut Blue Sapphire for our Jazz Age New York New York Ring.

For Sapphires, blue is quite possibly the most well-known hue. But there lies distinctive tonalities within this colour; even at a glance, a Royal Blue Sapphire is quite different from a light blue Sapphire and different shades also evoke varied emotions.

From left to right: B.P. 's high jewel, the Monument Legacy Sapphire Ring features a 7.55ct Royal Blue Sapphire; on the right: a light blue Sapphire in our Ceylon Bloom ring from our Sapphire Signatures line

Blue Sapphires range from delicate light hues to deep midnight blues. In the jewellery world, "Royal Blue" Sapphires particularly when sourced from Sri Lanka, are some of the most prized. Ceylon Sapphires are admired for their velvety depth and exceptional brilliance.

A Contemporary, and Timeless Favourite: Teal Sapphires

Teal Sapphires different cuts, as seen in B.P.’s Enamoured and Rhapsody silhouettes. 

A captivating fusion of blue and green, Teal Sapphires have grown in popularity for their depth and uniqueness. These Sapphires showcase a harmonious blend of oceanic tones, making them an unconventional, and timelessly elegant choice.

The Ardour Sapphire Ring, a trilogy ring design from B.P. de Silva’s Sapphire Signatures.

That Golden Glow: Yellow Sapphires

Golden hues of Yellow Sapphires, capturing the essence of sunshine and elegance.

Yellow Sapphires go from pale lemon to deep golden hues, with the most vivid shades bringing forth the most beckoning glow. These gemstones, often associated with prosperity and luck, gain their golden tones from traces of iron.

The Grand Plush Sapphire Necklace, featuring a 10.50ct Unheated Yellow Sapphire, is surrounded by 1,944 pavéd diamonds.

Of Romance and Allure: Pink Sapphires

The Plush™ Pink Sapphire Necklace, featuring a stunning natural Pink Sapphire at the heart of the Diamond micro-pavéd halo.

Pink Sapphires exude a sense of romance, warmth and femininity, with colours spanning from soft pastel pinks to vibrant magentas. The intensity of pink is influenced by the presence of chromium, and also by the skill of the gem cutter or lapidary.

Understated & Unique: Green Sapphires

A radiant, cushion-cut Green Sapphire from B.P.’s natural gem library.

When one thinks of green gemstones, the first ones in memory might be bold Emeralds, or striking Tsavorites – but the green hues found in Sapphires are equally captivating, though they may be more understated. They come in soft sages, and range all the way to deep forests — it all depends on the trace amounts of iron present during the Sapphire's formation in the Earth.

An elegant choice for those seeking something beyond the traditional, to truly call their own.

The Royal Hue: Purple Sapphires

Purple Sapphires are often associated with wisdom and inner strength.

Sometimes referred to as Violet or Lavender Sapphires, these gemstones exhibit enchanting shades of lilac and a deep royal purple. The presence of the trace element, vanadium gives them their distinctive colour – purple, the colour most associated with royalty.

Choosing Your Sapphires: Which Colours Speak to You?

Whether drawn to the timeless appeal of a classic Blue Sapphire or the ethereal charm of a Padparadscha Sapphire, each colour tells a different story. The world of Sapphires is as vast and diverse as the individuals who wear them, offering endless possibilities for personal expression.

A Sapphire’s colour, origin, and quality all contribute to its character, and finding the perfect one is a journey in itself—one filled with history, beauty, and meaning. We invite you to explore these exquisite gems at our flagship boutique and craft a bespoke jewel that is uniquely yours, or for your once-in-a-lifetime love.