Diamonds are the most renowned precious gemstones, celebrated for their incredible brilliance and durability. Composed of carbon atoms arranged in a crystal lattice structure, diamonds form deep within the Earth's mantle under intense heat and pressure.

What makes diamonds so special?

Diamonds symbolise love, strength, and eternity, making them the ultimate choice for engagement rings and significant milestones. Their exceptional hardness—ranked 10 on the Mohs scale—ensures they withstand daily wear, maintaining their sparkle over time.

What determines a diamond’s value?

• Carat: A measure of weight. Larger diamonds are rarer and more valuable.

• Clarity: The absence of internal flaws or inclusions enhances value.

• Colour: The most prized diamonds are colourless, but many beautiful shades exist.

• Cut: A well-cut diamond maximises brilliance and fire, significantly impacting its beauty and worth.

• It’s a combination of these considerations that reflects a diamonds value for both natural and laboratory grown diamonds.

How to care for your diamond?

Clean your diamonds regularly with warm soapy water and a soft brush. Store them separately to prevent scratching, and have them professionally inspected and cleaned periodically to ensure they remain in pristine condition.

What is a sapphire?

Sapphire and Ruby are gemstone varieties of the species corundum, both captivating gemstones. They share a common chemical composition - aluminium oxide.

Sapphire gemstones are created through certain shifts in heat and pressure and can be found in both metamorphic and igneous rock.

Why is sapphire so special?

Sapphires have been treasured for centuries, admired for their captivating colours and brilliance. They hold immense symbolic and cultural significance across various civilisations. Revered as birthstones for those born in September and for those celebrating a 45th wedding anniversary. These gemstones have adorned the crowns of kings and queens, accentuated the fingers of engaged couples, and sparked awe in beholders worldwide.

What type of jewellery is suitable for sapphires?

Whether in the form of a pendant, earrings, or a ring, Sapphire will continue to captivate the hearts of gemstone enthusiasts. As gem varieties of corundum, their extraordinary beauty and enduring nature make them timeless treasures.

How durable is sapphire?

With its vitreous lustre, sapphires displays exceptional hardness. On the Mohs scale, which measures mineral hardness, corundum ranks second only to diamond. This durability contributes to their renowned beauty and makes these gemstones sought after in the world of jewellery.

What causes colour in sapphire?

Colours in gemstones have fascinated humans for centuries, as these vibrant hues often symbolise beauty and allure. But have you ever wondered what gives gemstones their distinct colours?

Sapphire, with its crystalline structure composed of aluminium and oxygen atoms, exhibits remarkable variations in colour due to different impurities. Blue sapphires contains trace elements such as titanium and iron oxide. Green colour is caused by the presence of iron and titanium oxide. Orange, the blending of chromium and iron oxide. Yellow with the charm of Iron Oxide.

Australian parti sapphires, with their diverse colour range and intriguing compositions, are highly sought after by gem enthusiasts and collectors alike. Their chemical makeup, the presence of different trace elements, all combining to produce the breathtaking and unique beauty that sets them apart.

Our Australian sapphires are some of the most sort after and interesting gemstones in the world.

About treatments

Many sapphires have undergone some form of treatment to enhance their colour or clarity. Heat treatment is the most common and accepted practice in the industry, as long as it is disclosed to the buyer.

Untreated or minimally treated sapphires are considered more valuable due to their natural state.

Many of our sapphire have had little or no treatments.

What determines the value of a sapphire?

Colour: The color of a sapphire is arguably the most crucial value factor. The finest sapphires exhibit vivid and intense hues, with a rich and even distribution of colour. Blue is the most commonly associated colour with sapphires, but they can also be found in a remarkable spectrum of colours, including yellow, orange, green and even rare hues such as pink and purple.

Clarity: Clarity refers to the presence of any visible inclusions or flaws within a sapphire. The higher the clarity, the more valuable the stone becomes. Ideally, a sapphire should be free from visible inclusions and exhibit excellent transparency.

However, it’s important to note that inclusions can be unique and even desirable, such as the silky rutile needles found in some sapphires, known as ‘star sapphires’.

Many from our collection of sapphires are considered ‘Eye Clean’ - this refers to the sapphire having no visible inclusions and appearing flawless to the unaided eye. Sapphires in this to clarity grade may have minute inclusions thatcan only been seen under magnification.

Cut: The way a sapphire is cut impacts its brilliance, sparkle, and overall appearance. A well-cut sapphire maximises its colour intensity, showcases its inherent beauty, and enhances light reflection. A precisely cut sapphire will deliver optimal scintillation and brilliance, making it more valuable.

Carat Weight: Similar to other gemstones, the carat weight of a sapphire plays a role in determining its value. Larger sapphires are rarer and therefore more sought after. However, it's important to note that value is not solely determined by carat weight but rather the combination of all the other factors mentioned above.

By taking into account these value factors, gemstone experts and customers can evaluate the quality and investment potential of a sapphire. Understanding the nuances of colour, clarity, cut, carat weight, origin, and treatment helps in the appreciation and selection of sapphires that possess both aesthetic allure and enduring value.

At Sapphire Boutique Australia, we pride ourselves on offering a curated selection of sapphires that embody these valuable characteristics.

How to care for your sapphire

Sapphires are not only renowned for their stunning beauty but also for their durability. However, just like any other precious gemstone, proper care is essential to ensure your sapphires maintain their brilliance and longevity over time. Here are some expert tips on how to take care of your sapphires:

Cleaning: Regular cleaning is vital to keep your sapphires looking their best. You can gently clean them at home using warm soapy water and a soft bristle brush. Avoid using harsh chemicals or ultrasonic cleaners, as they may damage the gemstone. After cleaning, rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.

Storage: Sapphires are relatively hard gemstones, but they can still be scratched or chipped by other hard materials. To prevent damage, store your sapphires separately from other jewellery items in a soft cloth or lined jewellery box.

Avoid Exposure to Chemicals: Chemicals can have adverse effects on sapphires, leading to discolouration or cloudiness. It's best to remove your sapphire jewellery when using cleaning agents, or engaging in activities that involve contact with chemicals. This precautionary measure will help preserve the gemstone's original beauty.

Professional Maintenance: While sapphires are highly durable, they still require occasional professional maintenance to keep them in optimal condition. This involves having your sapphire jewellery professionally cleaned and checked for loose settings or potential issues. A reputable jeweller can recommend the best course of action based on your specific piece.