Mohs hardness:
9

Refractive index:
1.76-1.77

Birthstone:
September

Everything you need to know

What is a Sapphire?

Sapphires are among the most sought-after gemstones in the world, admired for their timeless elegance, durability, and incredible range of colors. Known as the stone of wisdom and royalty, sapphires are cherished both for fine jewelry and as heirlooms.

A sapphire is a precious gemstone from the corundum mineral family, the same family as rubies. While rubies are defined by their red color, sapphires are most commonly associated with a rich blue hue. However, sapphires actually come in a rainbow of colors, including pink, yellow, green, purple, and even color-changing varieties.

The deep, velvety blue sapphire is the most famous and highly prized, symbolizing loyalty, wisdom, and nobility. Sapphires are also the birthstone for September, making them a meaningful and versatile choice for jewelry.

How to buy a Sapphire?

Color
The most important factor in sapphire value.
The most desirable sapphires display a vivid, saturated blue with strong brightness and no gray or brown tones.
Fancy sapphires (pink, yellow, green, etc.) are also popular and valued for their intensity and uniqueness.
Clarity
Natural sapphires often have inclusions, but they should not detract from the gem’s overall beauty.Eye-clean sapphires (without inclusions visible to the naked eye) are rare and more valuable.
Cut
A sapphire’s cut affects how well it reflects light and shows its color. Precise cuts maximize brilliance and even color distribution, while poor cuts can make a sapphire look dark or uneven.
Carat Weight
Sapphires are denser than diamonds, so a sapphire of the same carat weight will appear smaller. Large, fine-quality sapphires are rare and command premium price.
Origin & Treatment
Origin can influence value. For example, Kashmir and Burmese sapphires are among the most prized for their exceptional color. At Nivoda, we provide trusted sourcing and transparent details so you can buy with confidence.

How to clean a Sapphire?

Sapphire are among the hardest gemstones, making them durable enough for everyday wear. However, proper care ensures they remain as stunning as the day you bought them.

Use warm, soapy water and a soft brush to gently clean your ruby.
Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a soft cloth.
Professional cleaning once a year is recommended for mounted sapphire jewelry.

Origin
Form naturally over millions of years through geological processes deep within the earth.
Appearance
Often contain small inclusions (tiny internal features) that reflect their natural growth process. These inclusions can help gemologists confirm authenticity.
Value
Natural Sapphires are rarer, especially in fine quality and desirable origins like Kashmir, Burma, or Sri Lanka. Their rarity drives their value.

What gives a gemstone its magic?

It’s the perfect harmony of color, clarity, carat and cut. The cut ignites brilliance by directing light, the color defines its character, and the clarity tells the story of its natural origin, whether flawless or marked with unique inclusions like an emerald’s “beauty marks.” Carat adds to presence, but a masterful cut can make a gem feel larger than life. And when it comes to wearability, hardness matters, diamonds reign supreme at 10 on the Mohs scale, with sapphires and rubies close behind at 9, making them exceptional for daily wear. At Nivoda, every gemstone is carefully curated to ensure your jewelry shines with unmatched beauty and durability

shop gemstones

Want to learn more?

Sign up for our Gemstone Newsletter to keep up with all new updates