Sapphire features in some of our stunning Sterling Silver pieces in the Portofino Collection. In addition, we also have a few special ‘one-off’ pieces on display in store for all of September. Do come and see us and get your fix of beautiful gemstones and bespoke sapphire jewellery. Our shop address is:
75 Ledbury Road, Notting Hill, W11 2AG.
We’re sticking to our monthly tradition of Q&As with Alexandra and this month we’re asking her all about Sapphires:
Can you tell me what a ‘Sapphire’ actually is?
Yes of course! A Sapphire is one of the two gem-varieties of corundum, the other being ruby.
Sapphires are typically blue but natural sapphires can also occur in yellow, purple, orange and green colours!
Portofino Sterling Silver Sapphire Spiral Earrings - £245
Taking inspiration from the pastel-coloured houses and deep blue seas of Portofino, these stunning Sterling Silver earrings are a ‘must-have’.
A simple yet enchanting choice for the glamorous, modern woman.
What gives sapphires their deep blue colour?
Interestingly enough, when the trace elements found within the corundum are iron and titanium, the stone will be blue.
It only takes a small amount of iron and titanium to trigger the blue colour. But if you’re wanting the deep blue sapphires are known for, the more iron the corundum contains, the darker blue the sapphire.
9ct White Gold Sapphire Stud Earrings - £450
What is the most expensive/rarest sapphire in existence?
The one and only Blue Belle of Asia. This absolutely breathtaking blue sapphire was sold at Christie’s on 6th November 2014 for $17,564,156!
Not as expensive but considered incredibly rare are Padparadscha Sapphires. A beautiful pinky orange colour, this type of Sapphire is one of the most sought after in the world!
The Blue Belle of Asia!
What factors make a sapphire more or less expensive?
Good question! The value of a sapphire is determined, like most stones, by a combination of the colour, specifically tone, hue & saturation, as well as the cut, clarity and carat weight.
With sapphire, the most significant factors are colour, the closer to royal blue the better and location, Kashmiri sapphires are significantly more expensive than the more readily available Sri Lankan or Madagascan.
Portofino Sterling Silver Sapphire Spiral Necklace - £195
Where are sapphires mined?
As we mentioned above, the mining location that provide the most sought after sapphires is Kashmir but sapphires are mined globally in other locations such as, Madagascar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Australia, West Africa and Montana.
Which piece of Augustine Jewels Sapphire jewellery is your favourite Alexandra?
My favourite design featuring sapphire has to be this gorgeous Bespoke Sapphire & Diamond Ring set in sparkling Platinum!
I love the combination of this stunning sapphire with the two half moon cut diamonds. Their unique cut really accentuate the beauty of the Sapphire and make for the most breathtaking ring!
Sapphire & Diamond Platinum Ring - Price on application
This breathtaking Platinum Sapphire & Diamond Ring was designed through our Bespoke Service.
Our Bespoke Service places the client at the heart of the design process, meaning they’re there for every stage in the creation of their beautiful bespoke piece!