Sapphire Colors Explained: Royal, Cornflower & Padparadscha
Sapphires come in a spectrum of colors, with blue as the classic favorite. Knowing the key hues—and how treatment and clarity affect price—will help you evaluate listings clearly.
Blue Sapphires: Royal vs Cornflower
- Royal Blue: deep, vivid blue with strong saturation; prized when not too dark.
- Cornflower: medium blue with velvety glow; highly desirable and often associated with historic pieces.
Padparadscha & Fancy Colors
Padparadscha blends pink and orange—delicate and rare. Fancy colors (pink, yellow, green, purple) can be striking and collectible when well-saturated.
Treatments & Clarity
- Heat treatment is common and market-accepted; it can improve color and clarity.
- Untreated stones with fine color command premiums.
- Typical inclusions are acceptable; transparency and brightness matter more than “flawless.”
Cut & Setting
Well-proportioned cuts enhance color and minimize windows. Yellow or rose gold can warm tone; white metals emphasize coolness.
What Impacts Price
- Color saturation and evenness.
- Treatment (heated vs unheated) and supporting documentation.
- Carat weight and overall transparency.
Shop Examples
Royal Blue Sapphire Rings · Cornflower Sapphire · Padparadscha Sapphire