The family of sapphires contain a number of different colours. We are used to blue sapphires, described simply as a sapphire, but there are a number of different coloured sapphires – pink, purple, green, yellow, white (colourless), orange and even black. Some can be parti-coloured, usually green and blue, sometimes with yellow added. Some sapphires can show a colour change depending on the light and others can show a six-rayed star due to rutile inclusions.

Vintage 18ct gold ring with three green sapphires and two diamonds

The sapphire belongs to the corundum family of gemstons which chemically consists of  aluminum and oxygen. A sapphire composed of aluminium and oxygen is colourless but the addition of different trace elements can result in different colours. An addition of iron and titanium results in a blue colour, while the addition of iron alone results in a green colour (as seen in the ring above) and a yellow (see below).

Antique ring set with central yellow sapphire and two pearls

If chromium is added, the gemstone will be pink (see below). Vanadium and chromium results in a purple. The addition of chromium and iron results in an orange.

Vintage ring with 2.5ct pink sapphire and diamond shoulders

While blue sapphires are a beautiful stone, I think the other coloured sapphires are also worthwhile looking for. Gem quality sapphires are found in a number of countries , including Australia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, USA, Myanmar (Burma), Thailand, India, Kashmir, Cambodia, Madagascar, Tanzania, and China.