When you think of a sapphire, a deep, majestic blue probably comes to mind. It’s the iconic shade of royalty and romance, but what if we told you that’s only the beginning? The world of sapphires is a vibrant kaleidoscope of colour — and the full spectrum of fancy sapphires offers a breathtaking alternative to traditional gemstones.
At Nude Jewellery, we love working with gemstones that tell a story — pieces that are as unique as the people who wear them. That’s why we’re so drawn to the incredible range of sapphire colours that go far beyond the expected.
The Sapphire Spectrum: What Colours Do Sapphires Come In?
Sapphires are a form of the mineral corundum, and depending on which trace elements are present during formation, they can be found in almost every colour of the rainbow. These are often referred to as “fancy sapphires,” and each has its own distinct personality.
- Pink Sapphires: From delicate blush tones to vibrant magentas, pink sapphires are a symbol of romance and joy. They offer a more durable alternative to pink diamonds and look stunning when set in rose gold, which enhances their warm tones. Read our deep dive into the allure of the pink sapphire →
- Teal Sapphires: A modern favourite, teal sapphires capture the serene beauty of the ocean with their beautiful blend of blue and green. A perfect choice for those who want a unique and striking piece that feels both contemporary and timeless. Discover the allure of the teal sapphire →
- Yellow Sapphires: Luminous and full of life, yellow sapphires radiate warmth and happiness. They range from a light, lemony yellow to a deep golden hue — a cheerful alternative to yellow diamonds.
Violet and Purple Sapphires: Choosing Your Shade
Purple isn’t just one colour. Violet sapphires range from soft lavender and lilac to deeper plum shades, giving you plenty of room to find a stone that feels like you. If you’re considering a purple sapphire engagement ring, start with the colour you’re drawn to rather than a particular ring design.
The metal makes a difference to the overall look, too. Rose gold brings warmth to a lavender sapphire, while white gold or platinum gives cooler violet tones a crisp contrast. Adding white diamonds can create a brighter, more defined setting, or you can let the sapphire take centre stage in a simpler design.
At Nude Jewellery, we can show you a selection of sapphires and help you compare shades before deciding on your setting. Our made-to-order sapphire engagement rings are handmade in our London studio, with the gemstone chosen for you.
Explore our violet and purple sapphire engagement rings for inspiration, or get in touch to discuss your preferred shade.
Exploring Unexpected Hues: Beyond Sapphires
Our love for vibrant gemstones extends beyond sapphires. We work with a variety of other stones that bring a unique colour pop to our designs, creating beautiful contrast and a distinctive look.
- Vibrant Tsavorites: A member of the garnet family, tsavorites are an emerald-green stone that is both brilliant and durable. They bring a fresh, zesty energy to a piece and look incredible when paired with cooler metals like white gold.
- Rich Rubies: As sapphires’ sister stone (both are a type of corundum), rubies are known for their intense red colour. We love pairing them with contrasting tones, like black diamonds, to create a dramatic and sophisticated look.
All the gemstones we work with score highly on the Mohs scale of hardness, making them suitable for everyday wear — sapphires score 9 out of 10, second only to diamonds.
At Nude Jewellery, every gemstone we select is chosen for its exceptional colour and character. We believe your jewellery should be a vibrant expression of your individuality — and there is a whole spectrum of colour waiting to be discovered. If you’d like help choosing the right stone for your piece, read our guide to commissioning a bespoke engagement ring.