Blue Sapphires are considered to be one of the finest sapphires in the world. It has been popular since the middle ages. It gained its momentum when Prince Charles gave Lady Diana a 12ct Blue Sapphire engagement ring and since then it has become a symbol of love and it started widely used as a one of the sought after engagement ring options. This valuable blue gemstone has been considered with the likes of wealthy and affluent families as it adds the touch of luxury and glam in the designs.

From years blue sapphire jewelry has become one of the most desired within the elite class especially in the countries such as Europe, United States, Australia and many other parts of the world. Branded companies such as Tiffany, Bvlgari and Cartier have all incorporated blue sapphires in their high line of collection. Initially, the largest supply of Blue Sapphire used in jewelry manufacturing was from the Ceylon, Srilankan mines. But in recent times due to various factors such as inconsistent supply, increase in cost have led to manufacturers opting for alternatives. Below you can see the different origins of blue sapphire distinct by their colors.

With the first auction from one of the largest mining companies in the world Fura Gems in November, 2021, things have changed and shifted towards one of the most promising and huge mines in Queensland, Anakie Sapphire Fields,Australia, the  Australian Sapphires. These mines have offered ethical sourcing, sustainability and  guaranteed long term supply. Many manufacturers have started using and are already convinced that these sapphires are going to be profitable and will give them consistency in their jewelry making their manufacturing process easier, faster and cost efficient. These sapphires are relatively cheaper compared to other origin and offer a deep blue color. NGM plays a key role in providing various sizes, shapes and quality as per customer’s jewelry line. 

Australian Blue Sapphire Colors

We have categorized the Australian Blue Sapphires in the following 3 categories for simplicity of viewer’s understanding:

1) Greyish Blue

2) Deep Royal Blue 

3) Blue Black

The first category of color is the Greyish blue – this is the color that’s derived from Low temperature heat treatment of Australian sapphires – completely very different what would usually turn most australian blue sapphires into #3 – the blue black which we will talk about a little later. This category of Greyish blue color is born as the new generations of Gen X & Millennials become the biggest purchasers of Australian sapphire jewelry – as their color of blue sapphire isn’t derived from large mass advertisements on TV but from apps such as instagram. They tend to love any color that isn’t too dark and this grayish blue color also goes well with the “Montana” sapphire color viewer base. Most developed countries like USA, Europe, Australia, UK, Hongkong – love this new generation color of Blue Sapphire. A little more green to Greyish Blue color #1 makes it into a Teal Sapphire – you can find an article we wrote about the Difference between Australian sapphire and Montana Sapphire.

The second category of Australian sapphire color is the Deep Royal Blue – being the most classical color of Australian blue sapphires – is popular in the masses due to its color saturation and the price point. In today’s market most stores around the world for a price point carry Australian blue sapphires and the reason simply is the availability of these, especially after the Fura Gems auctions happening on a consistent supply basis. Most baby boomers love the intensity of such deep Blue sapphires owing its color saturation to the high Iron content. 

The third category of Australian blue sapphires is surprisingly very popular in the USSR markets – mostly Russia, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Turkey & Kazakhstan simply due to the stones being extremely clean and the possibility of owning a big sapphire for a very affordable price point. 

The recent changes in the colors may also be due to the “Bo Mai” as they call it in thai language, which means the “New mines” in Australia which has more lighter blue saturations then the traditional “Bo Kao” – the old mines of Australia. This is totally our point of view and reality may differ. 

Thailand Jewellery Manufacturing

In Thailand, gems and jewelry have for years played a key role in the country’s economy as the country provides cheap and efficient labor with prior knowledge of jewelry manufacturing skills due to its history. As the majority of sapphires are cut and polished in Bangkok, supply and transportation becomes much faster and convenient. The Thai government has also shown major support to the industry and has incorporated it as one of the major businesses in its national strategy. 

Australian Blue Sapphires provide a combination of ethical and sustainable source, quality and price point which attracts those who want to incorporate blue sapphire calibration in their mass manufacturing jewelry collection. Big jewelry companies have opened their gem buying offices in Bangkok so that they can control the quality and run a smooth process of jewelry manufacturing with skilled Thai artisans. If you are a jewelry manufacturer and looking for consistent long term supply of blue sapphires in various calibrated sizes and shapes you can contact us on info@navneetgems.com.