Colour is often the first thing that attracts us to a blue sapphire. Trade names, however, can be confusing.
For the complete buying framework, read our guide to choosing a natural sapphire.
Royal Blue and Cornflower Blue are widely used descriptions, but they are not universal grades applied identically by every laboratory and seller. A colour name should accompany an examination of the stone, not replace it.
What does Royal Blue mean?
Royal Blue generally suggests a rich, strongly saturated blue.
A fine stone should still retain brightness. A very dark sapphire that looks almost black in ordinary conditions should not be valued simply because its colour is deep.
When a seller refers to a laboratory colour designation, check that the actual report supports the claim.
What does Cornflower Blue mean?
Cornflower Blue generally suggests a softer, bright blue, sometimes with a delicate velvety appearance, associated with the colour of the cornflower.
The interpretation varies with the stone and the laboratory's criteria. It does not by itself prove a geographical origin, nor does it mean that the stone must be visibly cloudy.
An attractive blue does not need a special label
Many buyers prefer a lively blue even when it does not fall within a particular trade colour category. Such a stone can be a very appealing jewellery choice.
Your preference may be for a lighter blue, a deeper blue or a subtle secondary hue. The best colour for your project need not be the one with the most prestigious-sounding name.
What should you actually assess?
Separate three ideas: hue is the colour family and any secondary tint; saturation describes the strength of the colour; tone describes how light or dark it appears.
For a single-colour blue sapphire, I generally look for:
- An attractive hue.
- Good saturation.
- Enough brightness to remain lively.
- No distracting grey or green secondary hue when the aim is a pure blue.
- A pleasing appearance under more than one type of light.
Also look at colour distribution face-up. Natural zoning may be more obvious from the side than in the normal viewing position.
Be careful with photographs
A phone camera, white balance, LED lighting, image editing and your screen can all change the blue you see. An important stone deserves several images or videos under different conditions.
Compare diffuse daylight with ordinary indoor light. Do not rely only on a studio photograph or a strongly illuminated display.
Is Royal Blue always the best choice?
No. Some buyers prefer a lighter, brighter blue; others enjoy a deeper colour. Some want a laboratory colour designation and others choose primarily by appearance.
Read the report when a designation is claimed. Do not infer that a GIA report awards a particular trade colour grade merely because a product title uses that expression. Colour terminology must be attributed to the laboratory that actually uses it.
Related guides
- Ceylon and Sri Lankan sapphires: what are their characteristics?
- How to read a GIA or Lotus sapphire report
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