Let's discover the allure of teal sapphires!

Teal sapphires are a mesmerising gemstone variety that has gained significant popularity in recent years. Their unique blend of blue and green hues, combined with their rarity, make them a sought-after choice for gemstone enthusiasts and jewellery connoisseurs alike. In this article, we will delve into the fascinating world of teal sapphires, exploring their characteristics, origins, value, and how to make an informed purchase when choosing the perfect teal sapphire for your engagement ring or other jewellery pieces.

1. What are Teal Sapphires?

Teal sapphires are a variety of corundum, a natural gemstone formed in nature over millions of years and unlike traditional blue sapphires they exhibit a captivating combination of blue and green tones. This unique blue green colour blend is a result of trace elements such as iron and chromium present in the crystal lattice during their formation. An equal fluid blend of blue and green (not zoned where only one colour is prominent) makes an ideal teal sapphire however it may show as teal green or teal blue adding to their unique appeal. The rich oceanic blues and the lush tropical rainforest greens create a splendid duelling colour palette.

2. What are Parti Sapphires?

Sapphires that display more than one colour in a distinctive way are known as parti sapphires, a shortened name of the word “partition”. The term "parti sapphires" are mostly referred to blue green sapphires, however there are multiple other colours that come in more than one colour. These are more commonly known as bi-colour sapphires. 

3. How do Teal Sapphires get their Colour?

Gem producing countries with iron rich earth make ideal conditions for the formation of blue green sapphire colour. Iron is also a quencher of light which means when light falls on the gemstone, it absorbs much of the light instead of reflecting it - making blue green and teal sapphires much darker. Blue green and teal sapphires from Madagascar for example, typically have less iron content than Australian sapphires and therefore tend to be more reflective and brighter. The beauty of a teal sapphire relates to how differently it can look under certain types of light! This is because different types of light have different proportions of wavelengths. For example, daylight contains more blue, so your sapphire may appear bluer in the sunshine! Alternatively, your sapphire may look greener under artificial light. The time of day can also affect how your sapphire can look, depending on the lighting conditions.

4. Origins and Mining of Teal Sapphires

Blue green and teal sapphires are found in Madagascar, Nigeria, Tanzania, Australia and the United States. Depending on the country of origin, teal sapphires can come in different shades with varying intensities of blue, yellow and green tones. Blue green sapphires are not found in Sri Lanka due to the low iron content in the soil.

5. Evaluating the Quality of Teal Sapphires

When assessing the quality of blue green and teal sapphires, several factors come into play:

a) Colour: The intensity and evenness of the blue-green colour plays a crucial role in determining a teal sapphire's value. Vivid and saturated hues are highly prized and attract a higher price, while uneven colour distribution can diminish the gem's desirability.

b) Clarity: Similar to other gemstones, the clarity of a teal sapphire is evaluated by the presence of inclusions or blemishes. Higher clarity grades indicate better transparency and brilliance and ensure optimal appeal. Deliqa Gems teal sapphires are typically eye-clean indicating that inclusions are not visible to the naked eye.

c) Cut: The precision and artistry of the gem's cut significantly maximises light reflection, creating superior brilliance, sparkle and visual impact with an enchanting play of colour.

6. The Cut of Teal Sapphires

The chosen cut of a teal sapphire is really important to best show off the different colours inside your stone. Popular cuts for teal sapphires for engagement rings include round, oval, cushion, pear and emerald cuts, among others. There is magic at play when you watch a natural teal sapphire crystal rough go through a process of metamorphosis to become a stunning masterfully cut gemstone with an incredible scintillation.

The quality of the natural rough crystal is inspected for inclusions and blemishes and also assessed to decide the best possible shape to showcase the colours with the least amount of wastage. Next the stone is polished into a shape called preform which helps to remove some inclusions, before the final stage of faceting is commenced. Faceting is a labour of love and requires enormous skill and precision to cut facet angles for optimum light refraction and colour balance.

When a talented gem cutter cuts a blue green sapphire, she or he will attempt to place the table or front of the stone in the direction where the sapphire will appear mostly blue green while also maximising the yield of the natural crystal.

7. Teal Sapphires for Engagement Rings and Other Jewellery Silhouettes

Teal sapphires are an excellent choice for creating striking and attractive jewellery pieces and engagement rings. Choosing an engagement ring is an exciting and significant decision and teal sapphires offer a refreshing alternative to some of the more traditional sapphire colours. The dynamic blue green play of colour of teal sapphires symbolising harmony and new beginnings make them a meaningful choice for a lifelong commitment.

Design possibilities of teal sapphires are endless, from solitaire rings to pendant necklaces to elegant earrings and their beauty can be accentuated further with the addition of complimentary diamonds as side stones or a stunning halo or other coloured gemstones befitting your chosen design. Timeless solitaires, nostalgic trilogy rings, sunburst halo rings and contemporary minimalist designs can all highlight the elegant beauty of teal sapphires. Like all sapphires teal sapphires are extremely durable and more resistant to chipping making them ideal to wear everyday.

8. Teal Sapphire Engagement Ring Care

To ensure the longevity and brilliance of your teal sapphire engagement ring or other jewellery silhouette, it is essential to follow these care instructions:

a) Regular Cleaning: Gently clean your ring using a soft brush, warm water, and mild detergent followed by gentle rinsing. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that can damage the gemstone or metal setting.

b) Safe Storage: When not wearing your engagement ring or jewellery piece, store it in a jewellery box or pouch to prevent scratches or damage from other items.

Conclusion

The unique colouration, striking appearance, coupled with their scarcity, sets teal sapphires apart from other gemstones, making them an exquisite choice for jewellery. The allure and vibrant beauty of teal sapphires will captivate all who behold them.

Given that our speciality at Deliqa Gems is natural, untreated, unheated, fine gem quality blue green and teal sapphires, especially from Madagascar, you will find a spectacular range in various tones in our collection.