Sapphires

Get the low-down, the look and a guess at the price of Princess Eugenie's rare padparadscha sapphire engagement ring. 

After flirting with the unusual and uncharted, many jewellers are returning to the classic sapphire, emerald and ruby trinity.  

Confused about birthstones? Our comprehensive guide gives you an insight into the stories behind birthstones.

Ceylon sapphires are prized for their large size, top quality and rich hues, but beware the tuk-tuk touts and only buy from respected jewellers if you want the real deal.

This valuable gemstone comes from the mineral corundum. Although blue is the most popular colour, sapphires may also be pink, yellow, purple and colourless. Many sapphires have been heat treated to bring out their blue hue. Sapphires have excellent hardness and their durability rating is 9 on the Mohs scale.  

It's blue sapphire month on The Jewellery Editor, and these ladies' watches play with the striking contrast of icy white diamonds and the regal blue stone.

It might have a reputation as being a "traditional" choice, but blue sapphires continue to shine bright in the hands of the world's most creative jewellers.