A Cornflower Blue Sapphire is one of the most highly prized varieties of sapphire, renowned for its vivid, medium-tone blue color that resembles the delicate petals of the cornflower plant. This gemstone is celebrated for its exceptional beauty, rarity, and historical significance in fine jewelry.

Key Characteristics:

1. Color:

• The hallmark of a Cornflower Blue Sapphire is its pure, velvety blue hue, often with a hint of violet.

• The color is neither too light nor too dark, striking the perfect balance of saturation and brightness.

• Unlike darker royal blue sapphires, the cornflower variety has a softer, luminous quality.

2. Clarity:

• These sapphires are generally very clear with minimal visible inclusions, enhancing their brilliance.

• Fine specimens may contain subtle “silk” inclusions, giving the stone a velvety appearance.

3. Cut:

• To maximize their natural color and sparkle, Cornflower Blue Sapphires are often cut into oval, cushion, or round shapes.

4. Durability:

• Like all sapphires, Cornflower Blue Sapphires score 9 on the Mohs scale, making them suitable for everyday wear.

Origins:

The most exquisite Cornflower Blue Sapphires have historically been sourced from:

• Kashmir, India: These sapphires, mined in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, are considered the benchmark for this variety, with their unmatched velvety texture and vivid color. Kashmir sapphires are extremely rare and highly sought after.

• Sri Lanka (Ceylon): Produces sapphires with a similar cornflower hue, often brighter and with excellent clarity.

• Myanmar (Burma): Known for rich, vivid blue stones that can sometimes approach the cornflower shade.

Symbolism and Appeal:

• Cornflower Blue Sapphires are associated with wisdom, royalty, and protection.

• They symbolize sincerity and faithfulness, making them a popular choice for engagement rings and heirloom jewelry.

Unique Features:

• Velvety Texture: The slight silk inclusions give these sapphires a soft, glowing appearance, setting them apart from sapphires with more glassy brilliance.

• Rarity: Fine-quality Cornflower Blue Sapphires, especially from Kashmir, are among the rarest and most valuable gemstones in the world.

This variety of sapphire is often set in high-end jewelry, including rings, necklaces, and tiaras, and is frequently paired with diamonds to enhance its regal allure. Would you like assistance with buying or identifying a Cornflower Blue Sapphire?