Why We Choose Australian Sapphires


Australian sapphires are at the heart of our jewellery design. Their history, their beauty, and their individuality set them apart from any other gemstone in the world. From the rugged gemfields of Queensland to the volcanic soils of New South Wales, Australian sapphires have a legacy that’s as rich as the colours they display.

A Legacy in Colour

Sapphires were first discovered in Australia in the mid-19th century, but it was the 1960s and ’70s when mining in regions like Rubyvale, Sapphire, and Inverell put our stones on the global map. Today, Australia is known for producing some of the most vibrant, unique sapphires available—stones with colours you won’t see anywhere else.

Unlike the uniform blues often found in stones from other countries, Australian sapphires are celebrated for their individuality. The geological conditions here produce an extraordinary spectrum of colours—from deep midnight blues to bright teals, vivid greens, golden yellows, and striking combinations of all three.

Parti Sapphires – Nature’s Perfect Blend

One of the most iconic varieties is the Parti Sapphire. These rare gems display two or more distinct colours in a single stone, often green and blue, or yellow and blue, in stunning natural blends. Parti sapphires aren’t colour-treated—the zoning you see is exactly how the crystal formed in the earth millions of years ago. This makes every stone entirely unique and impossible to replicate.

For us, Parti sapphires represent individuality in its purest form. No two stones are alike, which means no two rings are alike. When you choose a Parti sapphire, you’re choosing a piece of nature’s art that no one else in the world will have.

Freeform Sapphires – Breaking the Rules

We also work extensively with Freeform Sapphires—stones cut to highlight the natural shape of the rough crystal rather than forcing it into standard shapes. This approach maximises carat weight, preserves unique colour zoning, and often reveals organic curves and angles you’ll never see in a round or oval cut.

Freeform cuts speak to our philosophy: the gem should dictate the design, not the other way around. It’s an honest way of working with the material, allowing the stone’s character to shine through.

Colour Zoning – A Mark of Authenticity

Many Australian sapphires feature unique colour zoning—visible bands or sections of different colours caused by changes in trace elements during the stone’s growth. Some may see zoning as an imperfection; we see it as a signature. It’s proof of the gem’s natural formation and gives each stone its own identity.

Why We Choose Australian

Our commitment to Australian sapphires isn’t just about their beauty. By sourcing locally, we support ethical mining practices and keep our supply chain transparent. We know the people who mine our stones, we know where they come from, and we can stand behind their provenance with confidence.

Every Australian sapphire we set carries a story of land, time, and craftsmanship. Whether it’s a bold Parti sapphire, a one-of-a-kind Freeform cut, or a gem with remarkable colour zoning, these stones bring individuality and integrity to every piece we create.

  by Ryan Purdie-Smith