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What is a Teal Sapphire?

Updated: Feb 2, 2022

If you have been looking for a unique engagement ring or a right hand ring for yourself that is not mainstream, chances are, you have come across “teal sapphires”.


But what exactly are they?

The colour “teal” refers to a dreamy and mysterious combination of blue and green colours.


A relatively new trend, teal sapphires are quickly making their way to the top of the wish list for many brides-to-be as well as trendy fashionistas. You might also hear other inventive and fancy names like “mermaid sapphires” and “peacock sapphires”.



loose oval blue green teal sapphire next to a yellow tulip, on a white background

As a lover of colourful gemstones, I could not wait to add one of those beauties to my Tsarina Gems Ready-to-Wear collection, so when I came across a truly striking

blue-green combination, I took the chance to curate the Serena Ring.


Curious to find out more?

Let’s take a quick look at some fun facts:

  • teal colour is typically associated with the tranquility of blue and healing powers of green

  • it promotes mental and spiritual balance

  • teal is considered a darker version on cyan (one of the four colours used in printing)

  • the colour actually comes from the Eurasian teal duck (who knew?)


loose oval blue green teal sapphire held in tweezers, white gold semi mount ring, next to a yellow tulip, on a white background


Are there different shades of teal?


Yes!


There is a wide variety of colours, ranging from blue-green to green-blue, typically in the medium to medium-dark shades. If the colour is too light, the combination will not be as noticeable.


No two teal sapphires are alike, that’s the unique and exciting thing about them!


Teal sapphires can look slightly different in different lights, for example when you are sitting at home by a warm, yellow light lamp and when you in the bright sunshine outside.


This should not be confused with “colour change” phenomena seen in rare alexandrite.



loose oval blue green teal sapphire held in tweezers, hand holding a loupe, next to a yellow tulip, on a white background


What about “parti-sapphires” ?


Other recent jewellery trends include “bi-colour sapphires” and “parti-sapphires”.


They show two or more distinct colours, for example blue and yellow (as in, the stone is partially blue and partially yellow, referring to colour zoning).


These, however are different to teal sapphires, which show a combination of blue and green colours, rather than two or more distinct hues like below.



loose radiant cut bi colour, parti sapphire, blue and yellow sapphire, on a grey background


So what are Montana Sapphires?


A blue-green sapphire source in Montana, United States produces a gorgeous variety of teal sapphires.


Many clients are now even using “Montana Sapphire” as a colour reference rather than the source, for example: “Irina, I am looking for a Montana sapphire, but it does not actually have to be from Montana”, what they are looking for here is a blue-green sapphire.


Basically, some sapphires from Montana are blue-green, however not all blue-green sapphires come from Montana.


Montana also produces a variety of blues, pink, yellow and green sapphires. The majority of sapphires from this location are less than a carat in size, so if you are looking for a larger stone in the 1 carat+ range, of a specific shape, be open to other locations.


hand holding a white gold diamond halo semi-mount, loose oval teal sapphire, tweezers and a yellow tulip on the background


Other Sources


Blue sapphire and fancy sapphires (any colour other than blue) are found all over the world. Sources of blue-green sapphire other than Montana, include Nigeria, Madagascar, Ethiopia and Sri Lanka.


I recommend not focusing on the origin as much as the colour itself.


For example, if you are determined to find the perfect teal sapphire that comes specifically from Montana, your options could be much more limited.



world map of fancy sapphire sources


Ethical Sourcing


Although Montana sapphires are often advertised as “ethically sourced”, you might be paying a premium, just for the name.


Ethically sourced materials are of utmost importance to me and I take pride in working with companies who supply responsibly sourced diamonds and gemstones from all over the world.



a white jewellery box with a blue ribbon tied in a bow, on a white silk background by Tsarina Gems


Are Teal sapphires expensive?


Although the prices for blue-green sapphires are on the rise due to higher demand and rising popularity, they are still a less expensive option, compared to traditional blue sapphires.


And since you are getting a truly one-of-a-kind colour, when you choose a teal sapphire, it is a win-win situation!


 

I am predicting that prices of these gorgeous blue-green combos will only increase with time, so NOW is the perfect time to invest in one!

 

hand golding a profile view of a white gold ring with diamonds and blue green teal sapphire, white gold wedding band laying on a silk background, neutral light pink nail polish



Should I buy a Teal sapphire?

A Teal Sapphire is perfect for you if:


  • you value being unique

  • you are looking for a refreshing new colour

  • you are unconventional

  • you want to make a statement


Irina Kharina, founder of Tsarina Gems wearing a teal sapphire and diamond ring


Introducing... the Serena Ring


I am thrilled to announce that this extraordinary ring featuring a striking teal sapphire and diamond halo is now ready and available for purchase from the Tsarina Gems Ready-to-Wear collection.


This oval cut, unheated sapphire, ethically sourced from Madagascar weighs 0.73 carat. It is set in 14K white gold and is accented by twenty-eight perfectly matched round brilliant cut natural diamonds.



oval blue green sapphire and diamond halo white gold engagement ring, right hand ring, teal sapphire, mermaid sapphire, peacock sapphire, on a white background, by Tsarina Gems


If you are searching for something truly unique and one-of-a-kind, this wonderful mermaid is the way to go!


lady's hand wearing oval blue green sapphire and diamond halo white gold engagement ring, teal sapphire engagement ring, mermaid sapphire, peacock sapphire, on a white background, by Tsarina Gems


Treatments


Heat treatment is an industry standard, in fact, almost 99% of sapphires are heat treated to enhance and stabilise the colour, it is a permanent process.


Non-treated sapphires are more rare and difficult to find.


The gorgeous sapphire I selected for Serena Ring is an exception. It has not been heat treated and has been graded as such by a third-party appraiser.



lady's hand wearing oval blue green sapphire and diamond halo white gold engagement ring, wedding band, bridal set,  teal sapphire engagement ring, mermaid sapphire, peacock sapphire, on a white silk background, by Tsarina Gems, neutral light pink nail polish




Is the Serena Ring on your wishlist?


I would be delighted to hear about it!


Schedule a complimentary viewing here





Looking for inspiration? Visit our Instagram page for more stunning jewellery ideas.

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