Sapphire Colors Beyond Blue: Pink, Yellow, Green, and More

When most people think of sapphire, they picture a deep blue gemstone. But sapphires actually come in every color except red (red sapphires are classified as rubies). These non-blue sapphires, called fancy sapphires, are increasingly sought after for their unique beauty and rarity.

Pink Sapphire

One of the most popular fancy sapphires. The pink ranges from baby pink to hot pink to near-red (called "hot pink"). Very popular in engagement rings as an alternative to traditional diamonds.

• Color source: Trace amounts of chromium (the same element that makes rubies red, just in smaller amounts)
• Price: High-quality intense pink sapphires can rival blue sapphires in price
• Best settings: Rose gold enhances the pink warmth, white gold provides contrast

Yellow Sapphire

Bright and cheerful, yellow sapphires range from pale lemon to rich golden amber. An excellent alternative to yellow diamonds at a fraction of the cost.

• Color source: Iron content creates the yellow color
• Popular name: Sometimes called "golden sapphire" for the deeper shades
• Best settings: Yellow gold creates a rich, warm monochrome look

Green Sapphire

A unique and underappreciated sapphire color. Ranges from yellowish-green to deep teal. Green sapphires are rarer than blue and often more accessible because of lower demand.

• Color source: Iron and titanium
• Teal sapphires: Blue-green sapphires (parti-colored) are currently very trendy and increasingly valuable
• Alternative to: Emerald (sapphire is harder and more durable)

Padparadscha Sapphire

The rarest and most valuable fancy sapphire. Named after the Sinhalese word for lotus blossom, padparadscha sapphires display a unique pink-orange color that has been compared to a sunset. Genuine padparadscha is extremely valuable.

White (Colorless) Sapphire

White sapphires are an accessible diamond alternative. While they lack diamond's fire and brilliance, they are a natural gemstone with excellent hardness. Read our white sapphire vs diamond comparison.

Orange Sapphire

Vivid orange sapphires are rare and stunning. The most prized are from Sri Lanka and Madagascar, displaying a pure, intense orange without brown tones.

Purple and Violet Sapphire

Purple sapphires range from reddish-purple to violet. Often confused with amethyst, but sapphire is significantly harder (9 vs 7 on Mohs scale) and more brilliant.

Color-Change Sapphire

Like alexandrite, some sapphires change color in different lighting. Typically shifting from blue in daylight to purple under incandescent light. Rare and valuable.

Why Choose a Fancy Sapphire?

• Durability: 9 on Mohs scale — second only to diamond. Perfect for rings worn daily
• Uniqueness: Far less common than blue sapphires, making your jewelry distinctive
• Value: Many fancy colors are more accessible than equivalent blue sapphires
• Variety: Match your gemstone to your style, wardrobe, or skin tone

Buying Tips for Fancy Sapphires

• Color intensity is the most important factor. Vivid, saturated colors command the highest prices
• Treatments are common. See our treatment guide for details
• Clarity matters less in colored sapphires — slight inclusions are expected
• Larger sizes are available and more accessible than blue sapphires of equal quality

Browse our sapphire collection at Biovlia. Available in every metal and setting style. Complimentary shipping on every order.