The Padparadscha sapphire is the rarest form of sapphire corundum, balancing on the colour boundary between pink and orange.ĭeriving from the Sinhalese word for ‘aquatic lotus blossom’, the Padparadscha has stirred much debate amongst gemmologists, buyers and collectors about what colour spectrum constitutes a Padparadscha over, say, a pink sapphire or orange sapphire. Ruby red is a result of more chromium present in the stone’s chemical composition. The presence of iron and titanium is responsible for blue tones, while traces of chromium cause pink tones. Sapphires get their colour from different trace elements. Just like other sapphires, the Padparadscha has a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, making it one of the hardest gemstones in the world (and ideal for engagement rings!). Whilst considerably unknown to most, Padparadscha sapphires, recognisable for their delicate salmon pink tones, are prized among connoisseurs of the gem world.

With recent royal exposure placing this gemstone in the media limelight, the public has been left with a burning question - what exactly is a Padparadscha sapphire? Om mani padme hum – “Hail the jewel in the heart of the lotus” Here, we explore this majestic gemstone fit for royalty. Considered to be among the most beautiful of the corundum gems with its delicate colour, Padparadscha sapphire has recently hit the headlines thanks to Princess Eugenie of York’s engagement ring.

Padparadscha sapphire jewelry