TL;DR: parti sapphires are sapphires that show more than one colour in the same stone, commonly blue with green and yellow, and Australia is well known for them. Each stone is different, so a bespoke ring lets you choose one with a pattern of colour you love. We describe each stone accurately and in plain English, and we make nothing until you approve the design in writing. Pieces start from £600.
What parti means
The word parti describes a stone that shows two or more colours within it. In sapphire, that often means zones of blue, green and yellow, sometimes in bands and sometimes in patches. The colours come from the way the crystal formed, and no two stones look alike. Some people see the colours as a landscape, which is part of the charm.
Why people choose them
Parti sapphires suit people who want something individual and who like colour, particularly earthy teals, greens and golden tones. They can feel connected to a place, which matters to those who have a link with Australia. They also offer more variety than a single colour stone, so choosing one is a personal decision.
Choosing a stone
Look at how the colours sit in the stone, how much of each there is, how bright the stone is and how it looks in different light. Photographs help, but colour is hard to judge on a screen, so ask us what you can see and how we would describe it. We explain what the stone is and, where we can, what we know about it. Our guide to reading your invoice and certificate explains the paperwork.
Questions worth asking before you choose
- How are the colours arranged, in bands, zones or patches?
- Does the stone look the same in daylight and in indoor light?
- Are there any visible marks or features, and where do they sit?
- Has the stone been treated, and if so how, in plain words?
- What do we know about where the stone came from, and what is that based on?
Ask for the answers in writing, so that your invoice and your memory agree.
Positioning the colours
Because the colour in a parti stone is not even, the way it is cut and set changes the finished ring. A stone can be oriented so that the blue sits along the length of the finger, or so that a band of green sits across the middle. During the design stage we can show you the stone in different orientations in a CAD render, and you approve the one you prefer in writing before anything is made.
Wearing a sapphire
Sapphire is a hard gemstone and suits everyday wear, but it can still chip if knocked at the wrong angle. Our guides to the Mohs hardness chart for ring stones, cleavage and chips and best settings for sapphire explain how to choose a setting that protects it. Ask us about the parti sapphires we can source for you.
Metal and setting
The metal changes how the colours look. Yellow gold can warm greens and golds, while white metals tend to keep the blues cooler. A bezel setting protects the edges, and a claw setting shows more of the stone. Tell us how you wear jewellery and we will talk through the choice.
Ordering from Australia
We work by video consultation and message, make nothing until you approve the design in writing, and deliver with insured, tracked FedEx delivery. The customer pays import duty and tax, which differ by country, and we explain what to expect before you order. Standard making time is 5 to 6 weeks, varying with your location and how busy we are.
Frequently asked questions
What is a parti sapphire?
A sapphire that shows more than one colour, often blue with green and yellow.
Are they durable?
Sapphire is hard and suits everyday wear, though it can chip if knocked.
Can I see the stone first?
We share photographs and talk through the stone by video consultation.
Who pays import duty?
The customer pays import duty and tax.