So, what is the difference between a padparadscha sapphire and the more well-known blue variety? How is a padparadscha sapphire different? She carries on the royal association with sapphires-Princess Diana famously receiving a blue sapphire engagement ring from Prince Charles, as well as a suite of sapphire jewelry as a wedding gift in 1981, and Princess Kate later wearing the gemstones in jewelry of her own. This stone is durable, too, rating a 9 on the Mohs Hardness Scale-just beneath a diamond.Īn exceedingly rare gem, padparadscha sapphires hit the celebrity spotlight recently when Princess Eugenie of England revealed her engagement ring to be a padparadscha sapphire surrounded by diamonds. Padparadscha sapphires are typically found in Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon), where the Sinhalese people have lived for centuries, but the gemstones have also been uncovered in Tanzania and Madagascar.

The word “padparadscha” is derived from the Sinhalese word for “lotus flower,” owing to that blossom’s brightly colored pink petals, which are echoed in the bright pink-orange of this gemstone. Part of the long history of sapphires, which traced the gem’s popularity to the Middle Ages, padparadscha sapphires are especially well known for their associations with creativity, energy, and good health. September birthdays may especially enjoy the variety of choosing a padparadscha sapphire, as sapphire is the birthstone for September. The padparadscha sapphire is a rare but striking version of this gem that is pink- and orange-toned, offering a colorful alternative to the more well-known blue. But there is actually a rainbow of hues available for this gemstone. Sapphires are known for their exemplary blue color. American Gem Society Titles & Designations.Advanced Personal Property Appraisal Course (APPA).

The Practical Guide to Jewelry Appraising.The History of the Diamond as an Engagement Ring.History of the Diamond as the April Birthstone.

Orange pink sapphire