Gemstones have long captivated humanity with their beauty. Modern gemmology continues to fascinate us as we deepen our understanding of the science behind these remarkable crystals and their formation. Among the diverse spectrum of gemstones, parti and bi-colour sapphires emerge as truly unique and exceptional natural gemstones. Here, we've shared our thoughts and insights on these multicoloured sapphires, discussing their unique characteristics, origins, and the reasons why they are gaining popularity among gemstone enthusiasts and are highly coveted for engagement rings.
“Parti" and “Bi-colour” refers to the distinct colour zoning within the sapphire crystal. Unlike traditional sapphires, which often exhibit uniform hues, these sapphires showcase a mesmerising blend of colours within a single stone. These hues can range from deep blues and vibrant greens to rich yellows, creating a captivating kaleidoscope of colours that shimmer under varying lighting conditions.
The terminology surrounding parti and bi-colour sapphires has yet to be officially standardised. Generally, parti-colour sapphires are understood to possess at least three distinct colour zones, typically encompassing shades of yellow, green, or blue. However, it's important to note that there is some variation in terminology within the industry. For instance, some individuals may classify bicolour yellow-blue sapphires as parti-colour, while others may disagree. It's essential to recognise that bicolour sapphires featuring hues other than yellow, green, and blue do not fall under the parti-colour designation. Additionally, core-zoned sapphires, characterised by a hexagonal pattern of one colour within another, traditionally do not qualify for the "parti-colour" label.
We have created bespoke rings as well as collection pieces featuring parti and bi-colour sapphires. For example, the bespoke Hemi Nova Ring was crafted with a stunning mid-blue/green bi-colour Australian sapphire. It features added diamond details and smaller sapphires orbiting around, making this ring truly unique. A delicate styling option is the Trio Ring from our Asterism collection, which showcases a light green-blue bi-colour sapphire in the centre, flanked by two Ocean Diamonds.
Parti and bi-colour sapphires derive their unique colour zoning from the intricate geological processes that occur during their formation. These gemstones typically originate from regions abundant in corundum deposits, such as Australia, Madagascar, and Tanzania. Within these geological environments, variations in trace elements and mineral concentrations give rise to the diverse colouration observed in parti sapphires. We primarily feature Australian multi coloured sapphires in our pieces, as they exhibit stunning oceanic colour palettes.
One of the most remarkable features of these unusual sapphires is their individuality. No two parti or bi-colour sapphires are exactly alike, making each gemstone a one-of-a-kind treasure. Gemologists often categorise parti sapphires based on the dominant colours present within the stone, ranging from blue-green to yellow-green and beyond.
The striking uniqueness of these sapphires makes them the perfect choice for someone seeking an intriguing and distinctive engagement ring.
