Sapphires are among the world’s most treasured gemstones symbols of romance, loyalty, and timeless elegance. But not all sapphires are the same. Their origin shapes their colour, beauty, and story. Two of the most sought after are Australian sapphires and Ceylon sapphires (from Sri Lanka).

At Morgan & Co Jewellery, we help couples  understand the unique differences so you can choose a stone that reflects your values, style, and budget.

1. Origin & History

• Australian Sapphires: First discovered in Queensland and New South Wales in the mid 1800s, Australian sapphires are relative newcomers on the world stage. Once shipped overseas and mixed with Thai stones, many were worn without people ever knowing they came from Australia. Today, their unique colour range and strong ethical sourcing make them some of the most desirable engagement ring sapphires available.
  

• Ceylon Sapphires: Sri Lanka, historically known as “Ceylon,” has mined sapphires for over 2,000 years. These gems carry royal associations, including Princess Diana’s iconic sapphire engagement ring (now worn by Catherine, Princess of Wales). They are prized for tradition, prestige, and unmistakable beauty.
  

2. Colour & Appearance

• Australian Sapphires: Known for their incredible variety of shades, from deep midnight blues to vibrant greens, golden yellows, and teal tones. One of the most sought after types are parti sapphires unique gemstones that show two or more colours at once (often blue and green, or blue and yellow). This phenomenon is rare outside Australia, making each stone a one of a kind masterpiece.
  

• Ceylon Sapphires: Famous for their vivid cornflower blue sapphires, bright, medium light stones that seem to glow with inner fire. Their clarity and brilliance make them a timeless choice for those who want a classic sapphire engagement ring with regal appeal.
  

3. Value & Rarity

• Australian Sapphires: Once undervalued, they’re now experiencing a resurgence. Collectors are seeking out Australian parti sapphires and teal sapphires for their rarity and individuality. They often represent excellent value compared to other origins, while still offering world class beauty.
  

• Ceylon Sapphires: With their long history and global recognition, they are considered premium stones. A top quality Ceylon cornflower blue sapphire can command some of the highest prices in the sapphire market.
  

4. Sustainability & Sourcing

• Australian Sapphires: Australia is renowned for having some of the most ethical and environmentally responsible mining practices in the world. This makes them the ideal choice for couples seeking an ethical engagement ring without compromising on beauty.
  

• Ceylon Sapphires: Many are mined by small scale, family run operations in Sri Lanka using traditional methods. This supports local communities, though traceability can sometimes be less clear. At Morgan & Co, we source from trusted suppliers to ensure transparency.
  

5. Which Should You Choose?

It comes down to your personal taste, values and budget:

• Choose Australian sapphires if you want a stone with unique colours, from moody teals to vibrant parti sapphires, and the confidence of strong ethical sourcing. They are less expensive than Ceylon Sapphires.
  

• Choose Ceylon sapphires if you’re drawn to the luminous beauty of royal blue cornflower sapphires and the romance of a gem steeped in history.
  

At Morgan & Co Jewellery, every sapphire we hand select meets strict standards for quality. Whether you dream of a modern Australian parti sapphire or a timeless Ceylon cornflower blue, we’ll help you design an engagement ring as unique as your love story.

Quick Comparison: Australian vs Ceylon Sapphires

Let's take a  look at  Designs That Make Sapphires Shine

Sapphires are incredibly versatile and can be styled in many ways but certain designs really bring out their best features. At Morgan & Co Jewellery, we specialise in setting sapphires so their colour, brilliance, and personality take centre stage.

Solitaire Engagement Rings

A sapphire in a classic solitaire setting allows the gemstone to be the hero. This is especially powerful with Ceylon cornflower blue sapphires, where the vivid hue shines without distraction. Pairing the stone with fine claws or a delicate bezel enhances its glow.

Three-Stone Rings

Sapphires look stunning when flanked by diamonds or complementary sapphires. For example:

A teal Australian sapphire paired with white diamond side stones balances modern colour with timeless sparkle.

A royal blue Ceylon sapphire with trapezoid or pear-shaped diamonds creates a regal, heirloom-worthy design.

Halo Settings

A halo of diamonds around a sapphire magnifies its colour, adding brilliance and contrast. This is perfect for lighter toned sapphires that benefit from extra sparkle, or for clients wanting a bold, statement piece.

Vintage & Art Deco Styles

Sapphires have always been a favourite in vintage and Art Deco jewellery. Think emerald-cut Australian parti sapphires framed with baguette diamonds, or oval Ceylon blues surrounded by milgrain detailing. These designs celebrate both history and artistry.

Contemporary Minimalist Designs

For modern couples, sapphires in east-west settings, geometric bezels, or slim gold bands are on trend. Australian parti sapphires, with their colour zoning, look especially striking in sleek minimalist designs that let the stone’s natural character shine.

Heirloom Redesigns

Because sapphires are durable (second only to diamond on the Mohs scale), they’re perfect for resetting into new designs. Many of our clients bring in heirloom sapphires to be transformed into modern rings, pendants, or earrings that still carry family legacy.

Bringing It All Together

At Morgan & Co, we don’t just set sapphires we design around them. Every sapphire is unique, and the design should be too. Whether it’s a classic solitaire, a halo engagement ring, or a bespoke parti sapphire creation, our role is to craft a piece where the design amplifies the gem’s natural beauty. Book your no obligation consultation — we look forward to seeing you at our Buderim studio. 

With Love,
Laura xo

Engagement rings are timeless symbols of love and commitment, and as preferences evolve, many couples are gravitating towards distinctive and ethically sourced gemstones. Australian sapphires and in particular Parti Sapphires have emerged as a stunning choice, celebrated for their vibrant hues, exceptional quality, and sustainable origins. Here’s why these gemstones are capturing hearts worldwide.

A Rich Palette of Colours

Australian sapphires are renowned for their remarkable range of colours, making them an excellent choice for those seeking something beyond the traditional.

Classic Blue — The deep, velvety blues of Australian sapphires rival the finest gems globally.

Rare Varieties — Unique hues like teal, green, and the coveted pink-orange Padparadscha sapphire offer a fresh, contemporary appeal.

Colour Play — Their natural pleochroism creates dynamic color shifts, displaying varying shades from different angles, adding depth and intrigue.

Ethical and Sustainable Sourcing

As awareness grows about the impact of gemstone mining, Australian sapphires and parti sapphires stand out for their ethical sourcing practices:

Responsible Mining — Australia is known for adhering to strict environmental and ethical standards, ensuring minimal harm to ecosystems and fair treatment of workers.

Traceability — Many Australian sapphires and parti sapphires come with documentation of their origins, giving our client's peace of mind.

Exceptional Quality

Australian sapphires and parti sapphires are prized for their durability and brilliance.

Hardness — With a rating of 9 on the Mohs scale, they’re ideal for everyday wear, second only to diamonds in toughness.

Natural Inclusions — Unlike lab-grown stones, the subtle inclusions in natural sapphires add authenticity and character, making each gem one-of-a-kind.

Versatile and Unique Designs

The versatility of Australian sapphires ensures they shine in a variety of settings:

Classic Solitaire — Perfect for showcasing the rich colour and brilliance of a single sapphire.

Halo Settings — Surrounding sapphires with diamonds accentuates their vibrancy and sparkle.

Three-Stone Rings — Pairing sapphires with complementary gems like diamonds or aquamarines creates a balanced and symbolic design.

The Allure of a Personal Touch

Australian sapphires are ideal for bespoke engagement rings:

Custom Creations — Work with a jeweller to design a ring that reflects your love story and personal style.

Symbolism — Choose a colour that holds special meaning, such as blue for loyalty or green for growth and harmony.

What Sets Parti Sapphires Apart from Traditional Sapphires?

Parti sapphires are a rare and mesmerising variety of sapphire, celebrated for their colour zoning—a natural phenomenon that creates distinct areas of different colours within a single gemstone. Unlike traditional sapphires, which typically display a uniform or blended colour, parti sapphires offer a unique visual experience that makes them highly sought after. Morgan & Co are experts in sourcing the perfect parti sapphires for our clients and Parti sapphires have become very popular over the last year for engagement ring design.

How does Morgan & Co choose the right Parti Sapphire?

Defined Colours — We first define distinct Colour Zoning. Parti sapphires showcase separate, unblended zones of colour, often including combinations like blue, green, and yellow.

Ombre and Striped Effects — These zones can appear as gradients, stripes, or patches, creating intricate and one-of-a-kind patterns.

Contrast with Teal Sapphires — Unlike teal sapphires, where colours like blue and yellow mix to form an overall greenish hue, parti sapphires retain their individual colour boundaries. 

Secondly we look into the Parti Sapphires unique qualities such as —

Dynamic Appearance — The distinct colours within parti sapphires shift subtly depending on lighting and viewing angles, enhancing their allure.

Nature’s Artwork — Each parti sapphire is entirely unique, with no two stones featuring the same colour zoning patterns.

We source only ethical sapphires 

Australian Sapphires —

Parti sapphires are predominantly found in Australia, our clients love the thought of owning a precious natural gem that has been mined from the rich geographical regions of Australia. Parti sapphires can also be found in Madagascar, India, Sir Lanka and Kenya. 

However Australian Parti Sapphires are most desirable due to their reputation for unique colour compositions. 

Australia has very  strict mining standards that  ensures ethical practices and traceable origins. All our Parti Sapphires are certified by the strictest standards. 

How do I care for a Parti Sapphire?

Sapphires are second only to diamonds in terms of durability. Making both sapphires and parti sapphires a great choice for engagement rings. 

All rings no matter what stones are featured will over time have built up dirt under and around the setting. Soaping the ring in warm water mixed with morning fresh detergent and a few sprays of windex and left over night will dislodge the dirt and oils. Gently using a soft toothbrush brush away any leftover debris. Morgan Co Jewellery offers  lifetime cleaning on all their engagement rings. So book in, drop off your ring and enjoy a complementary coffee while your beautiful ring is professionally cleaned. 

Parti sapphires are a celebration of nature’s artistry, combining vivid colour contrasts and rare beauty. Their distinct colour zoning and inherent uniqueness set them apart from traditional sapphires, making them an exceptional choice for those seeking a gemstone that’s as distinctive as it is beautiful.

Book your free consultation with our team at Morgan & Co Jewellers, where we specialise in custom made engagement rings and sapphires. 

With Love,
Laura xo