Blue is the first colour that comes to mind when we hear the word sapphire, but they do occur naturally in a whole Spring garden of colours. 

Corundum, the mineral species to which sapphire and ruby belong, is naturally colourless but presents in different colours when other elements are present during formation. These colours, including pinks, oranges, yellows, greens and purples are known as fancy sapphires. 

Yellow sapphires, coloured by small traces of iron, can range from the palest lemon to a deep orange shade. They are sometimes purchased as an affordable alternative to yellow diamonds but are beautiful gemstones in their own right. Padparadscha sapphire, a valuable orange-toned stone with a pinkish tinge, is named after the lotus blossom of the same hue and is highly prized. 

Sapphires will never be red but they are available in a wide range of pinks, coloured by chromium, and purples, from the palest blush to the most intense aubergine. Pink sapphires rival pink diamonds in hue and are a more cost effective option. Purple sapphires, coloured by vanadium and chromium, were long ago known as Oriental amethysts and for a time were more valuable than diamonds. 

Green sapphires can be as dark as an olive, as pale as pistachio and all the hues in between. They are coloured by small traces of iron. Lighter and brighter shades tend to be more desirable, provided the clarity is good. Teal is a blue-green colour named after a duck with lustrous feathers, and is currently in high demand.

Sapphires can display more than one colour at the same time, such as green at one end and blue at the other. These stones are known as parti sapphires. With each one being unique, they are perfect for people looking for one-of-a-kind jewellery.