Chameleon corundum

One of the corundum family of gems, sapphires come in all the colours of the rainbow. These range from diamond-like white to bold colours such as yellow, pink and orange. Red corundum is usually referred to as another familiar stone – ruby. 

Some sapphires have the ability to exhibit two different colours depending on the lighting conditions. These stones are rarely seen and can cause quite a stir at auction. Lot 35 in the Jewellery Auction on Sunday 20 May is a certificated natural example. When viewed in daylight, this sapphire has a noticeable dark blue hue to it; when it is viewed in artificial light, it displays a deep shade of violet. The dark blue is due to the presence of iron and titanium and the presence of vanadium is responsible for the violet colour.

This exciting stone is set in white gold with white round brilliant cut diamonds around it to enhance its vivid colour. The rarity of this stone at auction and its wide appeal to dealers and private buyers alike makes this ring the one to watch. 

To view the full 20 May catalogue, click here >>  

McTear’s sells more jewellery than any other Scottish auction house in the dedicated jewellery auctions that take place twice monthly, run concurrently live online on a platform that attracts six million visitors annually from over 120 countries worldwide.

Written by Amy Cameron