Created Sapphire
Precious Gemstones that are Made, Not Mined™
Identical in physical, chemical, and optical properties to traditional sapphires, our selection of beautifully created sapphires emit a radiant and deep blue hue. Sapphires are a part of the corundum family. The name “sapphire” can apply to any corundum that isn’t red enough to qualify as a ruby. However, most classic sapphires are pure blue, ranging from greenish to violetish blue.
The corundum species also includes a scarcer form of sapphires known as “fancy sapphires,” which come in various colors, including violet, green, yellow, orange, pink, and purple. In addition, “parti-colored” sapphires are also in the corundum family, and they exhibit different combinations of colors. Some stones can even change colors depending on the lighting, while certain sapphires can boast a duller gray, black, or brown color.
Lab-grown sapphires can be manufactured through several processes. Many of these stones are made through flame fusion, which involves dropping powdered chemicals through a hot flame, allowing them to melt onto a rotating pedestal and create a crystal. The flux-growth process is another popular method for creating lab-grown sapphires, and it often makes a convincing alternative to the natural gem. However, this process requires a significant amount of time and financial investment. Flux is a solid material that dissolves other materials when it melts. Once the dissolved chemical solutions gradually cools, crystals begin to form.
Our Promise
At Charles & Colvard, we strive to redefine the jewelry industry by using exclusively made, not mined gemstones. As we continue to prioritize superior AAA quality, hardness and durability, and ethically sourced stones, our experts forge gemstones that embody unrivaled craftsmanship and care.
Superior AAA Quality
Only 20-30 percent of natural sapphires are of AAA quality. These gemstones are typically a medium blue color and are used in fine jewelry. At Charles & Colvard, our conscious colored gemstones exhibit a premium quality that is ethically sourced and carefully crafted. Our experts specialize in accessible, beautiful, and conscientious fine jewelry that is Made, Not Mined™.
Conscious Color
For nearly 30 years, Charles & Colvard has set the standard for lab-grown gemstones, focusing on creating ethically sourced stones with impeccable craftsmanship. We constantly seek to innovate the standard of beauty in fine jewelry through above-ground stones, and our Conscious Color collection does just that. We set out to demonstrate that everything we love about Rubies, Sapphires, and Emeralds, can be made consciously, in a way that we can feel good about.
Mohs Hardness
The Mohs Hardness scale measures the hardness and durability of gems on a scale from 1 to 10. Sapphires have a rating of 9, which means they are inherently strong and not easily susceptible to scratching, breaking, chipping, cracking, or other forms of abrasion.
Sapphire Care and Cleaning
Taking care of your sapphire is vital to preserving its quality and appearance. Given their durability, these stones are relatively easy to care for at home.
Hardness and Toughness
The Mohs scale determines a gem or mineral’s hardness. With a rating of 9, sapphires are quite tough and can often withstand the damage associated with daily wear. Given its durability, sapphire is an excellent choice for everyday jewelry like rings and mountings.
Stability
Sapphires present strong stability and are fit for everyday wear. These minerals resist heat, light, and other common harmful chemicals.
Cleaning
Warm, soapy water is an effective disinfectant for sapphires. Untreated, heat-treated, and lattice-diffusion-treated stones do best with ultrasonic and steam cleaners.
Treatment
Both untreated and heat-treated sapphires have strong durability. However, color penetration can vary among stones treated with lattice diffusion. Stones with shallow color penetration are more susceptible to surface damage or re-cutting. Fracture-filled stones can have high-lead content glass, making them susceptible to damage from substances like lemon juice and other chemicals. Sapphires with extensive glass filler require more care than untreated, heat-treated, or lattice-diffused-treated stones.