Green sapphires are found primarily in Sri Lanka, the world's leading source in both quantity and quality, as well as Madagascar (since the 1990s), Australia (Queensland and New South Wales, known for darker greens), Thailand, and to a lesser extent Tanzania and Burma. Sri Lankan green sapphires are the most prized for their luminous brilliance and transparency. At Bonnot Paris, we source our green sapphires directly through our office in Sri Lanka and from carefully selected partners in Madagascar.

Green sapphire is one of the most accessible sapphire varieties. Expect to pay around €600 to €1,200 per carat for good quality at 1 carat, and €1,200 to €2,500 per carat for 2–3 carats. By comparison, that is 3 to 5 times less than a comparable-quality emerald, and 30 to 50% less than an equivalent blue sapphire. Unheated stones or those with particularly intense colour (deep emerald green) can command higher prices.

Both offer a range of greens, but their characteristics differ considerably. The emerald has a more intense, deep green — often with a slight blue tint — yet almost invariably contains inclusions (the so-called "garden") that make it more fragile (hardness 7.5–8) and require protective settings. The green sapphire is softer in tone, cleaner (few or no visible inclusions), far more durable (hardness 9) and noticeably less expensive. For everyday wear and a controlled budget, the green sapphire is preferable; for chromatic depth and long-term value, the emerald remains unrivalled.

Green sapphire and tsavorite are both excellent alternatives to emerald, but they are entirely different minerals. The green sapphire has a hardness of 9, while tsavorite is a chrome grossular garnet with a hardness of 7.5. Tsavorite offers a more intense, saturated green close to emerald, with a higher refractive index — giving it greater brilliance. Green sapphire is harder, more durable and generally less expensive. For a deep, emerald-like green, choose tsavorite; for durability and a softer green, the green sapphire is the better choice.

The green colour of a sapphire comes from the presence of iron within its crystal structure, sometimes complemented by titanium. This is the same mechanism that gives teal and blue sapphires their colour: it is the precise proportions of these trace elements that determine the exact shade. Unlike emerald (coloured by chromium), ruby (also chromium) or tsavorite (chromium and vanadium), the green of a sapphire generally requires no treatment to be expressed.

Green sapphire is, paradoxically, both reasonably available on the market and largely unknown to the general public. Its relative abundance compared to emerald explains the more accessible price point — yet stones with a pure, intense green free of grey or blue saturation are genuinely rare. Most green sapphires carry a tint of blue or yellow. Stones above 3 carats with a clean, pure colour become truly difficult to find. It is precisely this understated exclusivity that makes it a singular stone, cherished by connoisseurs.

Absolutely. With a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale (out of 10), green sapphire offers the same resistance as blue sapphire and ruby — the second hardest gemstone in the world after diamond. It withstands impact, scratching and everyday wear without concern, unlike emerald which requires a protective setting. It traditionally symbolises harmony, nature and renewal — a meaningful message for a union. It is also a choice that steps beyond convention while remaining timeless, ideal for those seeking a truly personal ring.

Green sapphire works beautifully with all precious metals, each creating a different effect. Yellow gold amplifies its warmth and enhances the green-yellow contrast for a sunny, vintage feel. Rose gold creates a subtler, softer and more romantic contrast. White gold and platinum allow the colour to read in its purest, most modern form without interference — the recommended choice for lighter or pastel greens. The decision ultimately depends on the mood you are seeking and the precise shade of the stone.