Corundum deposits in New South Wales have known to be existence for more than 150 years. However, large-scale mining didn’t start until after WW2, and increased further during the 1960’s when Thailand’s gem scouts looked elsewhere for Blue Sapphire as a result of declining production in South East Asia.

In the early 70's the Sapphire mines of Central Queensland witnessed a boom with the introduction of heavy industrial machinery mining. Alas, the halcyon days were short lived, as the late 90’s spelled disaster for the Australian Sapphire with the proliferation of cheaper South East Asian Sapphire due in part to the collapse of many Asian currencies. Late last century this misfortune was further compounded by Madagascar’s lead in quality Sapphire production.

In mid 1999 the Australian Sapphire Industry took a more positive turn as economies strengthened and the demand for Australian Sapphire increased. At present there are some 10 to 12 million dollars worth of good quality rough Sapphire being exported, most of it finding its way to Thailand where the rough Sapphire is treated, cut and processed.

Unfortunately, much of this material is sold-on as originating from Thailand or Sri Lanka, and as a result Australian Sapphire has been eclipsed by other origins and deemed as poor quality. However, this misrepresentation has also been a blessing in disguise as increase in demand for Australian Sapphire has increased dramatically.

In truth Australian Sapphire offers many qualities from royal Blue through to midnight Blue. The majority of the commercial-grade Sapphire production from Australia is Blue, but there are also some nice ‘Fancy’ yellow and green Sapphire colors.

Previous Page

Sapphire Sterling Silver Jewelry

Sapphire Silver Jewelry Introduction | Sapphire Silver Jewelry Definition & Etymology |
Sapphire Silver Jewelry Legends & Lore I Famous Sapphire Jewelry |
Sapphire Jewelry Facts & Tips | Sapphire Sterling Silver Jewelry Care |
Sapphire Silver Jewelry Picture Gallery