Jamunia Neelam: Purple Sapphires

Purple sapphire is corundum coloured by a mix of the traces that make ruby red and Neelam blue. The result runs from soft lilac through violet to a deep plum that can look almost like a dark ruby by lamplight. Locally it is often called Jamunia Neelam, after the colour of the jamun fruit.

Do not confuse it with amethyst, which is also called Jamunia. Amethyst is quartz, hardness 7, and plentiful. Purple sapphire is far rarer and much harder, and a jeweller with a refractometer can tell them apart in a minute.

Points to compare

• Hue: some stones lean blue violet, others reddish purple. Neither is "correct"; pick the one you like in daylight.
• Colour change: a few purple sapphires look bluer in daylight and pinker under warm bulbs. That is a natural effect.
• Treatment: heating is common in corundum, so read the treatment line on every listing.

Because it is less well known, purple sapphire often gives you more size for your money than a blue stone of similar quality. Some buyers wear it where tradition calls for Neelam, while others simply want a hard purple stone for a ring that will be worn every day. We leave that choice to you and your family.

With hardness 9, it can sit in an open four-claw setting on a man's or woman's ring. Clean it with soap and warm water. Store it in its own pouch so it does not scratch softer gems.