Sapphires are available in every color but red. Sapphire in colors other than blue are referred to as "fancy sapphires". The most valuable sapphires have an intense, vivid blue color, such as displayed by Kashmir sapphires. Kashmir sapphires have a velvety mist look to them which enhances the richness of the blue.

Star sapphires are judged by the sharpness of the star, the eveness of the rays of the star, and the body color of the sapphire. It is extremely rare to find a star sapphire with a sharp star and a bright blue body color.

A rare orange-pink variety of sapphire known as padparadschah is even more valued than blue sapphire.

Sapphire color is a combination of hue, tone, saturation, and distribution. The widely accepted system of judging sapphire color is the one used by Gemological Institute of America (GIA). This system breaks color into the following components:

Hue
The hue of an sapphire refers to the shade, tint or sensation of color. Within hue are varying tones and saturations.

Tone
Tone refers to the relative lightness or darkness of a hue, ranging from colorless to black.

Saturation
Saturation refers to the strength or purity of a hue.

Color zoning is present in certain sapphires. Color zoning or distribution is visible as a darker band or bands across the gemstone.

Keep in mind that the color of an sapphire will appear differently depending on the kind of lighting it is viewed under. The most neutral light is daylight at midday. It adds the least amount of color and thus makes it easier to see the various nuances of color.