When you think of sapphire do you immediately picture the midnight blue of Princess Dianas engagement ring? Sapphires have been long associated with royalty and romance and are also said to symbolize fidelity and the soul.
But did you know that Sapphires come in nearly all the colours of the rainbow (apart from red)?
It was believed in ancient Greece and Rome that blue sapphires protected their owners from harm and envy.
In ancient Persia, sapphires were associated with the dome of the sky, and wearing them was believed to protect one from envy and harm. They were seen as a conduit to divine wisdom, aligning their wearers with the celestial forces that governed the universe.
Clerics of the Middle Ages wore sapphires because they symbolised Heaven and in medieval times it was believed that sapphies could cure plague boils and also give protection against poisoning.
The mesmerizing blue of sapphires has often been likened to the infinite depths of the night sky. Their vivid hues evoke feelings of serenity and wonder, inviting us to contemplate the mysteries of the universe. Just as the cosmos is ever-changing and evolving, sapphires, too, hold a unique property. Some sapphires exhibit a phenomenon known as asterism, which creates a stunning star-like pattern on the surface of the gem when viewed under specific lighting conditions. This celestial effect adds an extra layer of enchantment to these already captivating stones.
There are several famous sapphires that have captured the world’s attention due to their beauty, history, and significance. Here are a few notable examples:
The Star of India:
This legendary sapphire is one of the largest star sapphires in the world, weighing a remarkable 563.4 carats. It exhibits a stunning star pattern on both sides and is known for its mesmerizing blue color. The Star of India is on display at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City.
The Logan Sapphire:
Weighing an impressive 423 carats, the Logan Sapphire is one of the largest faceted sapphires in existence. It possesses a deep, rich blue hue and is part of the Smithsonian’s National Gem Collection in the USA.
The Blue Belle of Asia:
This exquisite sapphire, weighing approximately 392.52 carats, is renowned for its intense cornflower blue colour. It made headlines when it was sold at auction for a record-breaking price. The gem was originally discovered in Sri Lanka and has been owned by several collectors and institutions.
The Queen Marie of Romania Sapphire:
Once belonging to Queen Marie of Romania, this stunning sapphire weighs around 478 carats and is known for its deep blue colour and exceptional clarity. It’s a part of the Romanian Royal Family’s jewelry collection.
The Stuart Sapphire:
This historic sapphire has a unique royal connection. It was part of the British Crown Jewels and adorned the coronation ring of Queen Victoria. The Stuart Sapphire is believed to have originated from ancient India and is now set in the Imperial State Crown of the United Kingdom.
Found in Kashmir, Myanmar, Sri Lanka as well as Australia, Thailand, Cambodia and the US (in Montana) Sapphires are perfect for rings and other high wear jewellery due to their hardness (9 on the Mohs scale).
The best way to care for your sapphires is to use warm soapy water and a soft toothbrush - no need for harsh cleansers or dips.
You can view my birthstone jewellery here.