Sapphire
A royal stone symbolizing wisdom, loyalty and nobility.
📜 History and Stories
The English name Sapphire is probably derived from the Greek word "sappheiros", meaning "blue stone". Since ancient times, it has been recognized as the "stone of heaven", as the ancient Persians believed that the earth sat on a giant sapphire and that the blue color of the sky was its reflection. It symbolizes sanctity, wisdom and truth.
Sapphires have long been a favorite of royalty and clergy, symbolizing nobility and loyalty. One of the most famous modern legends is the Sri Lankan sapphire engagement ring inherited from Princess Diana to Princess Kate.
🌍 Major Origin Distribution
Historically, the "cornflower blue" sapphire from the Kashmir region was regarded as a rare gem, but is now virtually extinct. Today, Sri Lanka (Ceylon), Burma and Madagascar are the main sources of top quality sapphires. Australia and Montana in the United States also produce sapphires of unique appeal.
📍 Explore Legendary Properties: Kashmir🔬 Gemological Properties
| characterization | descriptive |
|---|---|
| Mineral Types | Corundum |
| Chemical composition | Aluminum oxide `(Al₂O₃)` |
| color-causing element | Iron (Fe) and Titanium (Ti) |
| Mohs hardness | 9 |
| Special Effects | Asterism |
Sapphire vs.
💰 Different quality grades and values
The color and origin of a sapphire are crucial in assessing its value. Although blue is the most familiar color, sapphires actually cover all corundum colors except red (ruby) and are known as "colored sapphires".
1. Color
The most important factor. Top colors include rich 'Royal Blue' and velvety 'Cornflower Blue'.
2. Clarity
High-quality sapphires should be clean to the naked eye. Certain inclusions, such as rutile needles, can create a starburst effect.
3. Origin
Kashmir sapphires carry a high provenance premium due to their exceptional quality and rarity.
4. Treatment
Heat treatment is a common way to improve color and clarity, and untreated natural sapphires are the most valuable.
Value ladder in different blue colors
From standard blues to top-of-the-line royal blues and legendary cornflower blues, the value of a sapphire varies greatly depending on the saturation of the color, its hue and its origin.
💖 Symbolism
🗓️
September Birthstone
It symbolizes loyalty, truth and nobility.
💝
5th and 45th Wedding Anniversary Stones
It represents undying love and commitment.
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Wisdom and Sanctity
It is believed to protect the wearer from jealousy and harm and bring peace of mind.
🛡️ Care and Wear
With a hardness of 9, second only to diamonds, sapphires are extremely strong and durable, making them an excellent choice for everyday wear.
✅
very durable
Extremely hard, suitable for everyday jewelry such as engagement rings.
🔊
Ultrasonic cleaning
Safe for untreated or heat-treated gemstones only.
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Avoid hard contact.
Even though it is hard, avoid bumping against the diamond.
🧼
Gentle and clean
Warm soapy water and a soft brush are great for daily cleaning.
👑 royal and auction legend
Sapphires are synonymous with royal jewelry. In addition to Princess Kate's engagement ring, the British Royal Family owns the Imperial Crown, which is encrusted with huge sapphires. Top Kashmir and Burmese sapphires set records at auctions, such as the Blue Belle of Asia, a 392.52-carat Ceylon sapphire that sold for nearly $17.3 million in 2014.