Sapphires Unveiled
Today we will focus on the gem, Sapphire. This gem has a rich history that expands thousands of years.
The first known Sapphire mines were located in Sri Lanka (formerly known as Ceylon) and India. The ancient Persians believed the sky was blue because it reflected the beautiful blue hue of this gemstone. They associated Sapphires with protection from harm and believed they were a gift from heaven.
Jewelry and gems have often been used to signify status, and the Sapphire is no different! During the Medieval and Renaissance periods, the stone was highly valued by European nobility and clergy. Their blue color was associated with royalty and was used in crowns and other royal jewelry. Sapphires were also believed to possess mystical powers and were used in various ways in folk medicine. They were also believed to guard against envy and protect against poisoning.
Originally Sapphires were not found in many deposits, however, through the 19th and 20th century, more deposits have been discovered, making the stone more accessible. In particular, Australia is a major source for high-quality Sapphires.
Throughout history, certain Sapphires have gained fame and notoriety. One of the most well-known is the Star of India, a 563-carat Sapphire currently housed in the American Museum of Natural History. Another famous Sapphire is the Logan Sapphire which is housed at the Smithsonian Museum; this stone is 423-carats. And of course, Princess Dianna, famously had a 12-carat Ceylon Sapphire engagement ring - the color of the gemstone matched her eyes. Prince Harry initially inherited the ring but then gave it as a gift to his brother, Prince William, who used it as his engagement ring to Kate Middleton.
Today, Sapphires symbolize loyalty, truth and wisdom and continue to be highly valued gemstones. They come in a variety of colors including blue, pink, green, and orange, with blue Sapphires being the most traditional and popular.
This blog gives a very brief overview of a gemstone that has a vast history. In business for over 40 years, Legacy Jewelry, honors the stories of gemstones and enjoys bringing them into people’s lives. At Legacy, we sell the finest estate & new jewelry backed with a GIA Gemologist's signature of approval - view our collection here. We also offer appraisal and estate services. For same day service, give us a call at 949-230-1069.
