Blue sapphire jewelry: history and characteristics

The blue sapphire symbolizes virtue, dignity and loyalty. For generations this precious natural stone has been an excellent decorative element for royal robes. Unlike other blue stones, such as topaz or tanzanite, the sapphire color is considered superior. In ancient Greece and Roman times, sapphires were considered protective talismans, believed to ward off spirits. So, like this blue sapphire jewelry not only do they add a touch of visual sparkle, but they are also full of deep meanings.

For example, Prince Charles gave Princess Diana a 12-carat oval faceted blue sapphire engagement ring surrounded by 14 diamonds set in white gold, marking a significant and iconic moment in royal history. This choice set a trend for sapphire engagement rings around the world, showcasing the beauty and elegance of the deep blue stone that was once reserved exclusively for royalty.

What is sapphire?

Sapphire is a variety of corundum speciesand if you’re wondering What color is sapphire?you should know that it is available in many colors, not just the classic blue. The stone is one of the most colorful “characters” in the realm of natural gems, it is found in almost every color of the rainbow.

All stones of the corundum species are considered sapphires, with the exception of the red ones, which are called rubies. The blue hue of sapphire is given by the presence of traces of iron and titaniumand in jewelry you will very often find blue sapphire, although there are also colorless or white variants, which are very rare.

While the word «sapphire«commonly conjures images of a deep, lovely blue stone, jewelry dealers and lovers often use the term to refer specifically to the blue stone. For all other colors, such as yellow, pink, orange, purple, green, etc., the term «security fantasy«.

Sapphire is mainly mined from a few places globally. The most important sources are found in Kashmir, Burma and Sri Lanka. There are also more recent mines in Madagascar, Thailand, Australia, China, Nigeria, Vietnam.

Did you know? Do some of the world’s most spectacular sapphires have names as interesting as their carat weight? Bismarck sapphiremined in Burma (now Myanmar), it weighs 98.60 carats and is set in the front of a necklace bearing his name, made by Cartier in 1935, surrounded by baguette-cut diamonds and eight smaller square-cut sapphires.

Characteristics of blue sapphire

The value of blue sapphires is influenced by their color (among other factors), ranging from very light blue to dark purple blue and even greenish blue. The most valuable, in terms of price, are velvety blue or purplish blue sapphires with medium-medium-dark tones and intense saturation. The closer the color is to blue-green, the lower the quality of the sapphire and the lower its value.

Sapphire stands out as a particularly resistant gem, having a hardness equal to 9.0 on the Mohs scaleranking just below diamond (10) but above emerald (7.5 – 8) in terms of hardness. He is renowned for his extraordinary physical and aesthetic qualities, which make him lucky stone for those born in September.

The most valuable sapphires in the world are those extracted from KashmirIndia from a deposit discovered in 1881 that was subsequently depleted in 1930. Known for their velvety blue hue, Kashmir sapphires are now found only in antique jewelry and collectibles, where they continue to be prized for their unique color and historical significance.

Did you know? In 2014, the sapphire»The Beautiful Blue of Asia” broke records at Christie’s auction, selling for $17.3 million – or $44,063 per carat – doubling its pre-sale estimate.

How do you wear blue sapphire jewelry?

Celebrated for its mesmerizing beauty and unmatched durability, blue sapphire is one of the most sought-after gemstones for everyday jewelry. The fact that It doesn’t scratch very easilymaking it a versatile choice for everything from classic sapphire rings to the most coveted sapphire necklaces worn by celebrities.

You can wear blue sapphire jewelry for any occasion. For a sophisticated look, pair a sapphire bracelet with a white t-shirt to create a stark contrast that exudes classic elegance. For a relaxed look, choose a flowy dress and a pair of sapphire earrings. In a formal setting, multi-colored sapphire pendants can add a special sparkle to evening dresses. Additionally, pairing blue sapphires with a red dress can strikingly offset the vibrant color palette, making a bold statement.

Did you know? The most famous sapphire in the world is Star of Indiaa huge 563-carat stone found in Sri Lanka three centuries ago and currently housed at the American Museum of Natural History in New York.

Where do you buy sapphire jewelry?