Sapphires: Gem of the Heavens

Today, the sapphire is more popular than ever, fueled by its association with modern royalty—most notably the iconic 12-carat oval sapphire engagement ring worn by Princess Diana and later the Princess of Wales, Catherine.

Beyond its status as the September birthstone, it is the traditional gift for the 5th and 45th wedding anniversaries. In a world of fleeting trends, the sapphire remains a cornerstone of fine jewellery, prized for its ability to bridge the gap between ancient mysticism and modern elegance.

Durability: The Ultimate Daily Gemstone

Like the ruby, the sapphire is a variety of the mineral corundum. This makes it one of the most resilient gemstones in existence, ideal for those seeking a "lifetime" piece of jewelry.

Hardness: Rated 9 on the Mohs scale, it is the hardest natural gemstone after the diamond.

Resilience: With excellent toughness and no "cleavage" (planes where the stone easily splits), a sapphire can withstand the rigors of daily wear, making it the premier choice for sapphire engagement rings.

Ancient Origins and Royal Lore

Throughout history, the sapphire has been the primary choice for kings and high priests. Ancient Persians believed the Earth actually rested on a giant sapphire, the reflection of which gave the sky its blue color.

• The Stone of Wisdom: In medieval times, the gem was worn to protect the wearer from envy and to attract divine blessings.
• Protection: It was often carried as a talisman to preserve chastity, discover fraud, and protect against poison or plague.

The "Cornflower" and "Royal" Standards

While sapphires come in every color of the rainbow (except red), the blue sapphire remains the most sought after. Experts look for specific color profiles to determine value:

• Cornflower Blue: A medium-to-light blue with a soft, velvety appearance. These are historically associated with the legendary (and now depleted) mines of Kashmir.
  
• Royal Blue: A deep, vivid blue that maintains its brilliance even in low light. The finest examples today often hail from Sri Lanka (Ceylon) or Madagascar.
  
• The Padparadscha: The rarest of all is the "Padparadscha" sapphire—a delicate sunset-hued blend of pink and orange, named after the Sinhalese word for "lotus blossom."