The natural stone sapphire has its own history. Throughout the ages, this corundum has been used as a material for the manufacture of high-end jewelry. Its virtues make it a stone of choice in lithotherapy. It is also a symbolic gem associated with fidelity. That’s why it’s particularly popular for engagement rings. At Planetys, your natural stone jewelry specialist, we offer a wide range of high quality sapphire jewelry sets. These stones of various carats feature a beautiful asterism (star effect) to give their wearer a sophisticated touch.
The origins of sapphire
Sapphire has many origins. However, its name comes from the Hebrew word sappir. Sapphire is a precious stone that has been used for a variety of purposes since Antiquity. What’s more, it remains a symbolic gem in many civilizations.
The origins of the name
The name “sapphire” comes from the Greek word “sappheiros”, which translates as “blue”. The name of this gem is said to derive from the Hebrew “saphar” or “sappir”. The latter means “the most beautiful thing”. It’s also a variety of corundum (adamantine spar) that comes in many colors, including pink, green, violet, yellow and orange. Some stones feature a mixture of colors. Such is the case with “Padparadja sapphire”. The name comes from the Sinhalese language and means “lotus flower”.
For a long time, sapphire was called “adamas”, meaning “the hardest substance”. However, this name was abandoned as soon as diamonds were discovered. Its celestial blue color gave it its symbolic character as a link with heaven. Indeed, for some, wearing this stone was a means of making contact with the heavens or the divine.
Early uses of sapphire
The history of sapphire dates back to antiquity. It was used as a sacred stone in ancient Egypt and Rome. The Egyptians and Romans attributed protective powers to it. It was also a symbol of truth and justice. In particular, it was used to promote prosperity and peace. The Romans used it mainly in the form of amulets for protection.
In the Middle Ages, sapphire stone was used to ward off evil spells. This natural mineral was also used to adorn royal jewels (crowns, rings, etc.), religious relics and the finery of the nobility. Blue sapphire was considered the stone of kings. Not only the king, but also the queen and her heirs (prince, princess, nephews) wore it as jewelry. In fact, Charlemagne’s talisman in Reims cathedral is adorned with a sapphire. During the Renaissance, this gem was used as a symbol of status and power.
Its stones were also prized for their virtues in lithotherapy. They were said to promote healing of the eyes and ears. Today, sapphire, like ruby and diamond, is mainly used to make beautiful, high-value jewelry. These include engagement rings, bracelets and necklaces. To suit the preferences of some, specialists subject the stones to treatments. This is the case with red sapphire, obtained after a heat treatment in which beryllium is used. This stone cannot be called ruby.
How is sapphire formed?
Whether yellow, blue or any other color, this gem is less resistant than diamonds. It forms in characteristic rocks such as metamorphic or magmatic rocks. Corundum, whether from Sri Lanka or Thailand, is an aluminum oxide with a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale. It is formed when conditions of temperature and pressure are met in the presence of the elements of which it is composed.
Rocks must be rich in aluminum and silicon for minerals to form. Similarly, elements such as iron, magnesium, titanium and chromium must be present in the rock. Iron and titanium, for example, are essential for the formation of blue sapphire. When the conditions are right, the passage of magma allows the elements present to combine to form beautiful, relatively intensely-colored gemstones.
Like the presence or absence of inclusions, these can influence the price of sapphire. The more intense the color and the fewer the inclusions, the more expensive the gem. Similarly, the heavier the stone, the higher the price. So take these parameters into consideration before choosing your sapphire jewel.
Where are sapphire deposits found?
Blue sapphire minerals are mainly extracted from deposits in Asian countries. They crystallize in rhombohedral form of varying size and color. Corundum is also extracted from deposits in countries such as :
The main mines
- Myanmar
- Madagascar
- Tanzania
- Cambodia
- Thailand
- Australia
- India
- Sri Lanka
To this list can be added France, which is home to a site discovered in 2016 in the Auvergne department of Puy-de-Dôme. Generally speaking, gems of all colors (violet, yellow, red, Padparadja…) and qualities can be found in the mines. The main producer, however, remains Sri Lanka. High-quality specimens have no inclusions visible to the naked eye. Unlike lesser-valued blue sapphire minerals, they have excellent clarity, allowing light to pass through.
At Planetys, we offer you high-quality gemstone jewelry. Our sapphire necklaces, earrings and bracelets come in a variety of shapes (faceted, cabochon, etc.) and hues. They are modern, trendy and can be used as engagement jewelry.
What are the most beautiful sapphires?
Padparadja sapphires are the rarest and most sought-after species. These gems are uniquely characterized by a mixture of the following colors: pink, orange and yellow. They have an orange-pink or purplish-pink hue. Most of these gems are mined in Sri Lanka, but they can also be found in other countries such as Myanmar or India.
Among the most popular gems are those extracted from the Kashmir mines in India and Myanmar (formerly Burma). They are considered to be the most beautiful in the world. However, Sri Lankan gemstones are undeniably the most popular. They can be recognized by their relatively light blue and remarkable diamond-like brilliance. In fact, almost half of all these precious stones are mined in this country, which was once called Ceylon.
Famous sapphires?
The beauty of a sapphire depends on many factors, including color, purity, cut and quality of cut. However, there are some famous stones that are considered exceptional:
Star of Bombay sapphire
Rockefeller sapphire
Logan sapphire
Bismarck sapphire
- Stuart sapphire (104 ct),
- Logan sapphire (423 ct),
- Nertamphia sapphire (216 ct),
- Edward the Confessor sapphire,
- Star of India” star sapphire (563.35 ct),
- Blue Belle of Asia sapphire (392.52 ct),
- Ruspoli” sapphire (135.8 ct),
- Star of Bombay (182 ct),
- Mac Cormick sapphire (197 ct)
- Bismarck sapphire (98.56 ct).
- The Black Star (43 ct).
- Rockefeller sapphire (62.02 ct),
We offer sapphire jewelry in a variety of carats to suit everyone’s needs. These stones are of natural origin and have a dazzling appearance thanks to meticulous cutting by professional lapidaries.
We make it a point of honor to offer you only high-quality sapphire jewelry at an attractive price. Don’t hesitate any longer! Choose your jewelry in our boutique.
