September’s birthstone, the sapphire, has been popular since the Middle Ages. Back then, the celestial blue colour of this gem symbolised heaven and attracted divine favour and wise judgement.
When hearing the word Sapphire many people immediately envision a stunning violet-blue gemstone because the word “Sapphire” is Greek for blue.
For centuries, the Sapphire has been referred to as the ultimate blue gemstone. Since Ancient times the Blue Sapphire represented a promise of honesty, loyalty, purity and trust. To keep with this tradition Sapphires are one of the most popular engagement gemstones today.
Sapphire is found in many parts of the world, but the most prized Sapphires are from Myanmar (Burma), Kashmir and Sri Lanka. Sapphires with highly saturated violet-blue colour and “velvety” or “sleepy” transparency are more rare. The purer the blue of the Sapphire, the greater the price.
This cute little ring is set with a teeny white sapphire stone. These don't have the fire of a diamond, but are very pretty clear stones.
Orbit 9ct Yellow Gold Ring - Stone Set Faceted - White Sapphire
As you can see from my featured rings above, Sapphires are not only blue, they come in almost every colour of the rainbow: pink, yellow, orange, peach, and violet colours. The most sought-after colour fancy Sapphire is the rare and beautiful Padparadscha: a pink-orange corundum with a distinctive salmon colour reminiscent of a tropical sunset. These ultra-rare, ultra-expensive stones are among the most coveted gems in the world.
Sapphires are also associated with many unusual mystical powers, and can apparently heal wounds and act as an antidote for poisons! Definitely worth investing in.