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Sapphires are noted for the large range of colors in which they
occur but the most famous and valuable of sapphires is a rich
intense blue. The name "fancy sapphire" is used to describe
sapphires that are not blue. Fancy sapphires are available in an
amazing range of colors including yellow, green, violet, pink,
brown, purple, violet, white, black and orange.
All colors of corundum except red are known as
sapphires, which has
created controversy about where
ruby
ends and sapphire begins, particularly in pink shades of corundum.
Sapphire has been treasured for thousands of years. The ancient
Persians believed that the earth rested on a giant sapphire and its
reflection colored the sky. Ancient priests and sorcerers
honored sapphire above all gems, for this stone enabled them to
interpret oracles and foretell the future.
Sapphire engagement
rings are given to express the commitment and loyalty of their
heart. Sapphire has long symbolized truth,
sincerity, and faithfulness. Marriage partners put great faith in
the stone. If its luster dimmed, one knew his or her spouse had
been unfaithful. Sapphire refused to shine when worn by the wicked
or impure.
Tradition holds that Moses was given the Ten Commandments on tablets
of sapphire, making it the most sacred gemstone.
Kings used to
wear sapphire around their necks as a powerful defense against harm.
The stone preserved the wearer from envy and attracted divine
favor The British Crown Jewels are full of large blue sapphires.
Sapphire was thought to have strong medical powers. At one time,
it was credited to remove all impurities and foreign matter from the
eye.
Sapphires that display asterism are known
as "stars" in the trade. They may occur in almost any color.
A rare orange-pink variety, known as padparadschah, is
even more valued than blue sapphire. The
star is a result of the light reflecting off the silky
crystallizations of rutile inside the stone.
Star sapphires are usually in six ray stars, but twelve ray stars
are also known. Very rarely, sapphire also exhibits cat's eye
effect.
The three crossbars of star sapphire represent faith, hope, and
charity. It was once used to ward off bad omens and the evil
eye. Star Sapphire was considered so potent that its influence
would remain with the first owner, even after it was passed on into
other hands. The ancients regarded star sapphires
as a very powerful talisman, a guiding star for travelers and
seekers of all kinds. The Sinhalese believed the star sapphire would protect them against
witchcraft. Legend has it that if a poisonous snake were put
into a vessel along with a sapphire, the rays from the gem would
kill it. Our ancestors interpreted this to mean that sapphire was
an antidote against poison.
Sapphire is the birthstone for September, but ancient lists
also name sapphire as a birthstone for April and the gemstone for
the sign of Taurus. It is the anniversary gemstone for
the 5th and 45th year of marriage. |
