10 Things You Never Knew About Sapphire

The beautiful and renowned sapphire stone is one of the most precious of the blue gemstone variety. Belonging to the month of September, sapphire jewellery, in particular, makes a very popular choice of gift.

Yet aside from its obvious stunning colour, there is also much history and interest steeped behind this magnificent gemstone, adding to its desirability.

Sapphire jewellery really is a must for any jewellery box, and here at Laurelle Antique Jewellery, we have a wonderful range of sapphire jewellery including rings, earrings and brooches.

This prized gemstone is certainly one of our favourites and it isn’t difficult to see why! Here are ten fascinating facts which you might not have known about the sapphire stone.

1. The name ‘sapphire’ is derived from the Greek word ‘sappheiros’ which is believed to have referred to ‘lapis lazuli’, being another blue gemstone similar in appearance to sapphire. The term may also have originated from the Latin word for blue, ‘sapphiru’.

2. The magnificent blue colour which sapphires are so popular for originate from trace elements in the non-red variety of the mineral corundum. The presence of iron and titanium are responsible for giving the stone its well-known spectacular colour.

3. Whilst the most common colour associated with sapphires is the lustrous royal blue hue, sapphires can actually be found in an array of stunning tones. This can range from a lighter pink sapphire which you can observe in this Antique Art Deco Pink Sapphire Diamond Ring , to a yellow-orange hue which looks magnificent in this Yellow Sapphire Diamond Ring from our collection. Green, purple, white and black varieties of sapphire can also be found.

4. Sapphires are known to be extremely hard and durable gemstones. In fact, they are the only natural gemstone which is harder than diamonds according to Minerals.net. Whilst sapphires are very tough, gentle handling of the stone is essential to prevent the stone from chipping or fracturing. 

5. Interestingly, sapphires are also pleochroic. This means that they tend to display a lighter and even more concentrated colour when presented in different lights. For example, the stone could adopt a blue tone at when observed at one angle, and then a purple hue when tilted into the light which adds a truly intriguing aspect to this gemstone.

6. What is regarded as being the rarest form of sapphire is called Padparadscha. This prized variety of sapphires tends to be found in an orange-pink hue, and is, in fact, thought to be even more desirable than fine blue sapphire. The name Padparadscha is derived from the Sanskrit word for lotus flower.

7. Another special fact about these stones is that they can at times also demonstrate asterism or the “star effect”. This can often occur in cabochon cut sapphires through which tiny inclusions on the surface of the stone create a six-ray star-like pattern, however, twelve-ray patterns may also occur. If you happen to come across the term “star sapphire” then this is what the stone will appear to look like.

8. Sapphires have made extremely popular choices for engagement ring throughout history for a number of years. One of the most famous examples of a sapphire stone being used for a royal engagement ring was the Prince of Wales’ ring proposing to Lady Diana Spencer with a sapphire ring. The same ring was later used to propose to Kate Middleton by Prince William. Duchess Kate blogger details that the ring consists of fourteen solitaire diamonds surrounded by a twelve carat oval blue Ceylon sapphire, set in 18-carat white gold.

9. Named as being the “Stone of Destiny”, sapphires have many magical properties and healing powers associated with them. One of these is that can help to promote mental clarity and perception. Truth, loyalty and devotion are further properties associated with the stone which has made it a symbol heaven and commitment to God.

10. Ancient tradition has said that the tablet inscribed with the ten commandants was formed using sapphire stone. As the stone is known for its toughness, it was believed that the tablet was so strong that it would not be able to be broken, even with the use of a hammer.