Sapphires the birthstone of September. In ancient times sapphires represented the promise of honesty, loyalty, and trust, today they continue to do so as one of the most popular stones for engagement rings. In medieval times the clergy of the Holy Roman Empire would wear sapphires to symbolize a glimpse of heaven as well folklore spoke of it protecting your loved ones from envy and harm.
Sapphire is a part of the corundum gem species and it forms in every color of the rainbow. Red is the only variety of sapphire that has its own name the Ruby. They are found all over the world but a few countries stand out among the rest as places known for their extraordinary stones. They most prized sapphires typically come from Myanmar and Sri Lanka.
The most sought after color of sapphire and one of the rarest of stones is the beautiful “Padparadscha”, a pink orange colored stone with a distinctive salmon color. All sapphires are formed by the Earth’s tectonic plates colliding and within these movements crystals and minerals are superheated and merged under extreme pressure. Most sapphires obtain their color due to miniscule impurities of iron or chromium in the case of rubies. Padparadschas however are colored with the presence of both.
Here are some Sapphires of note from around the world and across history:
Rockefeller Sapphire 62.02 carat
The sapphire belonged to John D. Rockefeller Jr., the only heir of the Rockefeller family. He acquired the 62.02 carat internally flawless stone in 1934 from the Indian Maharaja Mir Osaman.
One of the most significant sapphires in history, the 104 carat cabochon cut stone was originally acquired by Robert the second of the House of Stuarts in the 14th century and now rest on the crown band of Queen Elizabeth II.
In 1919 this 478 carat blue sapphire was the prize jewel of Cartier’s exhibition in San Sebabstian. It was coveted by royalty everywhere and Price Ferdinand was the one to acquire it set in a pendant for his mother Queen Marie of Romania.