Sapphire is a popular gemstone in jewelry and lithotherapy. This blue gemstone stands out for its clarity and brilliance. It offers numerous benefits and has a symbolic character. It can, however, be confused with other stones of similar appearance. Its price is influenced by several parameters. At Planetys, your fashion jewelry boutique, we offer beautiful sapphire jewelry at affordable prices.
Sapphire properties
- Type: Precious stone
- Color: Light to deep intense blue and all colors except red: pink, violet, yellow, green, colorless, brown, black…
- Hardness: 9 on the Mohs scale
- Density: 3.95 to 4.03
- Family: Corundum
- Birthstone: September
- Zodiac sign: Virgo in 2nd and 3rd decans, Libra in 1st decan
- Events: 5th, 16th, 45th and 70th wedding anniversaries
History of sapphire
The origins of sapphire go back to antiquity. In ancient Rome and in the traditions of ancient Egypt, it was considered a sacred stone of justice and truth. The Egyptians also believed that blue sapphire brought peace and prosperity to its owners.
In the Middle Ages, alchemists considered it to be the stone of air. It was also said to have the power to free prisoners who held it. Its stones were also used in jewelry-making. During the Renaissance, they were worn to express social status and power.
In modern times, sapphire has become the natural stone of choice for engagement rings. Since 1920, synthetic sapphire varieties, including star sapphire, have been on the market. Today, this natural mineral is used to adorn all types of jewelry, including :
- earrings
- necklaces
- rings
- bracelets, etc.
It is also used in lithotherapy for its virtues.
How to recognize a real sapphire?
Sapphire is formed in metamorphic and magmatic rocks. It contains traces of chemical elements such as titanium, vanadium and iron. This natural mineral comes in colors such as yellow, lilac blue, violet, red, pink and orange. Some rare varieties of this stone feature a mixture of colors. Such is the case with “padparadscha” sapphire. These feature a unique blend of orange, pink and yellow hues, giving them a wonderfully original appearance. Blue sapphires, however, remain the most popular variety. As are some cabochon-cut star sapphires.
This gemstone has the same hardness (9 on the Mohs scale) as ruby. It is, however, less resistant than diamond (10 Mohs). Generally speaking, when sapphires are of good quality, they are pure and have no visible inclusions. These can, however, be observed through a microscope. So, whether you opt for earrings or a necklace in yellow, red, blue or padparadscha sapphire, make sure the gem has no imperfections.
Remember, however, that sapphire gems can be heat-treated to intensify their colors. They are often confused with synthetic sapphires. As a general rule, synthetic sapphires are treated so that they are free of inclusions. To identify them, simply place them under UV light to see if they emit a green color. If they do, they are synthetic stones. If they don’t, they’re real gemstones.
Where the stone comes from
The main sapphire deposits are found in countries such as Thailand, India and Myanmar. They are also found in Brazil, Australia and Madagascar. However, the most sought-after varieties of this corundum are those from Mogok in Myanmar (formerly Burma), Kashmir and India.
The finest natural sapphire stones come from the mines of Kashmir. Sri Lankan deposits produce almost half of all available sapphires.
How do you determine the price of a sapphire?
Sapphire is one of the most highly prized gemstones. Its cost is therefore higher than that of other gemstones. This is particularly true of AAA-quality sapphires with no inclusions. In fact, the price of a natural sapphire varies according to several parameters. These include the gem’s purity, color, cut and weight. The more light sapphire gems let through, the purer they are. Rare specimens with no crystals or inclusions visible to the naked eye are the purest and therefore the most expensive.
On the other hand, for the same characteristics, a Ceylon sapphire of higher weight naturally costs more than one of lower weight. For example, a 3-carat sapphire (0.60 g) will be sold at a higher price than a 1-carat sapphire (0.20 g). As far as colors are concerned, the more intense they are, the more valuable the stones are on the market. A sapphire with a more intense hue will therefore be more valuable.
Properly cut stones have a beautiful, brilliant appearance. The latter also counts in determining the price of sapphire. Good quality sapphire jewels (rings, necklaces, bracelets, etc.) are more expensive than those whose crystals lack clarity. Their price can also vary according to the materials (silver, gold…) used to manufacture the jewel’s mountings. Sapphire jewelry can cost several hundred euros.
Astrology and sapphire symbolism
Sapphire is one of the most popular gemstones for engagement rings. This is because it is a symbol of fidelity and sincerity. Its blue minerals evoke probity. It is also the stone of the Taurus zodiac sign. It is also associated with the signs Cancer, Gemini and Sagittarius. In Chinese astrology, this gem is attributed to the cat and the rabbit.
Virtues in lithotherapy
In lithotherapy, sapphire is said to improve eyesight and combat baldness by promoting hair growth. It is also used to facilitate relaxation. This precious stone is reputed to combat sleep disorders. It promotes creativity, self-confidence and social bonds. Sapphire fosters joy and has the particularity of calming hot-tempered people.
Myths and legends about sapphire
Sapphire is sacred. According to legend, the Tables of the Law engraved by Moses were made of sapphire. According to the biblical book of Exodus, Moses’ brother Aaron, charged with protecting the Ark of the Covenant, was in possession of a magnificent breastplate. It was adorned with 12 precious stones, including sapphire. Each represented a tribe of Israel.
According to an ancient clairvoyance from the secret world of alchemists, this gem had the power to set prisoners free. All prisoners had to do was rub it on all 4 sides of their prison chamber.
Why give a sapphire as a gift?
Giving a sapphire is a symbolic gesture that expresses the nobility of your intentions and your sincerity. Although diamonds are harder than sapphires, they remain slightly more fragile due to their internal tension.
These corundums are rare, but sapphires have more personality than diamonds. This is because a well-cut diamond will look like any other diamond with the same characteristics. This is not always the case with sapphires, whose presentation can vary from one stone to another due to the special features (inclusions, colors, etc.) that make them unique.
When to offer a sapphire?
Sapphires are usually given on the 5th, 16th, 45th and 70th wedding anniversaries. Symbolizing indestructible love, it’s also a gem perfectly suited to an engagement or wedding ring. With its beautiful velvety blue color, sapphire blends subtly with silver to create modern, timeless jewelry.
It is often associated with the month of September because of its blue color, reminiscent of that month’s birthstone. However, sapphire is also a precious stone that can be offered at any time of the year, depending on the occasion.
Sapphire is a stone much appreciated for its timeless elegance and durability, making it a popular gift for milestone events such as anniversaries, weddings and engagements. It can also be given as a thank-you or recognition gift for a significant achievement or special occasion.
Ultimately, the ideal time to give a sapphire will depend on the person to whom you wish to give the gift and the occasion for which you are offering it. If you’re looking for a timeless, elegant gift for someone special in your life, a sapphire could be an excellent choice.
