Sapphires have been considered one of the most beautiful and desirable gemstones for centuries. They were as popular amongst the Ancient Romans and Ancient Persians as they are in jewellery today. Their traditional, striking blue colour makes them easily identifiable and is the reason many choose them as the centrepiece for jewellery. With historical links to the royal family, sapphires are elegant and romantic, with many desirable qualities. Here are our 10 interesting facts about sapphires.
1. They are members of the corundum family.
Corundum stones come in many different colours, caused by impurities in their molecular makeup. When titanium and iron are present, a blue colour develops, and the corundum becomes identifiable as a sapphire. When exposed to different impurities, sapphires can be found in a wide range of colours. Rubies are also a member of the corundum family. These stones are suitable for use in jewellery as they are dense and compact, and not prone to breaking.
2. Sapphires are thought to bring good luck and good health.
These gemstones have been thought to possess mythical powers, bringing good luck and good health to the wearer. Sapphires are also associated with truth, innocence, peace, mystery and romance. Many of these attributes may have been given to sapphires due to their colour. Blue is often associated with peace, truth and innocence due to its calming hue.
3. ‘Sapphire’ comes from both Latin and Greek.
The name ‘sapphire’ comes from both the Latin ’sapphirus’ and the Greek ‘sappheiros’. These very similar words both mean ‘blue’, so the gemstone was named simply after its colour. It is believed that originally these words may have referred to lapis lazuli, another kind of blue gemstone.
4. They are found all over the world.
Sapphires have been found in countries all over the world, including Madagascar, Thailand, Australia and China. However, the most highly regarded sapphires are those that come from Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka is so famous for its sapphires that it is sometimes referred to as ‘Gem Island’.
The rarest variety of sapphire is found in Sri Lanka. It is named ‘padparadscha’, the Sinhalese word for ‘lotus flower’. They have a pinkish, orange colour, creating a look of sunrise and sunset. They are typically sifted out of Sri Lankan rivers.
5. The Millennium Sapphire is the largest cut and polished sapphire in the world.
The stone was discovered in 1995 in Madagascar and taken to Thailand to be examined and certified. The initial value of this sapphire was estimated between $90 million USD and $500 million USD. In 2001, the Guinness World Records certified the Millennium Sapphire as being the largest carved sapphire in the world. Artist Daniel McKinney was hired to carve the stone. Each carving represents a great mind in human history.
6. Sapphires are historically linked with the Royal Family.
The association with the Royal Family dates back to medieval kings. They often wore sapphire rings as they believed the gemstones would protect them from their enemies. It is thought that the term ‘royal blue’ may come from this royal affiliation with sapphires.
7. The most famous piece of sapphire jewellery is Lady Diana’s engagement ring.
Prince Charles proposed to Lady Diana in 1981 with an 18-karat white gold ring, set with a 12-carat oval blue Ceylon sapphire surrounded by 14 diamonds. The ring was designed by Garrard and is reportedly worth more than $500,000. Prince William inherited the ring and has since given it to his wife, Kate Middleton.
8. Most natural sapphires are heat treated.
It accepted within the gemstone industry that natural sapphires are often heat treated in order to enhance their colour and protect them against accidental damage. This method is used to ensure that sapphire jewellery is long-lasting and durable, suitable for everyday wear.
9. Sapphires are one of the hardest gemstones.
The hardness of gemstones is measured using the Mohs scale. The scale goes from 1 to 10. Corundum, and therefore sapphires, fall at number 9 on the Mohs scale, only one step behind diamonds. This means that sapphires are incredibly hard, and the only material that can scratch them is diamond.
10. They have industrial qualities and uses.
Due to their hardness and strength, sapphires are often used in production. Generally, artificial sapphires are produced to mimic the desirable qualities of the gemstones at a lower cost. Sapphire is often used in the production of watches, to give scratch-resistant protection to the dial. Some smartwatch manufacturers also use sapphire glass in their models as they know this material will be very durable and resistant to bumps and scrapes.
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What are your thoughts on our 10 interesting facts about sapphires? Do you know any others? Let us know in the comments below!
