Sapphire, in all its glory and spectrum of colour is not so well known for its possibilities of shades, you can find it in any colour..... except Red.....
18ct upcycled yellow gold ring, with bezel set blue sapphire
LESSER KNOWN FACTS
The ancient Persians believed that the Earth rested on an enormous sapphire, and it was the reflection that coloured the sky.
Occurring in a myriad of colours, all Corundum is called Sapphire, with the exception of the red Ruby, and the extremely rare orange-pink padparadscha. The term sapphire is usually associated with the colour blue, so it is fair to assume that all historic references relate to the blue gemstone.
Next to diamond, sapphire is the hardest mineral on earth.
HISTORY IN A NUTSHELL
In ancient Greece and later in the middle ages there was a belief that sapphire cured eye disease and set prisoners free.
Worn by royalty throughout the ages, sapphires were considered a symbol of good fortune, virtue, wisdom and holiness.
For gemstones that are shrouded in mystery, the sapphire is majestically infamous. At 536 carats, the 'Star of India' is the largest known star sapphire. Donated to the American Museum of Natural History by the banker J.P. Morgan, it was stolen by the infamous Jack Murphy, Murph the Surf. Recovered two months later, it is one of the more famous gemstones. Currently displayed in the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History, the Logan Sapphire is 423 carats, and the largest known faceted sapphire.
Currently the most popular gemstone for an engagement ring, perhaps the most famous engagement ring is the 12 carat Ceylon sapphire ring, originally belonging to the late Diana, Princess of Wales, and now the Duchess of Cambridge.
LEGEND HAS IT
Blue is a wonderful meditation tool which can help with translating the meaning of messages received, sapphires are thought to expand awareness.
WHERE IN THE WORLD
Myanmar
Sri Lanka
India
MOHS HARDNESS
9
COLOUR
All colours except red
9ct Yellow Gold bezel set black sapphire and silver ring