Sapphire: The Birthstone for September
Enigmatic and enchanting, yet tough and long-lasting, sapphires are one of the world’s most loved gemstones. Known since ancient history as a symbol of loyalty and trust, this stunning stone would make the perfect gift for a September birthday!
Sapphire’s name comes from the Latin “sapphirus”, and Arabic “safir”, meaning “blue”. Formed of the mineral corundum, the sapphire is a cousin of the ruby; rubies are formed of red corundum, whereas all other colours are referred to as sapphires.
Sapphires are characteristically known for their royal blue colour; however, they can range from a light powdery blue to dark indigo. They can also be found in a spectrum of other colours when the stones contain flecks of ferric iron – these include pale pink, grey, orange and violet! The Padparadscha, a special sunset pink/orange gemstone, is a particularly rare and beautiful coloured sapphire. It was originally found in Sri Lanka, although it can also be found in Vietnam and parts of East Africa.
Throughout history, the sapphire has been worn by royalty, with kings and queens of Ancient Greece and Rome believing that it could protect from envy and harm. In the Middle Ages, members of the clergy wore bright blue sapphires as a symbol of heaven, and the general public thought they attracted heavenly blessings. Today, sapphire’s durability, beauty and romantic symbolism makes it a popular choice for engagement rings. It is also traditionally given on a 45th Wedding Anniversary.
Famous Sapphires
Duchess Catherine’s Sapphire Engagement Ring
Undoubtedly the UK’s most famous sapphire, Princess Kate’s engagement ring first belonged to Lady Diana, who chose it personally from a selection by Garrard Jewellers. At the time, the ring was bought for £28,000, but over the years its value has understandably soared, and is now worth £300,000.
Rockefeller Sapphire
This stunning cornflower blue sapphire was once the property of John D. Rockefeller Jr. He purchased the 62.02-carat stone from an Indian Maharajah in 1934, and had the stone remounted as a brooch for his first wife, Abby Aldrich Rockefeller. After his first wife’s death, Rockefeller remarried and had the stone recreated as a ring for his second wife. It was last sold at auction to a private collector for $3,031,000.
Star of Bombay
Originating from Sri Lanka, this 182-carat star sapphire was given to Mary Pickford (the famous silent film actress) by her husband, Douglas Fairbanks. This incredible gemstone contains traces of titanium, iron and vanadium, which has resulted in a deep violet/black colour that is extremely rare. The sapphire is the namesake of Bombay Sapphire Gin, and now safely resides with the Smithsonian Institute.
Cuttings Jewellers offers a wide selection of sapphire jewellery, ranging from antique to modern styles. We would be more than happy to show you our current stock!