Sapphire

Sapphire is a variant of the corundum mineral. Corundum minerals include the gemstones ruby ​​and sapphire. Corundum is considered the crystalline form of aluminum oxide. A red corundum mineral is a ruby; all other colors are called sapphires. Ruby and sapphire are therefore actually related, but due to different chemical compositions, each stone can have a different color. The different colors of this mineral arise because elements such as chromium, iron, and titanium are mixed within the corundum mineral. This specific mineral usually forms hexagonal crystals. Some sapphires are cut cabochon (a cutting technique that creates a more rounded gemstone). Occasionally, a star is visible in these cut stones. This is then called a star sapphire.

Sapphire was originally mined in Ceylon, Sri Lanka. This is the oldest known source of this remarkable gemstone. Long ago, sapphires also came from the city of Ratnapura, which means "gem city" in Sinhalese. Today, even more places have been discovered where sapphires can be sourced, including China, Laos, Kenya, Cambodia, Tanzania, Nigeria, the United States (from the state of Montana), Australia, and Madagascar.

Australia was very important for sapphire mining for a while (particularly in the 1980s), until its color was criticized. Sapphire was first discovered in Madagascar in the early 1990s. Since this discovery, Madagascar has been very important for sapphire mining. Until 1930, the finest sapphires came from India (Kashmir), which is why we call them Kashmiri sapphires.

As mentioned, the blue sapphire is by far the most well-known and popular. However, other sapphire colors are also very special, though rarer. Each sapphire color has a different effect. Some other sapphire colors include:

1. Padparadscha sapphire . After the blue sapphire, this is the most sought-after sapphire. The stone is pinkish-orange in color. There's always a lot of discussion about the color, because what one person considers pinkish-orange, another considers too dark and therefore not a Padparadscha sapphire. The guidelines are quite broad, but the stone should not exhibit any brownish hues. The Padparadscha sapphire relieves menstrual pain and has a strong effect on human reproduction and the immune system.
2. Black sapphire . There's only one place on earth where this color sapphire is mined: in Thailand. The black color has a powerful effect on warding off suspicion and thus avoiding false friendships. A very popular black sapphire is the black star sapphire. The effect of this stone is essentially the same as that of black sapphire, only slightly more intense.
3. Green sapphire . This stone gets its color from an excess of iron during its formation. Iron also plays a role in the formation of blue sapphires, but the ratio is less balanced in green sapphires. Green sapphires come from Australia, Thailand, Madagascar, and Sri Lanka. It is very difficult to find the perfect bright green sapphire. This is mainly because many stones contain too many yellow or blue hues, which dulls the green color somewhat. Green sapphire provides peace of mind and has a healing effect on conditions such as tonsillitis.
4. White sapphire . The ancient Greeks associated white sapphires with Apollo, the god of light. Today, the value of white sapphires is sometimes underestimated, as this stone is occasionally used as an alternative to diamonds. White sapphire has a positive effect on immunity and provides greater insight.
5. Yellow sapphire . The formation of yellow sapphire is also due to the presence of iron. The shades of yellow can vary widely, from very light yellow to darker, more orange-yellow. In between, there are other shades of yellow, particularly pastel yellows, but the truly bright yellows are the most popular. Yellow sapphire promotes purpose and success. The color is cheerful and promotes discipline.

Besides these five, there are more colors, most of which are different shades of the ones mentioned above.

Sapphire jewelry has a very special effect, although people today believe in different powers of the stone than they used to. Moreover, the powers associated with the gemstone can vary by country or region. In the past, people were convinced that sapphire protected against potential magical powers and witchcraft. This beautiful blue stone was also said to have healing properties, for example, it was said to reduce fever and offer protection against psychological complaints and brain problems (such as epilepsy). People even believed that sapphire would promote immortality. Although people wore sapphire to protect themselves from witches, witches in turn used the same gemstone to, for example, see the future. Besides its healing properties, sapphire symbolized wisdom, strength, and wealth. Because of its blue color, the color of the sky, the stone was said to possess special properties and powers. Greece likely made sapphire its national stone because of its sky-blue color. In India, people were convinced that sapphire would open the third eye. This would give people access to ultimate wisdom and insight.

In Persia, they believed the sky was colored blue because the sun reflected the blue color of sapphire upwards. Sapphire was a popular stone among clergy. This was likely because sapphire was portrayed in the Bible as the stone that brought peace to the soul. According to the Bible, sapphire was said to evoke feelings of utmost devotion. Furthermore, clergy wore sapphire in the form of jewelry or as decoration on their clothing as a symbol of heaven. In the twelfth century, clergy were even ordered to wear sapphire visibly. This was mandated by the then Pope Innocent.

Today, sapphires primarily symbolize love, sincerity, purity, and truth. Sapphire jewelry has a strong positive effect on the psyche and the human brain. It promotes mental health, reduces stress, and can have pain-relieving properties.

Sapphires are durable, but they still require care. Clean your jewelry in lukewarm water with a little mild soap. Use a soft brush to gently remove any dirt, especially around the settings. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a soft cloth. Avoid harsh cleaning agents or steam cleaning.

Discover our collection of vintage sapphire jewelry here .