Sapphire, the birthstone of September has long been admired by cultures around the world. In recent years it has become increasingly popular as a center stone in engagement rings, perhaps a trend set in motion by Princess Diana’s 12 carat blue oval sapphire ring, presently sat on Kate Middleton’s finger. Let’s have a look at the lore surrounding sapphires and the reason why this stunning gemstone has captivated so many people throughout history.
Sapphire the Greek word for ‘blue stone’, has been revered as the ultimate blue gemstone, yet sapphires are also found in a rainbow of colours, a consequence of it being a variety of the mineral corundum. In its pure form, corundum is colourless, but when other elements are present, colour occurs resulting in ‘fancy’ sapphires that can be yellow, pink, orange, green, purple and black. If the corundum is red then it is classified as a ruby, revealing how closely related rubies and sapphires are. The most valued sapphires are those with a medium to dark blue or blue with a violet hue, generally found in mining deposits in Sri Lanka, Thailand and Kashmir. Fancy sapphires with strong vivid colour saturation are also prized, with the most desired being the extremely rare and expensive Padparadscha, its colour being reminiscent of a pink sunset.
From ancient times, sapphires have been symbolic of honesty, loyalty, purity and trust. During the Middle Ages, medieval clergy wore sapphires to symbolize heaven and commoners held the belief that this gemstone attracted divine blessings. Today, it is still associated with loyalty and purity as well as holding an aura of romance. With its various vivid colours and attributes it is only natural that sapphire takes its place among the most popular of gemstones.
Birthstones add personal significance and charm to a piece and for those born in September, you are lucky to have such a stunning gemstone that can be found in a variety of colours to suit everyone’s taste. Below are just a few examples of stunning sapphire jewellery pieces. Find your inspiration and give us your idea. Our bespoke designers and jewellers are here to talk you through the various sapphire varieties and colours as well as provide information on creating your very own bespoke made jewellery piece in Hong Kong.
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September: The month of Sapphire
Sapphire, the birthstone of September has long been admired by cultures around the world. In recent years it has become increasingly popular as a center stone in engagement rings, perhaps a trend set in motion by Princess Diana’s 12 carat blue oval sapphire ring, presently sat on Kate Middleton’s finger. Let’s have a look at the lore surrounding sapphires and the reason why this stunning gemstone has captivated so many people throughout history.
Sapphire the Greek word for ‘blue stone’, has been revered as the ultimate blue gemstone, yet sapphires are also found in a rainbow of colours, a consequence of it being a variety of the mineral corundum. In its pure form, corundum is colourless, but when other elements are present, colour occurs resulting in ‘fancy’ sapphires that can be yellow, pink, orange, green, purple and black. If the corundum is red then it is classified as a ruby, revealing how closely related rubies and sapphires are. The most valued sapphires are those with a medium to dark blue or blue with a violet hue, generally found in mining deposits in Sri Lanka, Thailand and Kashmir. Fancy sapphires with strong vivid colour saturation are also prized, with the most desired being the extremely rare and expensive Padparadscha, its colour being reminiscent of a pink sunset.
From ancient times, sapphires have been symbolic of honesty, loyalty, purity and trust. During the Middle Ages, medieval clergy wore sapphires to symbolize heaven and commoners held the belief that this gemstone attracted divine blessings. Today, it is still associated with loyalty and purity as well as holding an aura of romance. With its various vivid colours and attributes it is only natural that sapphire takes its place among the most popular of gemstones.
Birthstones add personal significance and charm to a piece and for those born in September, you are lucky to have such a stunning gemstone that can be found in a variety of colours to suit everyone’s taste. Below are just a few examples of stunning sapphire jewellery pieces. Find your inspiration and give us your idea. Our bespoke designers and jewellers are here to talk you through the various sapphire varieties and colours as well as provide information on creating your very own bespoke made jewellery piece in Hong Kong.
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