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The Sapphire is one of the 'Big 3' of coloured gemstones - the other two being Emerald and Ruby - like Ruby, the sapphire is a form of the mineral corundum. Sapphires come in a wide range of colours but are most famously blue. The most highly valued blue sapphires are velvety blue to violetish blue.
Blue Corundum
The word sapphire has its roots in several ancient languages: the Arabic safir, the Latin sapphirus (meaning blue), and the Greek word sappheiros for the island of Sappherine in the Arabian Sea where sapphires were found in ancient Grecian times. Ancient Persians called sapphire the “Celestial Stone.” It was the gem of Apollo, Greek God of prophesy and was worn by worshipers visiting his shrine in Delphi to seek his help. It was used by ancient Etruscans as far back as the 7th century B.C.
Over the course of history blue sapphires have decorated the robes of royalty and the clergy. One of the most famous sapphires rests on the Imperial State Crown, worn by Queen Victoria in 1838. It resides in the British Crown Jewels in the Tower of London. This gem is called the St. Edward’s Sapphire because it once belonged to Edward the Confessor, who wore the stone on a ring during his coronation in 1042. A recent example is the blue sapphire adorned engagement ring of Princess Diana (given to her by Prince Charles in 1981) Following her death the same ring was given by her son Prince William to his wife, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge. This stunning engagement ring features a 12 carat oval blue Ceylon Sapphire.
Blue Sapphire Engagement Ring
View our newly designed Sapphire Collection....
References
Gemmological Institute of America - https://www.gia.edu
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