Welcome back to the Diamonds Hatton Garden blog where each week we bring you the latest in our bespoke diamond jewellery, fancy coloured loose diamonds and diamond engagement rings. In the latest entry to our ongoing series, we dive into the wonderful world of birthstones with September’s birthstone: Sapphire.
September’s birthstone is the Sapphire, and what a birthstone it is! Highly prized and cherished for thousands of years, sapphire has been desired by civilisations across the world. Sapphires (corundum) are commonly associated with their deep, blue colours but are found in a kaleidoscope of other colours including green, yellow and, famously, the Ruby which is red. Corundum has two primary gem varieties: ruby and sapphire. Rubies are red due to the presence of chromium, and sapphires exhibit a range of colours depending on what transition metal is present during their formation.
What do Sapphires symbolise?
The name Sapphire can be traced to the ancient Greek word sappheiros which referred to the blue gem historically. Indeed, so ancient is the gemstone that for centuries it has been said to symbolise loyalty, romance and has been associated with royalty and the soul. The well to do of the ancient Greek and Roman worlds traditionally wore sapphires to protect them from harm and, in the Middle Ages, sapphires were seen to symbolise Heaven. Going back even further into history, the ancient Persians used to believe that the world itself rested on a giant Sapphire thus turning the sky blue. Whats more, September’s birthstone was believe to be an antidote to poison and Medieval Europeans believed that the wearing of Sapphires coil cure boils and eye conditions.
Where are sapphires found?
South East Asia has traditionally been a great source of sapphires including Kashmir, Myanmar and Sri Lanka. More recently Australia, Thailand, Cambodia, Madagascar and the USA have been alternative sources to the September Birthstone. Indeed, significant quantities have also been found across Africa. The origins of Sapphire being found in great quantities in Kashmir has indeed become the stuff of legends. A huge landslide, deep in the Himalayas of Kashmir revealed a large vein of the rich blue gems leading to more being unearthed south of the famous mountain range. History tells that the Maharaja of Kashmir took control of the area to begin mining of the September birthstone which led to Kashmir gaining its reputation as one of the finest sources in the world for Sapphires.
Myanmar, too, is prized for its sapphires. Deep in the hilly jungles of the Mogok areas rests large deposits of both Ruby and Sapphire and the “Burmese” Ruby, as sapphires from teh area are also known, is said to possess a rich, intense blue colour.
As we travel further into South East Asia it is worth noting that Sri Lanka has been a fantastic source for September’s birthstone. For over 2,000 years the blue stones were mined from the region and show incredible brilliance and saturation. Many of the sapphires from the area are transported to Thailand, also a producer, for cutting and polishing and treatment where required before being sent across the world to be made into beautiful jewellery.
Famous Sapphires
Sapphires, much like diamonds, have become famous and desired for their beauty. Famous sapphires include the huge 62.02 ct Rockefeller Sapphire owned by the American financier. Indeed, more recently a 12 ct sapphire and pave set diamond ring, previously owned by Princess Diana, was given to Kate Middleton by Prince William for their engagement ring.
Whether you see Sapphire in an engagement ring, a beautiful diamond tennis bracelet or a splash of colour to a set of certified diamond earrings, Diamonds Hatton Garden can assist you. For more information and to contact our teams visit https://diamondshattongarden.co.uk/contact-us/.