The sapphire is the official September birthstone. Its most commonly seen color range includes a broad range of blue shades, depending on the number of titanium molecules present in the stones. That said, there are other color displays possible as well. When iron is present, the sapphire presents with yellow hues. The availability of other elements in the stone’s makeup results in brown, light red or green hues. Colorless sapphires do not present with any trace elements in their makeup.
Fascinating Properties and Lore Associated with Sapphires
In the ancient Greek pantheon, the sapphire became associated with the god Apollo. Priestesses speaking for the god – and wealthy worshippers – frequently wore one or more sapphires to display their spiritual allegiance and encourage the deity’s notice. Fast forward to the Middle Ages, when the stone’s colors and beauty attracted attention. It caused superstitions and lore to spring up around its wear.
For example, the sapphire was considered one of the first gems useful for protection against venomous insects and reptiles. Members of the royal families came to look to the sapphire as a method of protection from poisoning by rivals and displeased courtiers. Priests wore sapphires in an effort to keep their minds and thoughts pure. Suspected adulterers were occasionally forced to wear the stone to look for any color changes. Superstitions at the time suggested that a sapphire worn by someone guilty of adultery would change colors to take on a darker hue.
Famous Sapphires
Ranking with a 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, the sapphire ranks behind the diamond and is therefore one of the most enduring gems ever used in jewelry. As a result, there are plenty of famous stones to behold today. The British Crown Jewels feature Queen Victoria’s crown. Among the gems that stud it is the sapphire of St. Edward, who wore it on a ring during his coronation as Edward the Confessor in 1042.
The gems of the Bismarck sapphire necklace are also among the famous sapphires folks still talk about. Countess Mona von Bismarck purchased the stone in Sri Lanka in 1926. Weighing in at 98.6cts, the sapphire was cut and set as a pendant. A large number of diamonds accentuate the deep blue color of the center stone. This necklace is an original Cartier piece that the jewelry house designed in 1935.
Of course, you do not have to go to the Smithsonian, which currently houses this necklace, to come face to face with some gorgeous pieces. Peter Suchy Jewelers have plenty of sapphires that are sure to appeal to you – either for yourself or as a gift for someone with a September birthday.
At Peter Suchy Jewelers we are experts in all types of vintage, estate and antique jewelry. We hope you’ll stop by our showroom located at 1137 High Ridge Road in Stamford Connecticut.
Or, hop on over to our top-rated BigCommerce Store where you’ll find all the vintage sapphire gemstone jewelry you see here. If you find a listing has ended, please email us at info@petersuchyjewelers.com as we may still have the item in stock.