Blessed with eye-catching brilliance and beautiful colours, it is not a surprise that the sapphire is extremely sought-after. And while this jewel’s beauty is undoubtedly its most important USP, the gem’s long and intricate history adds an element of intrigue to it.
Keep reading to find out more…
What Is the Sapphire?
A member of the corundum family, the sapphire is one of the hardest gemstones in the world. Though its blue variety is the most famous one by far, this stone can also be found in several other shades, including pink, orange, yellow, and teal.
Its History
Believe it or not, the existence of the sapphire can be traced back to the biblical era.
Many historians believed that the tablets on which Moses inscribed God’s Ten Commandments were made from sapphire. It was therefore considered to be an important stone at the time and was even placed on the breastplate of the king of Israel.
However, the Israelites weren’t the only people who believed in the power of this gemstone. Ancient Persians, for example, argued that a giant sapphire existed at the base of the earth and that the blue hue of the sky was just a reflection of the sapphire’s magnificent colour. Due to this, the stone was used to signify hope and faith.
Ancient Romans and Greeks also held this jewel in high esteem. According to them, blue sapphires could protect one from harm. This was mainly done by helping individuals make peace with their enemies and attracting heavenly blessings.
As time went on, individuals stopped believing in the sapphire’s mystical powers. That said, it was still used to represent good fortune, wisdom and was commonly associated with royalty.
Sapphire Today
Unsurprisingly, sapphire continues to remain one of the most desired gemstones even today.
It is used to represent peace, positive thoughts, understanding, trust, loyalty, and commitment. As a result of this, sapphire has become a popular option for engagement rings and wedding jewellery.
Should You Invest in One?
Yes, you should!
Besides its glorious hues and intriguing history, this gem is desired for several other reasons…
1. Niche Jewel
The sapphire is one of the only four precious jewels that exist in the world today. Furthermore, it is part of the ‘Big Three’ of precious-coloured gemstones, along with ruby and emerald. These prestigious titles elevate the position of the sapphire and make it a cut above the rest.
2. Celebratory Stone
Along with being the September birthstone, the sapphire is also the traditional gem for celebrating the 5th and 45th wedding anniversaries.
3. Extremely Durable
When investing in a gemstone, you want something sure to withstand damage. The sapphire is perfect for this. It is an incredibly durable jewel with a rating of 9 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. Additionally, this stone does not have any cleavage. This means that it doesn’t get scratched or fractured easily, and is sure to remain in your life for a long time.
At the end of the day, the sapphire is one gemstone that is worthy of being passed on to future generations. And with its amazing history, this jewel is sure to be an epic conversation starter.
Also read: What is the History of Emeralds?
