A member of the corundum family alongside ruby, blue sapphire symbolises nobility and romance and reputedly blesses its wearers with success. Amongst the various blue hues, the classic velvety ‘royal blue’ has always been the preferred choice for collectors. However, the renowned Kashmir sapphires from India command much higher prices than Mynmar’s due to their rarity and cornflower blue hue.
Sapphire is a blue gemstone of the corundum family. It is the birthstone of September as well as the commemorative stone for the 5th and 45th wedding anniversaries. Hence the term "sapphire wedding" for couples celebrating 45 years of marital union.
Blue sapphire symbolises nobility and is believed to bring good fortune to its owners. In 1981, Prince Charles gave Princess Diana a blue sapphire engagement ring. In addition, Catherine, Princess of Wales, is often seen wearing sapphires on important occasions.
Stunning blue sapphire ring for that special occasion. (Blossom&Vicker)
Standard colour: Royal blue
Royal blue is a standard colour often used by the trade to describe the finest quality sapphires. Sapphires come in various hues, from pure blue and greenish-blue to indigo. Luxury accessories such as the Rolex ‘Blue Water Ghost’ Submariner feature a bezel in royal blue.
Like rubies, demand for unheated sapphires has increased prices for such articles. Nevertheless, sapphires with larger carats are more accessible to sources than rubies due to relatively higher production output and better clarity.
Sapphires of 5 carats and above are ideal for investment purposes.
Mohs hardness: 9
Origins: Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Thailand, China, Laos, Cambodia, Kashmir, India and Australia.