There is a great deal of myth and lore regarding sapphires. The name sapphire is derived from “sapphirus,” the Greek word for blue. The ancient Greeks believed that sapphires were connected to the spirit world. They’re most often associated with the god Apollo, the Greek god of prophecy. Those who practiced sorcery believed that sapphires could grant them access to enlightenment and higher consciousness. Ancient Persian civilizations believed that blue sapphires were remnants of a pedestal upon which the earth stood, the reflection of which gave the sky its blue coloring. Sapphires have long been a symbol of divine wisdom and purity, which is why the gemstone was often reserved for members of clergy, high priests, and kings. The sapphire was even regarded as a holy stone by the Catholic church.

Sapphires have long been associated with royalty and have been worn by kings and queens throughout history for their powerful defensive properties. As far back as biblical tales, King Solomon and Abraham were believed to have worn talismans fashioned with sapphire. The stone is also often associated with the British Royal Family. Queen Elizabeth II had a collection of sapphire jewelry, pieces of which once belonged to Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. She was frequently pictured in a sapphire necklace and earring set gifted to her by her father, King George VI. In addition, Prince Charles famously gave Princess Diana a sapphire engagement ring which is now worn by Prince William’s bride Catherine, the Princess of Wales.

The world’s largest gem quality blue sapphire was unearthed in Sri Lanka and was given the name Star of India. Though it once belonged to banker J.P. Morgan, this magnificent gem is now housed in the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. The Star of India is said to be cursed. It was once stolen from the museum in the 1960’s by a group of burglars who made off with the sapphire and a handful of other precious gems, though luckily the sapphire was later recovered. Sapphires are most frequently mined in India, Myanmar, Vietnam, Australia, Brazil, and China. However, the world’s largest sapphire trading center is in Thailand. Here in North America, Montana mines are known for producing delicately hued yellow and pink as well as cornflower blue sapphires – the purest blue colored variation of the sapphire.

Along with being prized as September’s gemstone, sapphires are given to commemorate 5^th, 45^th, and 70^th wedding anniversaries.

Now that you’re familiar with the history of sapphires, and their unique properties, there’s only one question left to ask yourself – what color sapphire should you choose?