10 Facts You Might Not Know About Sapphires
To celebrate sapphires and discover their wonder and history, we've accrued 10 fun facts about this infamous gemstone. Discover our Sapphire Edit as well and peruse our entire designer gallery of sapphire jewelry!
1) During the Middle Ages it was believed that frequently licking a sapphire could make you more intelligent. š¤ They believed the power of the stone combined with the moisture from the saliva could positively effect ones intelligence. š
The Sapphire Twig Ring above by Sandrine B. Jewelry was inspired by the artists childhood memory of wrapping a bud branch gently around her finger and pretending it was a ring. Now realized in 10k gold and an intense blue sapphire gemstone, the adult version of her childhood memory is memorialized and lives on forever.
2) Did you know sapphires come in all the colors of the rainbow (except red which would be considered ruby.) September babies are lucky to have a spectrum of colors to choose from! Not only is sapphire blue, but it is also found in pink, purple, yellow, orange, green, grey, black and white (colorless). What is your favorite sapphire color?
The new Pod Earrings by Ruth Edelson use a myriad of autumnal colored sapphires. Ruthās design was inspired by pod sketches and what makes these particular earrings so unique is the fact that the sapphires were cast in place in argentium silver. Argentium silver is a silver alloy consisting of 96% silver (normally silver has 92.5% pure silver); they are hypo-allergenic and more tarnish resistant.
3) The only natural mineral that can scratch a sapphire is a diamond, which scores a 10 on the Mohs Scale of hardness. Sapphires score a 9 out of 10 making them a popular stone to use in jewelry you wear everyday, especially š engagement rings! š«
The Memee Ring by Sandrine B. Jewelry exhibits a bright and brilliant round blue sapphire. The design was inspired from the artistsā grandmother's Catholic cross with granules placed intentionally down the shank. Like a rosary, the granules are grouped into three sets on each side of the stone, allowing the wearer to rub them as she would in prayer.
4) In fact, sapphires are so hard that lab created sapphire crystal is used in high-end watches due to its scratch resistant properties and can withstand cracks and breakage more than glass or plastic. š«
With a knack for the whimsical in luxury design, Angelica Cammarotaās Eye earrings artfully renders the eye silhouette in textured 18k gold, sapphires, and diamonds. A white marquise shaped sapphire gazes lovingly at its adorner š.
5) Sapphire is apart of the corundum gemstone family which consists of sapphire and ruby. Most corundum contains color-causing trace elements. These trace elements give a sapphire its unique color:
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Iron and titanium make a sapphire blue, however itās the amount of iron that regulates the tone of blue. The more iron, the darker the blue.
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Yellow and green sapphires get their color by simply iron.
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Orange sapphire gets its color from the presence of both trace elements iron and chromium.
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Pink and purple are colored by chromium, but the more chromium in the corundum the more red, therefore making it ruby.
Linda Hojās Espalier earrings exude elegance and sophistication. The long rectangular 22k drop is modern, while the execution and details are from a past ancient era. Linda uses almost 3 carats of pink and purple sapphires in these one-of-a-kind drop earrings. Make them yours.
6) Probably the most "famous" sapphire ring belonged to Princess Diana given to her by Prince Charles in 1981. The ring comprised of a 12 carat oval blue sapphire surrounded by diamonds. The ring now belongs to Kate Middleton. Her sapphire ring helped modernize the traditional diamond solitaire creating demand for sapphires as an alternative modern engagement ring.
Designer Rachel Beck creates the perfect contemporary engagement ring with her Aphrodite ring, a sapphire solitaire handcrafted in 18k rose gold. Creating a wedding ring stack is all the rage right now. Start your wedding stack with the Aphrodite.
7) The rarest sapphire is called padparadscha, a pinkish-orange gem found in Sri Lanka, which is technically defined as a sapphire whose color exhibits 50% orange and 50% pink. The name is derived from the Sinhalese word for ālotus flowerā since its color is reminiscent of the lotus blossom.
Ruth Edelsonās hybrid petal earrings are set with brilliant orange sapphires similar to the rare padpardscha. Her golden petals illuminate the delicate texture captured in these earrings.
8) Do you believe in gemstone š protective powers? Sapphires were believed to possess protective talismanic powers in ancient Greece and Rome. Kings and queens believed blue sapphires protected them from envy and harm and counteracted and prevented poisoning. In addition, the ancient Greeks believed that the sky was blue because it was a reflection of the giant sapphire that the world was placed upon. š š š®
Another ancient symbol used in ancient times was the serpent š. The snake is a symbol of rebirth, strength, and empowerment šŖ. Designer, Mejia Jewelry, uses snakes in many of her designs from charms, to necklaces, earrings, and rings.
Now available as a pendant charm in platinum silver with a tiny blue sapphire briolette hanging from its rattle tail. Perfect for layering or wear alone for a simple statement.
9) The most expensive sapphire jewel ever sold at auction sold for $17.5 million dollars at Sotheby's in Geneva in 2014. The 392.52 ct sapphire necklace is called the āThe Blue Belle of Asiaā and is one of the largest diamonds in the world.
Linda Hojās one-of-a-kind Purple Haze necklace is a more wearable delicate but bold statement necklace. Inspired by celestial motifs and translated into pink sapphires and warm 22 karat gold, Lindaās handmade gold granules hold individual bezels of pink sapphires to create a stunning star. As a statement piece measuring 1.5" wide x 1.75" tall, Purple Haze is the ultimate gift of self love.
10) Did you know that during the Middle Ages, the clergy wore blue sapphires to symbolize Heaven and represent purity and chastity? Sapphires were also believed to be able to change color if their carrier were to behave sinfully, unchastely, or lacked in faith. Therefore, guaranteeing that the wearer lived as he preached. Betrothed couples also gave their ladies promise rings with sapphires to guarantee their loved ones remained faithful š®.
Today we wear sapphires for their beauty and whatever, if any, symbolism they represent to the wearer. Jewelry remains a very personal and intimate adornment.
Taryn Leavittās sapphire earrings bring this storied jewel into the modern day with rough and rose cut stones.
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