"A Sapphire on her brow..."
“A maiden born when autumn leaves
Are rustling in September’s breeze,
A Sapphire on her brow should bind,
‘Twill cure diseases of the mind.”
-Traditional Birthstone Poem, possibly by Harriet Bishop
Hello to our lovely H&A friends and family! It feels like we haven't talked in a very long time! August had been a busy one for us, all thanks to you! We are fully ready to take on September to the fullest. To honor this wonderful month, let’s take some time together to learn about this months' beautiful birthstone!
Sapphires have been one of the most beloved gemstones for a very long time. Its traditional deep royal blue hues give off elegance and beauty that everyone can recognize and appreciate. Below are 15 facts you may or may have not known about sapphires! Some of the facts are sure to surprise you!
1. It is believed that the word “sapphire” is derived either from the Greek word “sappheiros," which means "blue stone." or the Persian word “Safir” meaning “beloved of Saturn,”.
2. Despite their traditional blue appearance, sapphires are also found in a variety of almost every color including violet, dark gray, orange, yellow, pink, green and black. One of the rarest colors of sapphire is called “Padparadscha,” meaning “Lotus color.” It is both orange and pink simultaneously and quite sought after.
3. Sapphires were discovered in Kashmir around 1881 when a landslide high in the Himalayas exposed a large pocket of eye catching cornflower blue crystals.
4. Centuries ago, some people believed that sapphires brought fulfillment, joy, prosperity, inner peace and beauty. In the Middle Ages, it was commonly believed that a sapphire was able to suppress a person's negative thoughts. Many would use sapphires in talismans.
5. Sapphires are versatile and durable, which may be a reason that Sapphire accent stones in engagement rings have gained popularity recently. The jewelry industry has been seeing a number of people break the mold of traditional engagement rings by incorporating colored stones into their bridal set.
6. Sapphires cannot come in red because then they would be Rubies!
7. Pink sapphires, in particular, tow a fine line between ruby and sapphire. In the U.S., these gems must meet a minimum color saturation to be considered rubies.
8. Around the 1800s it was recognised that Sapphire and Ruby are gem varieties of the same mineral - Corundum. Corundum is a rock-forming mineral which is the hardest after diamond.
9. Due to the remarkable hardness of sapphires—which measure 9 on the Mohs scale, second only to diamond—they aren’t just valuable in jewelry, but also in industrial applications including scientific instruments, high-durability windows, watches, and electronics.
10. Sapphires are the traditional gift for the 4th and 45th anniversary.
11. Sapphires are the symbol of faith, loyalty, and friendship. They make perfect birthday or bridesmaids gifts because of the sentiment!
12. Medieval Europeans believed that sapphire cured plague boils and diseases of the eye. They were also thought to be an antidote to poison.
13. Sapphires can also display a celestial-like optical phenomena called asterism. Often times the word “star” is added to the sapphire name when asterism is present.
14. Before the various variety of colors were given the name Sapphire they were given misleading names, such as "oriental topaz" and "oriental peridot".
15. Warm, soapy water is always a safe choice for cleaning the September birthstone.
Based on everything we have learned, we can tell that there is a rich history associated with this beautiful and durable stone. Sapphires have been loved and will continue to be loved for a very long time. We have a beautiful selection of finished sapphire pieces that would look absolutely marvelous on anyone! If you have a vision for a one of a kind sapphire piece and want that vision to come to life, we can absolutely make you a custom piece as well! Make sure to stop by our showroom and talk to one of our wonderful jewelry consultants. Have a wonderful September!
