Sapphire is a blue variety of the corundum family. It is the birthstone of September and the commemorative stone for the 5th and 45th wedding anniversaries. Hence the “sapphire wedding" for couples celebrating 45 years of marital union. Blue sapphire symbolises nobility and is believed to bring good fortune to its owners. Time and again, Catherine, Princess of Wales, turns to her impressive sapphire jewellery collection during important occasions.
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 tremendously driven 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.
Stunning blue sapphire ring for that special occasion. (Blossom & Vicker)