The bold, vibrant blue hue of the Sapphire has been desired for centuries.
Sapphires, the birthstone of September and the gem of the 5th and 45th Anniversaries. "Traditionally Sapphire symbolizes nobility, truth, sincerity and faithfulness. For centuries Sapphire has been associated with royalty and romance." -GIA
The 3 most famous Sapphires in History
1.Napoléon's engagement ring to Josephine.
The intertwined pear-shaped Sapphire and Diamond ring was given to Empress Josephine in 1796. The ring sold for 1.17 million at auction in France in 2013.
The engagement ring that Napoléon gave to Joséphine. PHOTO: COURTESY OF OSENAT AUCTION
2. The Star of Bombay
The 182 carats cabochon-cut Star Sapphire originally from Sri Lanka, has been recorded as purchased by Douglas Fairbanks, a famous silent film movie star. Mary Pickford was the lucky recipient of the Sapphire beauty and after her death in 1979, the Star of Bombay was bequeathed to the Simthsonian.
The famous gin- Bombay Sapphire, was also impressed by the beauty of the stone, so much so that it's name was derived from gem.
The 182-carat Star of Bombay. PHOTO: VIA WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
3. The Blue Giant of the Orient
At 486 carats the Blue Giant of the Orient is the largest faceted blue sapphire in the world. Discovered in Sri Lanka in 1907 the gem, reportedly measuring two and a half inches at the widest point. Purchased by an American collector in the early 1900's and vanished completely from the public eye only to resurface a century later at the 2004 Christie's Magnificent Jewels Auction. It was at this event that it became the largest sapphire ever to be auctioned. The Giant was was quickly claimed only to be hidden once again.
At 466 carats, the Blue Giant of the Orient PHOTO: THE JEWELER BLOG
These are just a few of our favorite Sapphires
Sapphires set as accents or set center stage in these vintage inspired rings.
Color Change Sapphire-an exceptionally rare phenomenon. "Typically, most color change sapphire shifts from blue under natural daylight to a violet-purple under incandescent light. Fine top grade color change sapphire can exhibit quite a noticeable and dramatic color change."-Gem Select
Like this 4.01 ct. Sapphire ring set in 18K White Gold with 1.70 total carat weight diamonds.
Inspired by the one of the Crown Jewels, this vintage 5.21 carat Sapphire is nestled in a halo of 1.50 total carat of diamonds, is reminiscent of another known Sapphire made famous by Princess Diana and more recently Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge.
Visit our Instagram @abqgoldandsilver to see more of our lovely selection of Sapphires.
Sources: Wikipedia, GIA, Galerie Magazine, Saffron Art.