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Angela Godden
23rd August 2011 12:55

S is for September! S is for Sapphire!

 

Today I'd like to introduce you to part of the corundum family, partly as the stone for the impending month September is Sapphire!

Natural Corundum

Natural Corundum

The corundum family consists of pure aluminium oxide, which a long time ago was caused to crystallise into beautiful and splendid gemstones by the pressure and heat in the depths of the ground. Corundum is naturally clear, but can have different colours when impurities are added. Small proportions of other elements, mainly iron and chrome, are responsible for the resulting colours and make the basically white crystals a blue, red, yellow, pink or greenish Sapphire. But this does not necessarily imply that any corundum is a sapphire.

Which stone may be termed a Sapphire? This is a question which for centuries has fuelled heated discussions among experts

Finally agreement was achieved to call ruby-red Sapphires "Rubies", and all other colours "Sapphires".

Sapphires are available in virtually all colours.

Natural Corundum

Sapphires

Blue Sapphires are the most valuable (the presence of trace impurities of iron and titanium is responsible for that beautiful, vibrant, deep blue colour), followed by Pink and Padparadscha Sapphires. Padparadscha Sapphires have orange pink or pink orange colouration and rival Blue Sapphires in value.

Palladium, sapphire and diamond modern cluster ring

Palladium, sapphire and diamond modern cluster ring, currently in our Cambridge ready to wear collection

This pretty ring has been loosely inspired by Kate Middleton's choice to wear Diana's sapphire and diamond cluster ring - but this is a very modern interpretation of a sapphire and diamond cluster. the ring holds sapphires in graduated shades of blue and a diamond in a circle symbolising eternity.

You can also get yellow, pink, orange, white and black sapphires, my favorite sapphire being a green sapphire!

This is a previously commissioned engagement ring

trilliant cut green sapphire

Elizabeth wanted a trilliant cut green sapphire in her engagement ring

Elizabeth's palladium engagement ring holds a beautiful 1.14ct 6mm trilliant cut green sapphire in an all around setting with a rectangular cut out window

Sapphire is the Gem of Destiny. It will bring out the best within you and help make your dreams come true. Sapphires have always been associated with luck in romance. It is said to bring peace and happiness. Relieves mental depression and stimulates motivation and goal orientation. It represents faith and hope. This stone will help you with the heart and stomach. Strengthens the eyes, helps take down fever, and can help with nose bleedings. Good to wear for mental health. (I should wear more Sapphire)

The name sapphire comes from the Latin "sapphirus", which means blue. In the 7th Century B.C. sapphire was popular with the Etruscans, and there is later documented use in Greece, Rome and Egypt. In the 11th Century it was a celebrated stone used by both kings and clergy. By the Renaissance, it was popular among the wealthy elite. Sapphire was said to protect kings from jealousy and danger. In the 13th Century it was said to possess the power to prevent poverty.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this little journey into the history and folklore surrounding Sapphires…….

Until the next time.

Angela

Angela Godden
 

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  • Harriet Kelsall Jewellery Design, North Barn, Fairclough Hall Farm, Halls Green, Weston, Hertfordshire, SG4 7DP, England
    Phone: +44 (0)1462 790565 Fax: +44 (0)1462 790140 enquiries@hkjewellery.co.uk
  • Harriet Kelsall Jewellery Design, 6/7 Green Street, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB2 3JU, England.
    Phone: +44 (0)1223 461333 Fax: +44 (0)1223 365269 cambridge@hkjewellery.co.uk

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