The sapphire is a gemstone of exceptional beauty and brilliance, known for its characteristic deep blue colour. It has been much loved over the centuries and has been identified with luxury and fine jewellery, often adorning royalty and other famous jewellery with a long history.
KALFIDIS Jewellery ring with diamonds and blue sapphire
What is Sapphire?
Sapphire is a gemstone that belongs to the variety of currude. It is a hard mineral, with its colour varying depending on the angle from which it is viewed. Its most characteristic colour is blue, but it can also be found in nature in yellow, purple, orange and green shades. The red sapphire is called a ruby.
Did you know that?
- Description: The name of sapphire comes from the ancient Greek word "sapphire", meaning blue, the main shade of sapphire.
- Hardness: Corundum is the second hardest material found in nature, after diamond. On the Mohs scale of hardness, it is number 9 (only diamond is number 10).
- Where to find them: The largest deposits of sapphire are found in Sri Lanka, Australia, South Africa, India, Madagascar, Thailand, South Africa, India and the USA.
- Birthstone: sapphire is the birthstone of September. It symbolizes wisdom and tranquility and is believed to give peace and protection to whoever wears it.
- Monolith: Sapphire, is one of the most popular alternatives to engagement rings, also known as solitaire.
- The Alexandrite Effect: Some sapphires exhibit the Alexandrite effect. Some sapphires exhibit the phenomenon of sapphire iridescence.
- The most precious sapphires: The colour is what mainly determines the value of a sapphire. A sapphire with a bright blue colour, which keeps its hue the same under different lighting conditions, is considered one of the most valuable.
- Famous sapphire jewellery: The most distinctive and famous piece of sapphire jewellery is Princess Diana's engagement ring, featuring a striking oval Ceylon sapphire set with diamonds. This is the same ring that Prince William gave to Kate Middleton.
Kate Middleton wearing Princess Diana's sapphire ring.
PHOTO: MARK LARGE-POOL/GETTY IMAGES
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