Blue Sapphire: Learn What Sets the September Birthstone Apart from the Rest

So much has seen said about sapphires. Over the years sapphires have risen in popularity to become one of the top gemstones in the world. And nothing is more renowned and recognised than the famous blue sapphire. Blue sapphires are the hallmark of style and beauty in the world of sapphire gemstones and with good reason.

In this Education page, we will explore the character and qualities of the blue sapphire, and learn about what sets them apart from other top gemstones. So read on to find out about this famous gemstone and what makes it one of the most sought-after gems in the world.

What are Blue Sapphires?

Blue sapphires are the blue variants in the sapphire family of gemstones. Sapphires, in case the reader hasn’t heard about them, are among the most popular gemstones in the world. Making up the top four gems that are used in fine jewellery or are sold individually by jewellers and gem merchants, or at popular gem actions across the world. And when it comes to sapphires there are a number of variants that differ in terms of colour. For our discussion, we are looking a the top version: the blue sapphire.

So when it comes to blue sapphires, what makes them what they are? Sapphires are corundum crystals, that mineralogically speaking consist primarily of aluminium oxide (Al₂O₃). The colour of sapphires, which is arguably its most significant feature, is determined by their trace mineral character. Trace minerals are elements that are natural substances that found in nature, that are found in extremely minute amounts in hardened crystals like corundum. These trace minerals enter the crystal of the stone during their formation deep within the Earth’s surface.

Since sapphires in their natural state, are technically colourless gemstones. And their colour is determined by the presence of these trace minerals such as chromium and iron. In blue sapphire, the two key trace minerals that contribute to their colour are iron and titanium. The presence of these trace minerals in various (small) amounts in turn affects the specific tone and vibrancy of the blue sapphire. As blue sapphire comes in an array of tones and shades.

Blue Sapphires Countries of Origin

Sapphires are interesting in that their origins and development are not as well documented as the most popular gemstone in the world. You know what that is. However, sapphires in terms of their origins have an interesting story. For a start sapphires historically were sourced from only a handful of countries. With a number of nations in South and South East Asia leading the way. However, in the past few decades, a number of African nations have entered the fold. Notable in South East Africa.

When speaking of top blue sapphire-producing nations, the ones that lead the way are Thailand, Myanmar (Burma), and Ceylon. Other nations include the less-known India and more recently the United States. The new players to have entered the market are nations like Kenya, Madagascar and interestingly Australia. Australia is an interesting addition, for going back a few decades Australia used to be among the top sapphire and gemstone mining nations. But the industry fell away with stronger competition from Asia.

When it comes to top sapphire-producing nations, nations feature rich blue sapphire hues, Ceylon Sapphires (Sri Lanka) are arguably the best in the business. In addition to featuring a wide array of sapphire hues, are also known to feature richer colours on average. When it comes to picking a top blue sapphire, the country of origin does matter. Whilst controlling for other gem quality factors like the gemstone’s carat, cut, clarity and of course its colour, sapphires from certain regions are valued more than others.

The idea of owning a sapphire from Ceylon, a part of the world that is known for its rich gem-producing heritage, with sapphires sourcing in this part of the world going back thousands of years. Thus the idea of owning Ceylon Sapphires comes with a certain magic. In addition, there are certain blue sapphire types like the Royal blue sapphire and Cornflower blue sapphires are known for their distinct blue tones and relative rarity. Not to mention that Royal blue sapphires, true to their name have been a choice of Royalty.

History of Sapphire Use

Blue sapphires are popular gemstones, whose use goes back thousands of years. With a range of civilizations from Egypt to Persia. Blue sapphires were recognized as precious stones, known for their durability and rich colour. The value that was placed on blue sapphires was due to a combination of beauty and mystical value that was attached to them. Among the Greeks sapphires, which were referred to as ‘sappheiros’, were associated with a gemstone that connected the people with Olympians.

As noted sapphire use goes back deep into the past. The mining of sapphires whilst not carried out on a large industrial scale as it is today was actively sought out by people in the ancient world, from regions as far part as Asia and Europe. Sapphires were valued for their immense durability, in case the reader didn’t know, sapphires are among the hardest natural minerals in the world. Scoring a solid 9.0 in the Mohs scale for hardness. The value of sapphires was noted as they have featured extensively in Royal jewellery: from the kings and nobility of Europe adopting blue sapphire in their crown jewels and other ornaments and fine jewellery.

In the Hindu tradition, sapphire is associated with Kalpavriksha: the ancient wishing tree in Northern India, which is known to be over 800 years old. The blue sapphire holds great significance in the mystical tradition, in addition to its special position as the September birthstone. Which we shall get to next.

Sapphire Jubilee and 45th anniversary gemstone

Sapphire gemstone is also considered the gemstone for the 45th wedding anniversary and 65th jubilee gemstone (which is called sapphire jubilee).

The Meaning of Sapphires

Sapphires pack a lot of meaning and significance. Starting with their position as the birthstone of choice for the month of September, sapphires have both historical and modern meanings. In ancient Persian culture, sapphires were believed to be a stone that reflected the glory of heaven, following the Greek tradition of sapphires being connected to their gods. A tradition which continued in the Christian tradition, where blue sapphires, are one of the stones that represent the new foundations of heaven. Essentially symbolic connection between sapphires and the world hereafter is a strong and culturally universal one.

As a birthstone sapphires hold an esteemed position in both the present era and also in traditional times. As the selection of birthstones per month varies from times of old to the present, a number of top gemstones, from the blue sapphires and the other three major stones hold this position. Blue sapphires as a birthstone are associated with luck, nobility and faithfulness. And it is generally considered good practice for those seeking gemstone jewellery to wear gems which correspond to their month of birth.

The meaning attached to blue sapphire varied with the time period and the world region in question. In India, in the Vedic mystical tradition, blue sapphires is connected with the throat chakra: which is connected with self-expression and truth. The wearing of blue sapphire, a gemstone that features the blue hue, is meant to enhance the travel of these energies through the person. Enhancing their outlook and adding to their protection

Blue Sapphire Engagement Rings

No discussion of blue sapphires is complete without a word on the special place held by blue sapphire engagement rings. Arguably the most popular engagement ring type in terms of the main gemstone selection, there is little to dispute the beauty and character of this fine. Blue sapphire engagement rings are among the top coloured gemstone rings in the market. When paired with a top 18K white gold or platinum offering, the blue sapphire engagement ring is a true standout.

When it comes to getting hold of a top blue sapphire ring, there are a number of options to go with. Your selection of blue sapphire rings can vary in terms of metal type, as mentioned, or it can incorporate two or more main gemstones: such as three-stone engagement rings. In addition, the ring of choice can also feature other gemstone types like diamonds, in a multi-stone ring. Just make sure that the blue sapphire of your choice is certified by a laboratory, and is a natural gemstone (unless you are opting for a lab-grown) variant. And above make sure to find the right jeweller for your sapphire ring.